The Fit Guide
Last updated: 2026-06
Quick Answer
Ala underscrubs are fitted but not compressive — close to the body so the fabric stretches smooth instead of bunching. Most customers fit their usual top size. Between two sizes? Default to the smaller one. Exceptions: size up if you're a 32G or larger bra, 5'9" tall or above, or buying a compression piece.
Fit Philosophy
How Ala Underscrubs Fit
Ala underscrubs are fitted but not compressive. They sit close to the body so the fabric stretches evenly across your skin instead of bunching, while leaving you full range of motion for reaching, bending, and lifting.
This is different from the boxy unisex underscrubs most healthcare brands sell — and different from medical-grade compression garments, which are designed to apply specific pressure. Ala fits like premium athletic wear (think lululemon Swiftly Tech), tailored for healthcare-specific demands.
Four Things to Know About Ala Fit
These four shape every Ala silhouette. Once you know them, picking a size gets simple.
Between Sizes
When You're Between Two Sizes
The single most common fit question we get: I'm between an M and an L, which do I pick?
Default to the smaller size. The whole point of an underscrub is that it disappears under your scrub top — loose underscrubs bunch at the waist, ball up under the arm, and twist across the shoulder by hour eight. The fabric will relax a small amount in the first few wears as it conforms to your body.
Exceptions where you should size up:
- You're a 32-G bra size or larger and the smaller size feels actively tight at the bust
- You're tall (5'9″+) and the smaller hem doesn't reach your hip bone
- You're between sizes for a piece labeled “compression” (FlexForm) — size up if you don't want medical-grade pressure on the back half of a long shift
For specific measurements, the Ala size chart has bust, waist, and hip measurements for every silhouette.
Fit by Body Type
Specific Fit Guidance
If you're bigger-busted (DD+ / 36+ band)
opacity matters most under white or pastel scrubs — pick a fabric described as “opaque” or look for wear-test photos under white scrubs. AeroKnit Seamless is a strong default; CloudSoft works for everyday wear. If you find typical tops pulling at the bust, our FlexForm Compression Long-Sleeve has more give across the chest.
If you're petite (under 5'4″)
all Ala underscrubs sit at hip-bone hem on a 5'6″ reference; on a petite frame the hem may sit slightly lower, which is fine for layering under scrubs. If you find sleeves run long, hand-cuff them inside your scrub top sleeve.
If you're tall (5'9″+)
double-check the size-chart length measurement — tall frames may want to size up one for proper hem coverage even if the bust measurement says smaller. The downside of an under-length underscrub is that it rides up; sizing up for length doesn't cost much else.
If you're plus-size (XL–3X)
Ala goes up to 3X across most silhouettes. Fit is true-to-size but slightly more generous through the bust and waist on XL+ than the smaller sizes — designed to be comfortable, not compressive, for full-figure wearers.
If you're pregnant or postpartum
we don't make maternity-specific underscrubs yet. Most pregnant nurses report sizing up 1–2 sizes works through the second trimester; postpartum, fit returns to true-to-size within a few months.
Troubleshooting
When Fit Goes Wrong
Riding up
Hem is too short for your frame — size up one. Or the fabric has stretched out from heat in the dryer; line-drying going forward keeps the original length much longer.
Gapping at the neckline
Underscrub neckline is too high or the cut is too loose — on a V-neck scrub top, the underscrub should sit at or below the scrub-top neckline so it disappears or sits as an intentional layer.
Tight at the bust, loose at the waist
You're between two sizes — the smaller is too snug at the bust; the larger is loose everywhere else. Try the larger and accept slight looseness at the waist (often disappears under the scrub top anyway) OR look at FlexForm which has more bust ease than AeroKnit.
Pilling at the shoulder
Friction from the scrub top fabric is causing fiber tangles. The first 3–5 washes are when underscrubs are most prone — use a mesh laundry bag, wash inside-out, and skip high-heat drying. See the care guide.
No longer recovering its shape
The elastane has broken down — usually from heat in the dryer over months of every-shift wear. This is end-of-life; time to retire and replace.
Ready to Pick Your Size?
The size chart has bust, waist, and hip measurements for every silhouette. If you're still unsure, the safest default is the smaller of two adjacent sizes — fabric stretch handles the rest.
Continue exploring
- Size Chart — exact measurements per silhouette
- The Underscrub Buying Guide — how to pick fabric, sleeve, color, and fit together
- Our Fabrics — how each blend wears