Are scrub caps worth it?

For most people who wear one every shift, yes. A reusable cap is comfortable over a long shift, can carry your name and role so your team knows who you are, and is made to be washed and worn for years rather than binned after a shift. Our cotton caps are machine washable at 60°C in line with NHS uniform guidance.

How do I choose the right size scrub cap?

Measure around the widest part of your head, above your ears and eyebrows, using a soft tape measure. Our scrub caps come in sizes XS to 2XL, fitting heads from under 51cm to over 65cm depending on style. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing up for comfort. Visit our sizing guide at medicuscaps.com/pages/scrub-caps-sizing-guide for detailed instructions and a size chart for each style.

What is the difference between a surgical cap and a scrub cap?

The terms are used interchangeably. A surgical cap (or theatre cap) is any head covering worn in the operating theatre to keep hair contained. Scrub cap is the everyday term used across healthcare settings. Whichever you call it, follow your employer's uniform policy on washing; our caps are made to be washed at 60°C in line with NHS uniform guidance.

Are scrub caps mandatory in UK hospitals?

Head coverings are expected in operating theatres, but the exact rules are set by each NHS trust's uniform and infection prevention policies. Most require theatre staff to wear a cap that fully contains the hair. Check your own trust's policy on whether reusable caps are allowed and how they should be washed.

Surgical Caps

Surgical caps picked for the operating theatre: plain colours that suit any list, the orthopaedic surgical hood for full coverage, and our own theatre-pun prints for teams who...

Questions about surgical caps

How do I know what size scrub cap to order?

Measure around your head where the cap will sit, typically just above your ears and across your forehead. Our size guide shows the measurements for each size, XS to 2XL, by style. If you're between sizes, size up, or order a Sample Box to try before committing, as people wear the same size differently.

What material are your scrub caps made from?

Our caps are made from 100% premium cotton (football-club caps are poly-cotton): breathable, comfortable during long shifts, and naturally absorbent, so there's no need for a separate sweatband. The fabric is tested for durability and comfort in clinical environments. We're also piloting hemp in some NHS trusts.

Are your scrub caps suitable for operating theatres?

Yes. Our caps are designed for 60°C washing in line with NHS uniform guidance, and are used across operating theatres, labs, kitchens and clinical environments. They're tested through industrial washing and daily clinical use, and some clinical clients also autoclave them.

Will my scrub cap survive NHS commercial washing?

Yes. Our 100% cotton caps are tested to withstand commercial laundering and drying, and some clinical clients also autoclave them. The fabric and embroidery hold their quality through hundreds of wash cycles.

How should I wash my scrub cap at home?

Follow your workplace washing policy. General guidance is machine wash at 40-60°C with similar colours. Tumble dry on low or air dry. Iron on medium heat if needed. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners which can affect the cotton's breathability. We have NHS Trusts washing at higher temperatures like 70C so depends on your use case and work policies.

How long will my scrub cap order take?

Every Medicus cap is made to order in our Sheffield workshop, and most orders are dispatched the same or next working day. More customisation takes a little longer, and custom printed fabric takes about a week. Need it sooner? Rush orders are available for a fee. Delivery time is added after dispatch, and your shipping options and estimate show at checkout. We'll email tracking when your order ships.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide from the UK to Japan, Africa, and everywhere in between. International orders may require courier or special delivery services depending on your location. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.

Are your scrub caps sustainable?

Yes. Every Medicus cap is reusable, made to be washed and worn for years in place of single-use disposable caps. Each one carries a digital passport, and at the end of its life the cotton can be recycled.

Made to order

Satin Lining

NHS Trusted

Xs - 2XL Sizing

10 Styles

Fast, Worldwide Shipping

650+ Designs

Surgical Caps for Theatre Teams

Surgical caps picked for the operating theatre: plain colours that suit any list, the orthopaedic surgical hood for full coverage, and our own theatre-pun prints for teams who want a bit of personality. Every cap is made to order in Sheffield and can carry your name and role.

Plain surgical caps

Our classic plain caps come in 30+ colours, from theatre green and navy to black and white. Wear your hair long? The satin-lined plain caps are kinder to it (why satin helps).

The surgical hood

The orthopaedic surgical hood covers the head, ears and neck and anchors under the chin, so it's our most secure fit for long or busy lists.

Theatre prints, designed in-house

Theatre puns designed by Medicus Caps, so you won't find them anywhere else: It's Not Rocket Surgery, The Retractors, Who Runs The List?, The Fast And The Fascia and more. Some are pre-orders for our October 2026 launch.

Every fit, made to order

Choose from 8 fits at checkout: Bandana, Captain, Duchess, Crown, Bouffant, Pony, Turban and Surgical Hood, in sizes XS to 2XL for heads from under 51cm to over 65cm. Not sure which suits you? Our style finder helps you pick in about a minute.

Names and roles for the whole team

Add name and role embroidery from £6 for text. Research on labelled theatre caps has linked visible names and roles to better team communication, and there's a summary of that research on our blog. For a whole department, see our bulk ordering guide. Bulk discounts start from 10 caps.

Surgical Cap Questions

What's the difference between a scrub cap and a surgical cap?

Very little. Surgical cap, theatre cap, theatre hat and scrub cap all describe a head covering worn in theatre to keep hair contained. Surgical cap is the more formal term.

Are reusable surgical caps allowed in theatre?

That depends on your trust or practice uniform policy, so check locally. Reusable caps need proper laundering: wash at 60°C in line with NHS workwear guidance.

How should I wash my surgical cap?

Machine wash at 60°C, following NHS guidelines. Turn it inside out first if it has embroidery or a satin lining, and air dry or tumble dry on low. Hotter washes do shorten a cap's overall life, so stick to 60°C where you can.