Reinventing the traditional scrubs and changing the way we view our essential workers
We all deserve to look and feel good at work. Yet our ever important essential workers spend everyday in unflattering, uncomfortable and ill-fitting work scrubs. But that’s all about to change after two Aussie veterinarians and a fashion designer joined forces to create 21 Scrubs – a range of stylish and fashion savvy scrubs that are practical, flattering, comfortable and durable as well as water, hair and stain-proof and they come with a signature stethoscope holder.
21 Scrubs is the brainchild of three working mums and ‘boss ladies’; twin sisters and veterinarians Drs Audrey and Alison Shen and fashion expert and entrepreneur Rebecca Lau Marsh. Audrey and Alison own and operate a successful mobile vet business and both feature on the international TV series Bondi Vet.
Rebecca has created two profitable fashion retail and e-commerce stores, and has had the pleasure of dressing international and local celebrities including Eva Longoria, Sophie Monk, Carrie Bickmore and others.
After working in the veterinary industry for over 15 years and wearing old-fashioned scrubs, Dr Audrey and Dr Alison became frustrated with the lack of choice, and in particular material and style of scrubs available.
“Not only were our old scrubs unflattering and ill-fitting, but the fabric was terrible, it attracted hair and lint, and absorbed liquids, stains and smells,” said Dr Audrey.
“We used to joke that we wore pyjamas all day and felt so unprofessional in such a professional industry. We understand that scrubs have to be practical. However, practicality doesn’t mean you have to compromise on looking fashionable and feeling good.”
Initially the sisters started researching materials in the hope of just making their own scrubs for work. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, they quickly realised there was a market for fashion savvy scrubs and a desperate need for it among essential workers.
“COVID-19 really highlighted how important an essential worker’s job and role is. We have to keep working despite the challenges and risks involved. Many essential workers are burnt out, exhausted and frustrated,” said Dr Alison
“We want our essential workers to be inspired and be given the confidence boost and positivity they deserve; to reward them and acknowledge the important work they do to keep everyone safe and healthy. What says this more than functional workwear that allows them to look confident, professional, trustworthy and smart every single day.”
Knowing they needed their scrubs to be flattering and functional, they called upon friend and fashion expert Rebecca, to help design the range.
“When Audrey and Alison approached me with the idea, I loved it and said yes straight away. I love disruptive businesses and a good makeover. I was excited to begin the process of reinventing the traditional scrub,” said Rebecca.
“We had a very clear vision to create workwear that was functional, that you could move in, was comfortable and of course flattering for all shapes and sizes. We also wanted to create workwear that had an ’all day to night’ look, that you can wear out after work or be seen wearing out of work.”
Soon after many Zoom catch ups, nighttime brainstorm sessions after kids were asleep, research, testing and trialing, in 2021 their dream turned into a reality and 21 Scrubs was born.
21 Scrubs offer a stylish and modern range of scrubs for men and women, that come in a variety of styles and colours. There is even a jumpsuit for the ladies that can be matched with a pair of heels and worn from day to night. All scrubs feature the 21 Scrubs signature stethoscope holders for busy professionals always on the go.
“We are incredibly proud of the scrubs range we have created,” said Dr Alison. “Each style has their own defining cuts and features, and all scrubs are made from stretchy, crease-proof, durable, comfortable and eco-friendly lightweight fabric, that most importantly is hair-free, water and stain repellant, fast-drying and squat-proof.”
“Thanks to the unique fabric we’ve used, our scrubs can cater for many different industries including the medical, veterinary, dentistry, cosmetic, beauty, hairdressing and even dog grooming and training.”
21 Scrubs offers a corporate sample box program where potential customers are sent a sample box of scrubs to try on, so they can be confident about the style and sizes they’re ordering.
Embroidery, monogramming and bulk discounted pricing is available.
For more information visit www.21scrubs.com.au.