A 12-hour nursing shift puts workwear through a demanding routine. Nurses may spend the morning moving between patient rooms, the afternoon assisting with procedures, and the final hours completing documentation and preparing for handoff. Throughout that time, their uniforms need to accommodate movement, keep everyday essentials accessible, and maintain a professional appearance.
Choosing scrubs for a long shift involves more than finding a color or a style that looks good. Fabric construction, pocket placement, waistband design, and how a uniform works with your footwear can all affect the experience of wearing it all day.
The EPIC by IRG collection takes a performance-oriented approach to healthcare apparel. Its lightweight fabric, multidirectional stretch, and practical garment designs make it worth considering for nurses who want workwear suited to active schedules.
This guide covers how to choose EPIC pieces for the demands of a 12-hour shift, from getting ready in the morning to managing your uniform after work.
Quick Answer
EPIC by IRG is a practical scrub collection for nurses working 12-hour shifts because it combines lightweight performance fabric, 4-way stretch, quick-drying properties, and functional storage.
The collection uses a fabric blend of:
- 50% polyester
- 43% recycled polyester
- 7% spandex
Its performance features include 360-degree stretch, stain resistance, crease resistance, and abrasion resistance.
Nurses considering EPIC should pay particular attention to:
- Fabric comfort during extended wear.
- Stretch for bending, reaching, and walking.
- Pocket placement for frequently used essentials.
- Pant construction and waistband preference.
- Layering options for changing temperatures.
- Care requirements and weekly uniform rotation.
The right combination depends on your department, personal preferences, and employer’s dress code.
Key Takeaways
- EPIC uses a lightweight polyester, recycled-polyester, and spandex blend.
- Its 4-way stretch supports movement throughout active nursing shifts.
- Quick-drying performance helps nurses who wash uniforms frequently.
- Multiple pocket configurations help organize approved work essentials.
- Joggers and tapered pants provide different options for active workdays.
- A comfortable uniform depends on more than fabric alone; construction and fit matter too.
- Planning a weekly uniform rotation can make consecutive shifts easier to manage.
1. Why 12-Hour Nursing Shifts Require Different Workwear Priorities
A uniform that works for a short clinic appointment may not be ideal for a full hospital shift.
During 12 hours, nurses experience several different types of activity.
Morning: Getting Into the Routine
The beginning of a shift may involve:
- Reviewing patient assignments.
- Preparing work areas.
- Checking supplies.
- Walking between departments.
- Beginning patient assessments.
At this stage, a uniform needs to feel comfortable from the beginning without requiring constant adjustment.
Mid-Shift: Repeated Movement
As the day progresses, nurses may spend considerable time:
- Bending and reaching.
- Standing beside patient beds.
- Walking between rooms.
- Moving approved equipment.
- Sitting briefly to document information.
- Changing positions throughout the day.
This is where stretch construction becomes particularly relevant.
Final Hours: Maintaining a Professional Appearance
The last few hours can bring a different set of challenges.
Nurses may be tired, but their uniforms still need to look appropriate for patient interaction and shift handoff.
Lightweight construction, crease resistance, and practical storage are useful characteristics to consider when choosing daily workwear.
The goal is not to expect clothing to eliminate physical fatigue. It is to avoid unnecessary distractions caused by restrictive or inconvenient uniforms.
2. Why EPIC’s Fabric Construction Matters for Long Shifts
One defining feature of EPIC is its performance fabric blend.
The combination of polyester, recycled polyester, and spandex gives the collection a different character from traditional non-stretch scrub materials.
Polyester and Recycled Polyester
Together, these fibers make up 93% of the listed fabric composition.
They form the main textile foundation and contribute to the collection’s lightweight, easy-care performance characteristics.
For nurses who maintain several uniforms and wash them frequently, practical fabric maintenance is an important consideration.
Spandex for Movement
The remaining 7% is spandex.
This component supports the collection’s 4-way, 360-degree stretch.
That flexibility can be useful during common nursing activities such as:
- Reaching across a patient bed.
- Bending to access lower storage.
- Walking quickly between rooms.
- Sitting and standing repeatedly.
- Moving equipment and supplies.
A useful point to remember: stretch does not replace proper garment sizing. A uniform should still allow comfortable movement without relying on the fabric to compensate for a restrictive cut.
