Why Fabric Makes or Breaks a Summer Shift: A Guide to Moisture-Wicking Scrubs

When temperatures rise across United Kingdom, a long healthcare shift can feel even harder. Warm clinics, busy wards and constant movement and long hours on your feet all make breathable workwear more important.

Your uniform cannot replace proper hydration, breaks or heat safety measures, but the right medical scrubs can make a real difference to how comfortable you feel during the day.

At Happythreads, we recommend lightweight, breathable and easy-care scrubs for summer shifts. Here are our top picks for nurses, dentists, vets, carers, doctors, students and clinic teams who want to stay cool without compromising on a professional look.

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What are the best scrubs for hot weather?

The best scrubs for hot weather are lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking and easy to wash. For busy summer shifts, we recommend Koi Lite scrubs for active roles and quick-dry comfort, Koi Basics scrubs for affordable everyday wear with a soft feel, and our Koi Solis collection for lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear scrubs.

Koi Lite scrubs for Woman: best for lightweight performance

Koi Lite scrubs are one of the best choices for hot summer shifts. The collection is designed with lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, making it a strong option for healthcare professionals who are constantly moving. Happythreads UK also highlights Koi Lite as quick-drying, machine washable at 60°C, stretchy and suitable for roles such as nursing, dentistry, veterinary care and clinics.

These scrubs are ideal if you want a sporty, modern uniform that feels cooler and less heavy during warm weather.

Best for: nurses, dentists, vets, carers, physiotherapists, aesthetic clinics and busy healthcare teams.

1. Philosophy scrub top for women: lightweight and easy to wear

The Koi Lite Philosophy scrub top is a strong summer choice for women who want a lightweight, flexible and professional scrub top. It has a sporty feel, a flattering fit and practical details for everyday clinical work.

This is a great option if you work in a warm dental practice, veterinary clinic, hospital, care setting or private clinic and want a top that does not feel heavy during long shifts.

Why healthcare professionals like it:

Laura: “Very comfortable and high-quality scrub top. Ordered just for myself, but now I'm going to kit out my whole team.”

Mary: “I love this top, slightly stretchy, great fit... Definitely recommended, excellent value for money!”

Woman wearing blue scrub

2. Serenity Scrub Top for Women: best for full range of movement

The Koi Lite Serenity scrub top is a strong summer choice for women who want a lightweight, breathable and more fitted scrub top without losing practicality. Its athletic-style Koi Lite fabric feels light on the body, while the ribbed side panels add stretch and create a flattering shape.

Why healthcare professionals like it:

Its 4 front pockets make it practical for busy clinical work, while the double zipper neckline gives it a modern, polished finish. The fabric is also easy to care for, quick drying and suitable for washing at 60°C, making it a reliable choice when your uniform needs to keep up with frequent wear and washing.

Woman wearing Koi lite serenity scrub top

Koi Basics scrubs for Women: best for everyday summer comfort

Koi Basics is another strong choice for summer, especially if you want everyday scrubs that are lightweight, affordable and easy to wear. The Koi Basics are moisture-wicking and designed to keep healthcare professionals cool and dry during busy days. 

This makes Koi Basics a very practical option for individuals and teams who need reliable uniforms for repeated washing, long shifts and warm working environments.

Best for: nurses, dentists, carers, dental nurses, vets, students and teams who need affordable summer scrubs.

Build an affordable summer scrub set

1. Becca scrub top for women: simple, breathable and colourful

The Koi Basics Becca scrub top is a great summer option if you want a simple, comfortable and practical women’s scrub top. It is lightweight, easy to move in and available in a wide range of colours, making it easy to match with your favourite scrub trousers or your clinic’s team colours.

It is especially useful for healthcare workers who want a no-fuss scrub top that still looks polished.

Why customers like it:

Katie: “Absolutely the best brand ever!! Just got a new set. I can’t believe the last one I got was… 4 years ago! Up to this day it’s literally brand new. Got lots of compliments over the years. The quality and comfort is second to none!”

Sha: “Only product that has my size as I'm tiny. Delivery was prompt. Material is lightweight and dries easily after washing. Stitching is beautifully done, loving all the extra mini pockets.”

