A few weeks ago, a friend who works as a Nurse at Vancouver General Hospital contacted me to see if I could make her some ponytail scrub caps to prevent the protective glasses and masks that are now mandatory from irritating her skin. Happy to do my part in helping a friend on the front line, I set about to do a bit of research on how these caps are made and developed a pattern and prototype which I felt could be comfortable, durable and just as importantly, pretty.
The prototype
Looking at the designs that were already available on Etsy, I decided to make the main panel doubled for additional comfort and to avoid the typical double folded edge that would make marks on the forehead. The design requires more fabric but I feel it’s worth it since it makes the cap more comfortable and also more sturdy.
Before making the final cap, I put a call out on Instagram to all ER and OR nurses who use these scrub caps to see if there is a way to improve the design. I received one suggestion from an OR nurse that perhaps a system of buttons at the sides to attach the masks could keep the ears from getting irritated. If you don’t know, most ER shift work lasts 12 hours, which makes wearing these additional PPEs quite irritating after long periods of time.
The final result
I’m happy to share with you the final result, as shown on two wonderful ER Head Nurses I have the privilege to call friends:
The benefits of beautiful prints
The power of beauty should never be underestimated when we need to lift our spirits. The two prints I used for the scrub caps are the peony and cherry blossom. These are fabrics that I have kept over the years, waiting to use for a special occasion. I can’t think of a more appropriate reason to cut into these beautiful textiles and transform them in caps than will protect and bring joy.
Peony print 
Cherry Blossom print
From the wearer’s perspective, it’s an added pleasure to wear something pretty. Scrubs, let’s face it, are functional but their basic cuts have a primary utilitarian purpose. Beauty and style are not a priority. Adding a bit of color with a beautiful printed cap is a wonderful opportunity for self expression.
From the perspective of the patient, it can be very stressful to be in a situation of emergency and now, communicating with health professionals that are required to wear protective masks and visors. Beautiful printed ponytail scrub caps can give the patient something pretty to focus on when been cared for.
Wishing for more sustainable scrub caps on the front line
After 4 weeks of using these caps, my friends have told me that they are indeed perfect for their needs. The buttons are a perfect way to protect their ears, the construction is sturdy and holds well after continuous washing and they get many compliments on how beautiful they look.
After gifting these to my friends, I received a few requests to make some for their colleagues. I was curious to find out if the hospitals allocated them a budget to buy some fabric scrub caps. Unfortunately, as one friend explained, the hospital supplies disposable ones so the purchase of reusable scrub caps falls on the medical personnel. From what I understand, the disposable ones don’t work well for people with long hair so fabric ponytail scrub caps are the best options for them.
From a sustainable perspective, I feel that a scrub cap is an item that does not need to be disposable. Unlike the masks that, understandably can only be worn for a few hours before being disposed of, a cap should be considered as a part of the uniform. Just like scrubs that are washed at the end of a shift. I would love to see more of these caps available for people on the front line. Especially now that there are new mandatory measures to wear visors and masks, these caps will become useful protective gear.
Ponytail scrub caps available in my Etsy Shop
When I received the commission from my friends and their colleagues, I decided to make a few extra ponytail scrub caps in each fabric. I’m happy to announce that they are now available in my Etsy shop. If you are a nurse working on the frontline of a Canadian hospital or know a nurse who could use one, click the link below.