Lightweight Construction
EPIC is positioned as lightweight performance workwear.
This may appeal to nurses who dislike heavier scrub fabrics, especially when they spend much of their shift moving.
However, individual temperature preferences differ. Nurses who prefer a more substantial, cotton-like fabric may want to compare EPIC with another collection before choosing.
3. Pocket Organization: A Small Detail That Matters Throughout the Shift
Pocket placement can make a meaningful difference during a busy nursing day.
Nurses often carry several approved essentials, and having an organized place for them can make daily tasks more convenient.
EPIC offers different pocket arrangements by garment.
Women’s V-Neck Top 4801
The Women’s V-Neck Top 4801 includes:
- Two front slant pockets.
- Additional cell-phone pocket.
- Shoulder bungee loop.
- Princess seams.
- Back micro-knit panel.
- Side slits.
This is a useful option for nurses who prefer keeping some essentials in their top rather than relying entirely on pant pockets.
Women’s Jogger Pant 9812
The Women’s Jogger 9812 includes:
- Two front curved pockets.
- Two cargo pockets.
- Zip cell-phone pocket.
- Two back pockets.
- Knit waistband and ankle cuffs.
- Adjustable drawstring.
The combination gives nurses several storage locations.
A Better Pocket Strategy
Instead of filling every available pocket, decide which items you need most often.
For example:
| Pocket Priority | Practical Consideration |
| Front pockets | Frequently used small essentials |
| Cargo pockets | Additional approved work items |
| Zip pocket | Items that benefit from more secure storage |
| Chest or top pocket | Small items that are easier to reach from the upper body |
Avoid overloading pockets. Excess weight can affect how a garment hangs and feels during movement.
Always follow workplace policies regarding personal devices, clinical tools, and other carried items.
4. Choosing Between EPIC Joggers and Tapered Pants for Nursing
Pant style can affect how your uniform feels throughout a long shift.
EPIC offers both jogger and tapered options, giving nurses alternatives within the same collection.
Women’s Jogger Pant 9812
The jogger has a knit waistband and ankle cuffs, creating a contemporary athletic silhouette.
It may appeal to nurses who prefer:
- A cuffed ankle.
- A more athletic appearance.
- Multiple storage pockets.
- An adjustable waistband.
- A modern scrub silhouette.
The style also comes in petite, regular, and tall lengths.
Women’s Tapered Leg Pant 9811
The tapered pant offers a different approach.
Its features include:
- Front slant pockets.
- Side-panel cargo pockets.
- Back patch pockets.
- Adjustable inner drawstring.
- Tapered lower-leg construction.
Consider this if you prefer a streamlined look without a knit ankle cuff.
Which Should You Choose?
| Preference | Style to Consider |
| Cuffed ankle | Jogger 9812 |
| No ankle cuff | Tapered 9811 |
| Multiple storage pockets | Both offer practical storage |
| Athletic styling | Jogger 9812 |
| Traditional streamlined appearance | Tapered 9811 |
Neither style is automatically better for every nurse.
Your footwear, department requirements, preferred silhouette, and personal comfort should guide the decision.
5. Managing Temperature and Layers During a 12-Hour Shift
Hospital temperatures can vary between departments, hallways, treatment rooms, and staff areas.
Some nurses feel comfortable in their regular scrub top throughout the day. Others prefer an additional layer.
EPIC includes women’s Snap Jacket 4811 and Zip Jacket 4812, along with a men’s Zip Jacket 4861.
These provide additional options when workplace conditions call for a layer.
When a Scrub Jacket May Be Useful
Consider an additional layer if:
- Your department is consistently cool.
- You spend time in temperature-controlled rooms.
- You become uncomfortable during extended stationary tasks.
- Your workplace permits scrub jackets.
- You want an additional coordinated uniform piece.
Choose Layers Carefully
A jacket should complement the uniform, not interfere with your work.
Check:
- Whether sleeves interfere with clinical tasks.
- Whether the garment fits comfortably over your scrub top.
- Whether the pockets create unnecessary bulk.
- Whether your department permits the selected style.
Do not assume that every jacket is suitable for every clinical environment. Follow workplace infection-control and uniform policies.
6. How to Keep Your Scrubs Comfortable Through Repeated Movement
A good scrub set should work with the way you move.
