Frequently Asked Questions About FIGS Scrubs

FIGS scrubs experience minimal shrinkage when following care instructions, typically 1-2% in length and width after the first wash cycle. The FIONx fabric blend of 72% polyester, 21% rayon, and 7% spandex provides dimensional stability superior to cotton-based scrubs, which commonly shrink 3-5%. To minimize any shrinkage, wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat or hang dry. Avoid high heat settings above 140°F, which can damage the spandex fibers and antimicrobial treatment. Most users report that FIGS maintain their original size through 100+ wash cycles when properly cared for, though the rayon component may cause slight relaxation in the fabric over time. If you're between sizes, the minimal shrinkage doesn't typically warrant sizing up, but consider your preferred fit and whether you'll use high-heat drying.

FIGS runs approximately one size smaller than traditional scrub brands like Cherokee, Dickies Medical, and Landau. A FIGS medium women's top measures 18.5 inches across the chest compared to 20 inches for most standard brands, representing a 3-inch difference in bust circumference. About 60% of first-time FIGS buyers report needing to size up from their usual scrub size. The brand designs for an athletic, tailored fit rather than the relaxed fit common in medical apparel. If you typically wear a medium in Cherokee or Dickies, you'll likely need a large in FIGS. The sizing also runs true to contemporary athletic wear brands like Lululemon and Athleta. Check the detailed measurement charts on the product pages and measure your actual body dimensions rather than relying on letter sizes. Petite individuals under 5'4" may find the inseams long, while tall individuals over 6'0" might find pants too short, as FIGS offers limited length variations.

The value proposition depends on your priorities and budget. At $86-106 per outfit, FIGS costs 2.5-3 times more than mid-range brands but offers superior fabric technology, modern fit, and extended durability. Healthcare workers who prioritize comfort during long shifts, appreciate athletic-style cuts, and can afford the upfront investment generally find them worthwhile. The cost-per-wear calculation improves over time: if FIGS last 18-24 months compared to 8-12 months for budget brands, the price difference narrows significantly. Customer reviews indicate FIGS maintain appearance and performance through 150-200 wash cycles versus 75-100 for economy options. However, if you work in high-contamination environments requiring frequent replacement, prefer looser fits, or need to minimize clothing expenses, traditional brands offer better value. The 20% healthcare worker discount reduces costs to $69-85 per outfit, improving the value proposition. Consider starting with one outfit to test before committing to a full wardrobe investment of $400-700.

Yes, FIGS scrubs can go in the dryer, but use low to medium heat settings to preserve fabric integrity and antimicrobial properties. The manufacturer recommends tumble drying on low heat, which typically reaches 125-135°F, well below the damage threshold for the polyester-rayon-spandex blend. High heat settings above 150°F can degrade the spandex fibers, reducing stretch recovery and potentially damaging the silver ion antimicrobial treatment. Many healthcare workers successfully machine dry FIGS on regular settings without issues, but conservative care extends garment life. For maximum longevity, hang drying eliminates heat exposure entirely and reduces energy costs. The fabric dries relatively quickly due to moisture-wicking properties, usually air-drying completely within 3-4 hours in normal humidity conditions. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these leave residue that interferes with moisture-wicking performance. If you notice decreased stretch or fabric pilling, switch to lower heat or air drying.

FIGS fabric resists staining better than traditional cotton-blend scrubs due to the tight-knit synthetic construction, but no scrub is completely stain-proof in clinical environments. The polyester-dominant blend repels water-based fluids more effectively than cotton, giving you more time to treat stains before they set. Blood, betadine, and other common medical stains require immediate cold water rinsing for best results. The darker colors like graphite, navy, and black naturally hide stains better than lighter shades like ceil blue or white. Some healthcare workers in high-exposure specialties like emergency medicine, surgery, or labor and delivery report that FIGS show fewer permanent stains compared to previous brands. However, concentrated chemicals, bleach-based cleaners, and certain medications can cause discoloration on any fabric. Pre-treating with enzyme-based stain removers before washing improves outcomes. The antimicrobial treatment doesn't affect stain resistance. If staining is a primary concern, choose darker colors and consider keeping a backup set at work for contamination incidents that require immediate changes.

FIGS offers a 30-day return window from delivery date for unworn, unwashed items with original tags attached. Customers pay return shipping costs, typically $6-8 for standard ground service, which the company does not reimburse. This policy differs from many online retailers offering free returns, adding to the total cost if sizing adjustments are needed. Exchanges follow the same 30-day timeline and also require customers to pay return shipping, though FIGS covers shipping on the replacement items sent. The company does not accept returns on clearance items, customized or embroidered products, or underscrubs due to hygiene considerations. Processing takes 5-10 business days after FIGS receives the return, with refunds issued to the original payment method. Given the sizing differences from traditional brands and the return shipping costs, many buyers order two sizes initially, keeping the better fit and returning the other. This strategy costs $6-8 but provides certainty. The 20% healthcare worker discount applies to exchanges. Some credit cards offer return shipping protection that may reimburse these costs.

FIGS scrubs typically maintain professional appearance and functional performance for 18-24 months with regular use, translating to 150-200 wash cycles for healthcare workers wearing them 4-5 days weekly. This longevity exceeds budget brands by 50-100%, though individual results vary based on work environment, laundering practices, and care habits. The FIONx fabric shows minimal pilling, fading, or stretch degradation compared to cotton blends that often deteriorate after 8-12 months. High-stress areas like inner thighs, pocket edges, and waistbands remain the first failure points, though reinforced stitching delays this wear. Healthcare workers in physically demanding roles like emergency medicine or orthopedics may see shorter lifespans due to increased friction and stress. Proper care significantly impacts durability: cold water washing, low-heat drying, and avoiding harsh chemicals extend garment life. The antimicrobial treatment remains effective for approximately 100 washes according to manufacturer data. Most users report retiring FIGS due to style preferences or minor cosmetic wear rather than structural failure. The higher upfront cost distributes across more wears, improving the cost-per-use calculation detailed in our main analysis.

FIGS scrubs are not see-through in darker colors like graphite, navy, black, or burgundy, providing adequate coverage without underscrubs. Lighter colors including white, ceil blue, and certain pastels show moderate transparency, particularly when stretched or in bright lighting conditions, making underscrubs advisable for these shades. The fabric weight of 220 GSM provides more opacity than many budget scrubs at 180 GSM, but no light-colored medical apparel is completely opaque. The level of transparency also varies by style: fitted tops show more than relaxed cuts, and lighter-weight summer fabrics exhibit more see-through properties than standard weight. Most healthcare workers wear underscrubs for temperature regulation, moisture management, and modesty rather than opacity concerns. FIGS sells coordinating underscrubs for $28-38 that complement their scrubs, though any moisture-wicking base layer works. When purchasing lighter colors, hold the fabric up to bright light in fitting areas to assess transparency with your undergarments. The athletic fit of FIGS means the fabric stretches more across curves, potentially increasing transparency in fitted areas.