U.S. Medical Scrubs Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Medical Uniforms and Nursing Scrubs), By Usage (Disposable and Reusable), By End User (Hospitals & ASCs, Specialty Clinics, and Others), and Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. medical scrubs market size was worth USD 8.11 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. 

Medical scrubs create a barrier or protection against pathogens in healthcare facilities. The U.S. witnessed a rapid increase in the number of healthcare professionals, which directly boosted the demand for these scrubs. For instance, according to a report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2022, the total number of healthcare professionals increased by 2.3% in 2021 compared to 2020.

Stringent policies of healthcare facilities and institutions about infection spread control further influenced product adoption by medical students and healthcare professionals. The impact of COVID-19 on the market was positive in 2020, owing to a rise in demand for medical scrubs and other medical clothing in the country.

LATEST TRENDS

Growing Focus on Incorporating Fashionable Designs in Medical Scrubs Propelled Industry Growth

The perception regarding medical scrubs has been changing among healthcare professionals seeking more stylish, athletic, and fashionable scrubs. Owing to the growing demand for fashionable scrubs, designers from the fashion and sports industries are incorporating their ideas to make these scrubs more athletic, functional, and comfortable, leading to the development and introduction of such products by market players such as FITScrubs Inc., Fabletics, Inc., BeneFIT Medical, and others.

• For instance, in February 2023, Fabletics, Inc. announced the launch of Fabletics Scrubs, active wear scrubs for healthcare professionals. As a part of the launch celebration, the company announced the giveaway of 25,000 scrub sets to healthcare professionals across the U.S.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Number of Healthcare Facilities and Medical Schools to Augment Demand for Medical Scrubs

Medical scrubs are the standard attire of healthcare professionals and provide infection control. The rapid expansion of medical schools and healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, long term care facilities, and others leads to the growing employment of healthcare professionals, boosting the demand for scrubs.

• For instance, according to statistics from the American Hospital Association (AHA), the U.S. possessed 6,090 hospitals in 2020, 6,093 hospitals in 2021, and 6,129 hospitals in 2022, indicating a continuous rise in the development of hospitals.

Moreover, according to a report published by the Association of American Medical Colleges in September 2022, the total annual enrollment of medical students in the U.S. increased by 1.2% in 2022. Thus, the increasing number of medical students and other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists, and others is directly boosting the demand for scrubs and driving the U.S. medical scrubs market growth during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Medical Scrubs with Limited Reimbursement to Limit Market Growth 

The wide price range of these scrubs is attributed to the wide variety and advent of innovative styles in fashionable scrubs. Fashionable and premium products are gaining traction with a vast customer base. However, the high price and limited reimbursement are anticipated to limit the product, hampering the market growth in the country.

• For instance, according to a news article published in September 2021, FIGS, INC., is considered the Starbucks of Scrubs, as the company created an upscale brand in the traditionally available medical scrub sector. The average selling price of a scrub set by FIGS, INC. is around USD 98, and the Jacket costs around USD 113. The costs mentioned above are significantly higher than the other available products in the U.S. market.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into medical uniforms and nursing scrubs.                                                                            

The medical uniforms segment accounted for a larger U.S. medical scrubs market share in 2022 due to increasing number of surgical procedures and growing rate of hospitalization.

• For instance, according to an article published in April 2022 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in the U.S., approximately 13.7 million adults aged 65 years and older get hospitalized annually. Of those 13.7 million admissions, 67.0% of hospitalizations accounted for medical conditions, 25.0% for surgeries, 6.0% for injuries, and 2.0% for mental health and substance use conditions.

By Usage Analysis

The market is segmented on the basis of usage into disposable and reusable.

The reusable segment held a larger share in 2022 due to the cost effectiveness, durability, and affordability of these scrubs compared to disposable ones. However, disposable segment is anticipated to register a faster growth rate.

• For instance, according to an article published by the American Medical Association in October 2022, using reusable scrubs, environmental impacts can be reduced by more than 60% and result in savings of more than USD 3.5 million in 4 years.

By End User Analysis

Based on end user, the market is segmented into hospitals & ASCs, specialty clinics, and others.

The hospitals & ASCs segment held a larger share in 2022 owing to the increasing number of hospitals & ASCs, growing number of ambulatory surgical procedures, and the expanding healthcare sector.

• For instance, according to the report published by the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2022, the sports medicine specialty saw the number of practicing physicians increase from 2,252 to 3,208, which is a growth of 42.5% from 2016 to 2021.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The expanded presence and vast distribution network of the key market players leverage growth opportunities for new entrants, contributing to the market growth. Key players, including FIGS, INC. Superior Group of Companies, Inc., and Kindthread (Landau Uniforms), captured a significant market share. The major market share is attributed to a strong presence due to a vast distribution network, a strong focus on innovation, and a diverse product portfolio.

For instance, in September 2022, Kindthread relaunched the iconic Landau brand with a new visual identity and an extended range of product offerings. The primary aim of this relaunch was to showcase its extended range of modern and performance-driven scrubs. Thus, expansion in product offerings along with increasing strategic alliances are expected to enable companies to further strengthen their market presence.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• O&M Halyard (Canada)


• FIGS, INC. (U.S.)


• Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (Florida)


• Adar Medical Uniforms, LLC. (U.S.)


• BARCO UNIFORMS (U.S.)


• Dickies Medical (U.S.)


• Matrix Workwear (U.K.)


• Cardinal Health Canada Inc. (Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• May 2023 –Jaanuu, Inc. announced its partnership with Bold Metrics, Inc., an AI sizing solutions provider that generates instant digital twins of shoppers to unlock the power of body data. The partnership aimed to increase personalization and customer satisfaction. 


• February 2023 – Medline Industries, LP signed a multi-year agreement with Mass General Brigham Incorporated to become their strategic vendor for medical supplies.


• December 2022 – FIGS, INC. collaborated with highly regarded brands and medical professionals who impacted the healthcare community by driving more significant impacts in their practice to expand their product outreach into the market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed market analysis. It focuses on key aspects such as technological advancement and emerging trends in medical clothing. Additionally, it includes new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the report also highlights key industry dynamics.

Report Scope & Segmentation