During a 12-hour shift, small construction details can become more noticeable.
For example, a waistband that feels uncomfortable during the first hour may become increasingly distracting after repeated sitting and standing.
Similarly, a pant leg that does not work with your footwear may require frequent adjustment.
Before choosing a uniform, think about your normal movement patterns.
For Nurses Who Walk Frequently
Consider:
- Lightweight fabric.
- A suitable pant length.
- Secure pocket placement.
- A preferred ankle opening.
For Nurses Who Bend and Reach Frequently
Consider:
- Stretch construction.
- Side slits in tops.
- Comfortable shoulder movement.
- A waistband that remains comfortable when changing positions.
For Nurses Who Spend Time Sitting and Charting
Consider:
- Waistband preference.
- Comfortable fabric around the hips and knees.
- A top that remains comfortable while seated.
- Pocket placement that does not create unnecessary pressure.
The goal is to select a uniform that supports the full range of your workday, not just how it feels when standing in front of a mirror.
7. A Practical Uniform Rotation for Consecutive Nursing Shifts
A 12-hour schedule can make laundry planning just as important as choosing the right scrub set.
Nurses working several consecutive days may benefit from keeping their uniforms organized and ready.
Instead of buying many identical sets right away, build a rotation around your actual schedule.
Your Main Uniform Set
Choose a dependable top-and-pant combination that meets your department’s requirements.
This becomes your regular workwear option.
Your Alternate Set
Choose another approved combination.
You might prefer:
- A different EPIC top.
- Joggers instead of tapered pants.
- An alternate approved color.
- A different pocket arrangement.
Your Backup Set
Keep one additional clean set available when possible.
It can be useful when:
- Laundry is delayed.
- Your schedule changes.
- An unexpected clothing change is necessary.
Keep Your Uniforms Organized
A simple weekly system can help:
- Separate clean uniforms from worn garments.
- Check pockets before laundry.
- Follow the garment’s care instructions.
- Make sure uniforms are completely dry before storing.
- Prepare your next set before the following shift.
8. Caring for EPIC Scrubs Between Long Shifts
Nurses who work several shifts each week often wash their uniforms regularly.
EPIC’s performance fabric is designed for easy care, but proper laundry habits still matter.
Current Scrubs of Evans care instructions include:
| Care Step | Recommended Approach |
| Before first wear | Wash before wearing |
| Washing | Machine wash cold |
| Sorting | Wash with like colors |
| Bleach | Do not bleach |
| Drying | Tumble dry low |
| After drying | Remove promptly |
| Ironing | Warm iron when needed |
Simple Habits That Help
- Check pockets before placing garments in the washer.
- Separate uniforms according to color.
- Avoid unnecessary high-temperature drying.
- Do not leave damp uniforms sitting in the washing machine.
- Follow facility-specific laundry procedures for contaminated garments.
EPIC is described as quick-drying and resistant to stains and creases. These features can help with frequent uniform rotation, but they do not make garments stain-proof or eliminate the need for proper cleaning.
9. What Nurses Should Consider Before Choosing EPIC
EPIC may be a strong candidate for nurses who prefer modern performance-oriented workwear.
However, the collection will not match everyone’s preferences.
EPIC May Be Worth Considering If You:
- Prefer lightweight scrub fabric.
- Value 4-way stretch.
- Move frequently during your shifts.
- Like modern jogger or tapered silhouettes.
- Want several pocket configurations.
- Wash your uniforms regularly.
You May Prefer Comparing Other Collections If You:
- Strongly prefer heavy, cotton-like fabric.
- Want a loose, boxy silhouette.
- Prefer traditional non-stretch uniforms.
- Have specific workplace requirements that restrict certain styles.
Choosing the right uniform means finding the best match for your workday, not selecting a collection simply because it is popular.
10. How to Choose the Right EPIC Combination for Your Nursing Role
Different nursing responsibilities can create different uniform priorities.
| Nursing Environment | Useful Uniform Considerations |
| Medical-surgical nursing | Stretch, pocket organization, and practical pant construction |
| Emergency department | Movement, secure storage, and workplace-approved silhouettes |
| Outpatient nursing | Professional appearance and comfortable daily wear |
| Intensive care | Practical pocket placement and freedom of movement |
| Long-term care | Easy-care fabric and comfortable repeated movement |
| Specialty clinics | Coordinated colors, professional appearance, and approved layers |
These are general workwear considerations, not rules about which style each department must wear.
