It is important to dress appropriately to flatter, impress, and nurture relationships in nursing. Often, plus-sized professionals feel that they don't look flattering enough in scrubs. However, by dressing according to your body type, you will not only look great but also feel more confident at work.
Importance of Knowing Nurse Body Shape
Most brands use letters to define body sizes, but your body shape is more than just a letter. For instance, a size 2XL woman with a heavy bust won't wear the same style clothing as a 2XL woman with a small bust and bigger hips. While one size may fit both, it doesn't necessarily look good on both. Knowing your shape will help you flatter your curves and enhance your appearance.
Inclusive Nurse Options at Happythreads
At Happythreads, we are committed to inclusivity. Our range of scrubs caters to all body types, offering sizes from XXS up to 5XL. We provide stretch fabrics for added comfort, unisex designs, and three leg lengths to ensure a perfect fit for everyone. Check out our nursing range.
Types of Nurse Body Shapes
Apple Nurse Body Shape
Description: Apple bodies tend to carry weight around the stomach, with broad shoulders, a bigger bust, a wide tummy, proportionate hips, and slimmer legs and arms.
How to Dress: The perfect healthcare scrubs for an apple body shape should draw attention away from the middle section while highlighting the bust and legs. V-neck scrub tops with lower and wider necklines, such as scoop or square necks, are ideal. Three-fourth length sleeves or flared sleeves can balance the upper body. Pair these tops with straight-leg scrub trousers that provide a sleek look. For outerwear, opt for single-button jackets that fasten under the bust and empire line coats that hang straight from the shoulders.
Pear Nurse Body Shape
Description: Pear-shaped bodies have slender shoulders and a bust that's visibly narrower than the hips and thighs.
How to Dress: To balance this shape, choose healthcare scrubs that draw attention to the upper body and minimise the lower body. Tops with boat necks, wider collars, and lapels work well, as do longer tunics that cover the hips and bottom. Wide leg scrub trousers in darker shades help streamline the lower body. Jackets with multiple pockets, breast pockets, and back yokes create a balanced look. Coats with shoulder-enhancing details and fitted shapes, such as belted coats, are perfect for this body type.
Hourglass Nurse Body Shape
Description: Hourglass bodies have a large bust, defined waist, and well-proportioned hips that are identical in width to the bust.
How to Dress: The perfect scrubs for an hourglass figure should highlight the waist while balancing the bust and hips. Tops with lower and wider necklines, such as scoop, square, or sweetheart necks, are flattering. Three-fourth sleeves or wrist-length sleeves enhance the arms. Waist-length lab coats and V-neck tops that fit well at the waist are ideal. Single-breasted jackets with wide lapels and concealed front openings enhance the waist, while single-breasted coats provide a sleek silhouette.
Inverted Triangle Nurse Body Shape
Description: Inverted Triangle shapes have wider shoulders and bust than hips.
How to Dress: To create balance, choose scrubs that add volume to the lower body while keeping the upper body simple. V-neck or mock wrap tops with wider collars and lapels draw attention downward. Three-fourth sleeves without details help balance the arms. For the lower body, wide leg scrub trousers with gathering and pleats add volume to the hips. Jackets with angular lines, hip pockets, and double vents create a balanced look. Coats with straight or flared lines and fuller hemlines complete the outfit.
Rectangle Nurse Body Shape
Description: Rectangle bodies have no defined waist, with hips similar in width to the shoulders.
How to Dress: The goal is to create curves and define the waist. Tops with lower, wider necklines like jewel or scoop necklines are flattering. Loose fit or flared sleeves add volume to the arms. Choose tops with pleats and defined waistlines to create curves. Structured jackets with round lapels and empire line coats that emphasise the waist are ideal. Coats with straight lines and uncluttered designs provide a polished look.
General Nurse Strategies for All Body Type
Regardless of your body type, here are some general tips to keep in mind:
Fit: Ensure that your scrubs fit well without being too tight or too loose.
Comfort: Choose fabrics that are comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in.
Colours: Use colours to your advantage. Darker shades can create a slimming effect, while lighter shades can highlight your best features.
Details: Pay attention to details like pockets, waistbands, and sleeve lengths that can enhance your overall look.
Knowing how to dress according to your body shape can significantly impact your comfort and confidence at work. Follow these guidelines to choose nursing uniforms that flatter your figure and enhance your professional appearance. Happythreads' inclusive range ensures you find the perfect fit, offering sizes from XXS to 5XL, stretchy fabrics, unisex designs, and three leg lengths.
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