Koi basics becca top woman wearing scrub

2. Katie Scrub Top: lightweight comfort for busy days

The Koi Basic Katie Scrub Top is a simple and reliable choice for those who want lightweight scrubs for summer. Made from the lightweight and stretchy Koi Basics fabric, you will feel cool and dry in scrubs that move with you throughout the day.

This is a good choice if you want something easy to wash, easy to wear and easy to pair with matching scrub trousers.

Customer feedback:

Joe: “Very light material, Good for summer weather”

Alix: “Great top light and great breathable material.”

Woman wearing koi basic scrub top

Koi Solis scrubs for Men and Women: best for lightweight stretch and summer durability

Koi Solis is a strong choice for summer if you want scrubs that feel lightweight, breathable and easy to move in, but still hold up to busy clinical work. Koi Solis is made with exclusive ExoFlex™ fabric, combining a soft, silky feel with stretch, durability and moisture-wicking comfort.

This makes Koi Solis a practical option for healthcare professionals who want scrubs that feel cool and comfortable during long shifts, without compromising on structure, fit or professional style. The collection is also pet-friendly, making it especially useful for veterinary teams and animal care settings.

Best for: nurses, dentists, dental nurses, vets, veterinary nurses, carers, aesthetics teams, students and healthcare professionals who want lightweight, breathable summer scrubs with a more premium feel.

1. Sari Scrub Top: breathable stretch for polished summer comfort

The Koi Solis Sari Scrub Top is a strong choice for healthcare professionals who want a lightweight, breathable scrub top with a more modern and polished fit. Made from silky-soft ExoFlex™ ripstop stretch fabric, it offers comfort, movement and durability for busy summer shifts.

It is a good choice if you want a scrub top that feels light on the body but still looks smart and structured. The ribbed V-neck, side slits and contemporary fit give it a flattering shape, while the 4 pockets, including a zip pocket, make it practical for everyday clinical work.

Best for: nurses, dentists, dental nurses, vets, carers, students and healthcare teams who want a breathable summer scrub top with stretch, practical pockets and a premium feel.

Why customers like it: 

Christina: 'Love it! So well made, high quality, great finishes, nice and comfortable material!'

Woman wearing Koi soli sari scrub top

2. Caldwell Scrub Top: breathable stretch for a sharp professional look

The Koi Solis Caldwell Scrub Top is a strong choice for men who want a lightweight, breathable scrub top with a modern fit. Made from ExoFlex™ ripstop stretch fabric, it is designed to feel comfortable, flexible and durable during busy summer shifts.

It is a good choice if you want a scrub top that looks clean and professional but still feels easy to move in. The V-neck, side slits and contemporary fit give it a smart shape, while the 4 functional pockets and ID badge loop make it practical for everyday clinical work.

Man wearing Koi Solis Scrub top ideal for summer


How to choose scrubs for hot weather

When choosing medical scrubs for summer, look for these features:

Lightweight fabric
Heavy fabric can feel uncomfortable during warm shifts. Choose scrubs that feel light without looking flimsy.

Breathable construction
Breathable scrubs help you feel more comfortable when you are moving between patients or working in warm treatment rooms.

Moisture-wicking material
Moisture-wicking fabric helps move sweat away from the body, which is especially useful during active shifts.

Easy-care washing
Summer uniforms may need more frequent washing, so quick-drying and low-iron options are a real advantage.

Comfortable fit
Avoid anything too tight. A comfortable fit helps air circulate and makes it easier to move naturally during work.

Practical pockets
Lightweight scrubs still need to be functional. Choose tops and trousers with pocket space for pens, phones, keys and clinical essentials.

For hot summer shifts, start with Koi Lite if you want the lightest performance feel and quick-dry comfort. Choose Koi Basics if you want affordable, breathable scrubs for everyday use. Or go for Koi Solis for lightweight, breathable and easy to move in scrubs.

All collections are practical, professional and easy to wear during warm weather, whether you work in a hospital, dental practice, veterinary clinic, care home or private healthcare setting.