Your employer’s uniform and infection-control policies always take priority.
11. Where to Explore EPIC by IRG Scrubs Near Evans and Augusta
Nurses in Evans, Augusta, Columbia County, and West Augusta can explore EPIC through Scrubs of Evans.
The store has served healthcare professionals since 2008 and carries EPIC alongside other established medical apparel brands.
Shopping locally can be particularly helpful when you want to compare different uniform combinations before committing to several sets.
You can explore:
- Women’s and men’s scrub tops.
- Joggers and tapered pants.
- Alternative women’s pant silhouettes.
- Coordinated scrub jackets.
- Available colors and sizes.
- Different fabric and garment constructions.
Scrubs of Evans is located at 4158 Washington Road, Suite 7, Evans, GA 30809.
Specific colors, styles, and sizes may vary. Confirm current store inventory before visiting for a particular garment.
A 12-Hour Nursing Shift Scrub Checklist
Before purchasing your next EPIC set, consider these practical questions.
Fabric and Comfort
- Do I prefer lightweight performance fabric?
- Is multidirectional stretch important?
- Does the material feel comfortable against my skin?
- Have I considered my workplace temperature?
Movement and Design
- Do I prefer joggers or tapered pants?
- Does the pant length work with my shoes?
- Is the waistband comfortable?
- Does the top allow comfortable reaching and bending?
Storage
- Do I need front pockets?
- Would cargo pockets be useful?
- Do I prefer secure zip storage?
- Am I avoiding unnecessary pocket bulk?
Weekly Maintenance
- Do I own enough sets for my schedule?
- Have I planned a backup uniform?
- Do I understand the washing instructions?
- Can I prepare uniforms before consecutive shifts?
FAQ
EPIC can be a practical option for nurses working long shifts because its fabric is lightweight, offers 4-way stretch, and dries quickly. Individual comfort depends on garment fit, personal preferences, and workplace conditions.
Its main features include lightweight construction, 360-degree stretch, stain resistance, crease resistance, and multiple garment styles with functional storage.
The collection uses 50% polyester, 43% recycled polyester, and 7% spandex.
They may suit nurses who prefer lightweight, stretch-oriented workwear. However, standing comfort also depends on proper sizing, garment construction, footwear, and individual preferences.
The Women’s Jogger 9812 offers a knit waistband, ankle cuffs, adjustable drawstring, and multiple pockets. It may appeal to nurses who prefer an athletic scrub silhouette. Check your employer’s dress code before choosing joggers.
Several EPIC garments offer multiple storage options. The Women’s V-Neck 4801 and Jogger 9812 are examples of styles with different pocket configurations.
Yes. Quick-drying performance is one of the collection’s stated features. Actual drying time depends on the garment, laundry conditions, and drying environment.
They may be. Nurses who work consecutive shifts should maintain an adequate uniform rotation and follow the recommended care instructions to keep their garments clean and ready.
Choose according to your preferred ankle construction, footwear, and workplace requirements. Joggers have knit ankle cuffs, while tapered pants offer a narrower leg without a cuff.
Scrubs of Evans carries the EPIC collection at 4158 Washington Road, Suite 7, Evans, Georgia. Confirm specific product availability before visiting.
Final Thoughts
A 12-hour nursing shift demands a lot from the person wearing the uniform. Your scrubs should be practical enough to support repeated movement, comfortable enough for extended wear, and functional enough to accommodate the essentials you carry throughout the day.
EPIC by IRG brings together lightweight performance fabric, 4-way stretch, practical pockets, and multiple scrub silhouettes.
For nurses who prefer modern, flexible workwear, this collection is worth exploring.
Start with your actual shift requirements. Consider your department, movement patterns, pocket needs, preferred pant style, and laundry routine.
The right uniform is not necessarily the one with the most features. It is the one that fits your workday without adding unnecessary distractions.
For nurses looking for comfortable medical scrubs that balance everyday practicality with modern performance, EPIC by IRG is a worthwhile option to compare.
Product specifications, colors, sizes, styles, and availability can change. Confirm current information for the exact garment before purchasing.
