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. As a guide, one full-time wearer on two sessions a day gets through around 464 disposable caps a year. Wash at 60°C where NHS workwear policy applies; in non-surgical settings like vet and dental practices, a normal wash is fine.

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: 60°C where NHS workwear policy applies, or a normal wash in non-surgical settings like vet and dental practices.

What is the difference between Euro and regular scrub caps?

A Euro-style scrub cap sits closer to the head with a shorter back, while a bouffant-style cap has more room to tuck in longer hair. At Medicus, the closest style to a Euro cap is the Duchess (Elastic Backed), a no-tie fitted cap, with the Crown if you want a little more room. The Bandana is a classic tie-back with full coverage.

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.

What are the best scrub caps for long hair?

For long or thick hair, buns and updos, a Bouffant gives the most room, the Pony gives ponytails somewhere to go, and the Braid Pouch is made for braids. You can add a satin lining to any cap: satin's weave is smoother than plain cotton, so it causes less friction on hair (the method is explained at medicuscaps.com/pages/satin-lined-scrub-caps#why-satin). Sizes run XS to 2XL, fitting heads from under 51cm to over 65cm depending on style.

Plain Colour Swatches for Scrub Caps - Vibrant Options

Blue fabric colour swatches showing marine, cadet blue, copen, cyan, navy and royal blue scrub cap options

Sample Plain Colour Swatches

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Material in stock to cut and sew your chosen options

Handmade to order in Sheffield, England. Dispatched in 2–3 working days. Royal Mail tracked delivery from £3.99, with next-day and priority options at checkout.

Delivery to

Every cap is made to order, so allow production time on top of the delivery window. Delivery details

UK-made colour swatches for teams choosing scrub caps. Real fabric samples help you match colours for department uniforms or your own preference.

Details

Style: Individual fabric swatches for colour evaluation
Material: 100% cotton
Sample Size: Approximately 5cm x 5cm per swatch
Care: Wash at 60°C where NHS workwear policy applies. In non-surgical settings like vet and dental practices, a normal wash is fine
Production: Made to order in Sheffield, UK. Most orders dispatch the same or next working day, and more customisation takes longer
Colours: 30+ professional shades including Black, Navy, Aqua, and more
Accurate colour matching: see the real fabric rather than your screen's version of it
Department coordination: Select unified colours for surgical teams
Team identification: Choose distinct colours for different roles or departments
Washing: see how the fabric holds up at 60°C
Sustainable: Reusable samples for team consultations and future orders

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Embroidered names and roles - permanent identification in your choice of font and placement

Name and role embroidery - clear professional identification

ID bands - department coding and size identification

ClearName transfers - heat-applied names for hospital laundry systems

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Sample Plain Colour Swatches

Choose from Our Graphic Library

Your Selected Graphic:

Preview on Your Cap Colour:

Choose from Our Graphic Library (#2)

Your Selected Graphic:

Preview on Your Cap Colour:

Design Your Text

Your Selection:

Details

Make It Yours

Helpful Information

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