FIGS Scrubs: Complete Analysis of Premium Medical Apparel
Understanding FIGS Brand and Market Position
FIGS launched in 2013 as a direct-to-consumer medical apparel company, fundamentally changing how healthcare professionals purchase scrubs. Founded by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2021 with a valuation exceeding $4.6 billion. The brand targets the estimated 20 million healthcare workers in the United States, offering what they position as technical athletic wear for medical professionals.
Traditional scrubs dominated the market for decades through hospital supply chains and uniform stores, typically priced between $15-35 per piece. FIGS disrupted this model by selling directly online at premium prices ranging from $38-98 per top or pant, emphasizing proprietary fabric technology and modern designs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses alone numbered 3.1 million in 2022, representing a substantial market for specialized workwear that addresses comfort during 12-hour shifts.
The company's growth trajectory reflects changing preferences among younger healthcare workers. FIGS reported revenue of $263 million in 2020, jumping to $420 million in 2021. This expansion occurred despite competition from established brands like Cherokee, Dickies Medical, and newer entrants like Jaanuu and Mandala Scrubs. The brand invested heavily in social media marketing, particularly Instagram, where they built a community of over 2 million followers by showcasing real healthcare workers in clinical settings.
FIGS proprietary fabric, marketed as FIONx, contains a blend of 72% polyester, 21% rayon, and 7% spandex. The company claims this combination provides four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and antimicrobial protection. Independent testing by textile laboratories has confirmed the fabric's ability to inhibit bacterial growth, though the clinical significance during typical workday conditions remains debated among infection control specialists. Our detailed FAQ section explores common questions about fabric performance and durability after repeated industrial laundering cycles.
| Product Category | Price Range | Available Colors | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Tops | $38-$48 | 32 options | Tailored fit, 4-way stretch, 3 pockets |
| Men's Tops | $38-$44 | 18 options | Athletic cut, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial |
| Women's Pants | $48-$58 | 28 options | Yoga waistband, 7 pockets, tapered leg |
| Men's Pants | $48-$54 | 16 options | Drawstring, cargo pockets, straight leg |
| Underscrubs | $28-$38 | 12 options | Compression fit, temperature regulation |
| Lab Coats | $78-$98 | 8 options | Structured collar, tablet pocket, wrinkle-resistant |
Fabric Technology and Performance Characteristics
The textile engineering behind FIGS scrubs represents a significant departure from traditional cotton-polyester blends that dominated medical apparel since the 1970s. Standard hospital-grade scrubs typically use 65% polyester and 35% cotton, optimized for industrial laundering at temperatures reaching 160°F to meet CDC infection control guidelines. FIGS FIONx fabric undergoes a specialized knitting process that creates a double-knit structure, providing enhanced durability while maintaining a fabric weight of approximately 220 GSM (grams per square meter).
Moisture management becomes critical during extended shifts in temperature-controlled hospital environments. Testing conducted at North Carolina State University's College of Textiles demonstrates that synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics can reduce skin surface moisture by 30-40% compared to cotton blends. The rayon component in FIGS fabric provides breathability and a softer hand feel, while the spandex content allows the garment to maintain shape recovery after stretching. Healthcare workers frequently report that traditional scrubs lose elasticity after 50-75 wash cycles, whereas FIGS claims their fabric maintains performance beyond 100 cycles.
The antimicrobial treatment applied to FIGS fabric uses silver ion technology embedded during the manufacturing process. Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control indicates that silver-treated textiles can reduce bacterial colonization by 99.9% under laboratory conditions. However, real-world clinical environments present more complex challenges, as the antimicrobial properties may diminish with repeated exposure to chlorine-based detergents commonly used in hospital laundries. The EPA regulates antimicrobial claims on textiles, requiring manufacturers to substantiate performance data.
Color retention presents another technical consideration for medical apparel. FIGS uses solution-dyed fibers rather than piece-dyeing, a process where pigment is added to the polymer before fiber extrusion. This method produces superior colorfastness, with minimal fading after 200 wash cycles according to AATCC Test Method 61. Traditional scrubs often show visible color degradation after 30-50 washes, particularly in darker shades like navy and ceil blue. Our about page provides additional context on manufacturing standards and quality control processes that differentiate premium medical apparel from economy options.
| Performance Metric | FIGS FIONx | Standard Cotton-Poly | Testing Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture Wicking Rate | 4.2 seconds | 12.8 seconds | AATCC 195 |
| 4-Way Stretch Recovery | 95% after 100 cycles | 68% after 100 cycles | ASTM D2594 |
| Antimicrobial Efficacy | 99.9% reduction | No treatment | AATCC 100 |
| Colorfastness Rating | 4.5/5.0 | 3.0/5.0 | AATCC 61 |
| Fabric Weight | 220 GSM | 180 GSM | ASTM D3776 |
| Tensile Strength | 185 lbs/inch | 140 lbs/inch | ASTM D5034 |
Sizing Accuracy and Fit Considerations
Sizing inconsistency represents one of the most frequent complaints across online apparel retailers, with return rates for fit issues averaging 30-40% in the direct-to-consumer clothing sector. FIGS implements a sizing system that runs smaller than traditional medical scrub brands, a deliberate design choice to create a more tailored, athletic silhouette. The company offers sizes from XXS to 3XL for women and XS to 3XL for men, though size availability varies by style and color. Customer feedback aggregated from over 15,000 reviews indicates that approximately 60% of first-time buyers need to size up from their usual scrub size.
Body measurement data becomes essential for online purchases without fitting room access. FIGS provides detailed size charts with measurements for bust, waist, hip, and inseam, though these measurements reflect finished garment dimensions rather than body measurements. A women's medium top measures 18.5 inches across the chest when laid flat, corresponding to a 37-inch bust circumference. In comparison, Cherokee medium tops typically measure 20 inches across, accommodating a 40-inch bust. This 2-3 inch difference significantly impacts fit, particularly for healthcare workers who layer underscrubs or prefer looser fits for extended comfort.
The athletic cut design philosophy prioritizes a contemporary aesthetic over the traditional boxy fit that characterized medical scrubs for decades. FIGS women's pants feature a yoga-style waistband and tapered leg opening of 13-14 inches, compared to 15-16 inches for standard scrubs. Men's jogger-style pants include ribbed ankle cuffs, a design element borrowed from athletic wear. While these features appeal to younger demographics, they may not suit all body types or clinical requirements. Operating room personnel, for instance, often require looser pant legs to accommodate surgical booties.
Petite and tall sizing options remain limited in the FIGS product line, with only select styles available in length variations. Standard inseam measurements are 29 inches for regular women's pants and 31 inches for men's, which may require hemming for individuals under 5'4" or prove too short for those over 6'2". Competitors like Jaanuu and Healing Hands offer dedicated petite lines with 27-inch inseams and tall options reaching 33 inches. The company's return policy allows exchanges within 30 days, though customers pay return shipping costs of $6-8, adding to the total investment when sizing adjustments are needed.
| Measurement Point | FIGS Dimension | Industry Standard | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top - Chest Width | 18.5 inches | 20.0 inches | -1.5 inches |
| Top - Length | 26.0 inches | 27.5 inches | -1.5 inches |
| Pant - Waist | 28.0 inches | 30.0 inches | -2.0 inches |
| Pant - Hip | 38.0 inches | 40.0 inches | -2.0 inches |
| Pant - Inseam | 29.0 inches | 29.5 inches | -0.5 inches |
| Pant - Leg Opening | 13.5 inches | 15.5 inches | -2.0 inches |
Cost Analysis and Value Proposition
The financial investment in FIGS scrubs requires careful consideration, particularly for healthcare workers purchasing multiple sets for weekly rotation. A complete outfit consisting of one top and one pant ranges from $86-106, while professionals typically need 5-7 complete sets to maintain adequate rotation between laundry cycles. This translates to an initial investment of $430-742 for a full wardrobe, compared to $150-245 for equivalent quantities of mid-range brands like Cherokee or Dickies Medical available through uniform retailers.
Longevity calculations shift the cost-per-wear equation significantly. Healthcare workers wearing scrubs five days weekly complete approximately 260 shifts annually. If FIGS scrubs maintain structural integrity and appearance for 18-24 months compared to 8-12 months for economy brands, the premium pricing becomes more justified. Customer reviews from verified purchasers indicate that FIGS garments typically survive 150-200 wash cycles before showing significant wear, while budget options often exhibit pilling, fading, and seam failure after 75-100 cycles. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provides guidelines on workplace clothing durability standards that inform these assessments.
Promotional strategies impact actual purchase prices substantially. FIGS rarely offers site-wide discounts, maintaining premium brand positioning similar to Lululemon's approach in athletic wear. The company does provide a 20% discount for healthcare workers, first responders, and military personnel through identity verification platforms. Additionally, bundled sets occasionally offer 5-10% savings compared to individual piece purchases. Competitor brands frequently run 20-40% off promotions, making direct price comparisons complex without tracking sale cycles.
Tax deduction eligibility for work uniforms provides another financial consideration. According to IRS Publication 529, clothing qualifies as a deductible work expense only if required by the employer and not suitable for everyday wear. While scrubs meet the specificity requirement, the deduction only benefits itemizers whose miscellaneous deductions exceed 2% of adjusted gross income under current tax law. Healthcare workers should consult tax professionals, but potential deductions of $400-700 annually could offset 50-95% of scrub costs for those in higher tax brackets. The actual value proposition of FIGS ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding comfort, durability, and professional appearance balanced against budget constraints.
| Brand | Initial Cost | Replacement Cost | Total 24-Mo Cost | Cost Per Wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIGS | $530 | $0 | $530 | $1.02 |
| Jaanuu | $475 | $0 | $475 | $0.91 |
| Cherokee | $225 | $225 | $450 | $0.87 |
| Dickies Medical | $195 | $195 | $390 | $0.75 |
| Landau | $245 | $245 | $490 | $0.94 |
| Budget Brands | $150 | $300 | $450 | $0.87 |