How to Find Scrub Manufacturers In Vietnam // Medical Gown Factories In Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the strongest sourcing destinations for medical scrubs and healthcare uniforms, combining low production costs with a garment industry that employs roughly 2.7 million workers across nearly 6,000 factories. Whether you need standard scrub sets, surgical gowns, or custom-branded medical apparel, Vietnamese manufacturers can deliver at scale with consistent quality. At Cosmo Sourcing, we have sourced medical and workwear apparel from Vietnam since 2014, and I have visited garment factories across Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and the northern provinces that produce scrubs for export to the US, EU, and Japan.
This guide covers the types of medical scrubs manufactured in Vietnam, how to find and evaluate factories, what to expect from MOQs and pricing, and how to manage the production process from sampling through shipment.
Updated Feburary 21, 2026
Vietnam is one of the world’s biggest suppliers of scrubs and work uniforms. It offers low production and labor costs, making medical practices and supplies more affordable. This article will examine the scrubs industry in Vietnam and provide information to help you find the medical apparel you are looking for.
Quick overview: Sourcing scrubs from Vietnam
Typical MOQs range from 500 to 5,000 pieces per style/color (some factories accept lower volumes at higher per-unit costs)
Common fabrics include polyester-cotton blends (65/35), polyester-rayon-spandex, and antimicrobial-treated materials
Key certifications to look for: ISO 9001, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, WRAP, and BSCI
Lead times typically run 45 to 90 days from sample approval to shipment
Types of Medical Scrubs Made in Vietnam
Vietnam's garment factories produce a wide range of medical apparel beyond basic scrub sets. Understanding what is available helps you write a more precise product spec sheet and communicate effectively with potential suppliers.
Standard scrub sets are the most commonly sourced item, consisting of a V-neck or round-neck top and drawstring or elastic-waist pants. Most factories produce these in polyester-cotton blends (typically 65% polyester, 35% cotton) that balance durability, breathability, and easy laundering. This is the bread and butter of medical scrub manufacturing in Vietnam.
Surgical scrubs and gowns require higher-grade antimicrobial fabrics and construction standards to maintain sterile environments. Factories producing surgical items typically hold additional certifications and have dedicated clean-room or controlled production areas.
Stretch and performance scrubs incorporate spandex or elastane blends for flexibility during long shifts. This category has grown significantly as brands like FIGS and Jaanuu have driven demand for modern-fit medical apparel. Vietnamese factories experienced in activewear and athleisure are well-positioned to produce these styles.
Disposable scrubs and isolation gowns are produced for single-use surgical and clinical applications. These are typically made from non-woven polypropylene (PP) or SMS fabric.
Branded and custom scrubs include options for embroidered logos, custom colorways, specialty pocket configurations, and tailored fits. Many Vietnamese manufacturers offer full OEM and ODM services, meaning they can work from your designs or help develop them.
Vietnam also produces related medical apparel such as lab coats, scrub jackets, and nurse uniforms. If you are sourcing across multiple uniform categories, our guide to uniform manufacturers in Vietnam provides an overview of the broader landscape.
Why Vietnam for Scrub Manufacturing
Vietnam's garment sector has earned its position as the world's third-largest apparel exporter for practical reasons that directly affect your sourcing outcome.
Competitive production costs. Labor rates in Vietnam's garment sector remain significantly lower than in China, and fabric sourcing is efficient because many textile mills operate domestically or in nearby countries. For scrubs, which are relatively straightforward cut-and-sew products, this translates to strong per-unit pricing, especially at volume.
Established garment expertise. Vietnam produces apparel for Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, H&M, and dozens of other global brands. The same workforce and infrastructure that handles technical activewear and performance fabrics also produces medical uniforms. Factories understand international sizing, fabric standards, and quality expectations. For a deeper comparison of manufacturing environments, see our Vietnam vs. China sourcing guide.
Favorable trade agreements. Vietnam is a party to the CPTPP and the EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement), both of which reduce or eliminate tariffs on exported garments to participating markets. Tariff rates change frequently, so always check the latest rates before finalizing your cost calculations.
Growing compliance infrastructure. An increasing number of Vietnamese garment factories hold certifications, including WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), BSCI, OEKO-TEX, and SA 8000. For medical apparel buyers who need to demonstrate ethical sourcing, this matters.
How to Find Scrub Suppliers in Vietnam
Finding the right factory is the hardest part of the process. Vietnam's garment industry is fragmented, and the best scrub manufacturers are not always the most visible ones online. Here are the most effective channels.
Sourcing companies. Working with a sourcing company that has teams on the ground in Vietnam is the most efficient route, particularly if this is your first time manufacturing in the country. A good sourcing partner maintains a vetted database of factories, handles RFQs in Vietnamese, coordinates samples, and manages quality control. At Cosmo Sourcing, we have sourced scrubs and medical apparel for clients ranging from hospital procurement departments to startup medical uniform brands.
B2B platforms. Alibaba, Global Sources, and Made-in-Vietnam.com list Vietnamese garment manufacturers, including some that specialize in medical apparel. These platforms are a reasonable starting point for research, but listings require verification. For a full list of sourcing platforms, see our guide to finding suppliers in Vietnam.
Trade shows. The Vietnam Textile & Garment Exhibition (VTG) and SaigonTex are the two most relevant industry events. Attending in person gives you direct access to factory representatives and the ability to evaluate fabric samples firsthand.
Trade associations. The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) maintains a directory of member manufacturers. This can help identify factories with established export records.
Industry referrals. If you already work with clothing manufacturers in Vietnam for other product lines, ask your existing suppliers for referrals. Factories in the same industrial zones often know which neighbors specialize in medical apparel.
How to Vet a Scrub Manufacturer
Identifying potential factories is only the first step. Vetting them properly before committing to production protects your investment and your brand.
Verify certifications. For medical scrubs, the minimum you should expect is ISO 9001 (quality management). Depending on your market, you may also need OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (verifying that textiles are free of harmful substances), FDA registration (if selling medical-grade products in the US), or CE marking for the EU market. Request copies of the certificates and verify them independently.
Request and evaluate samples. Never commit to a production run without sampling first. Order samples in at least two sizes and evaluate fabric weight, stitching quality, color accuracy, shrinkage after washing, and pocket placement. If possible, run a wash test through 10 to 15 cycles to assess durability.
Assess production capacity. Ask the factory about their monthly output for scrub products specifically, their current client load, and their lead times. An overcommitted factory is more likely to miss deadlines or cut corners.
Conduct a factory audit. For any order above a few thousand units, an on-site factory audit is strongly recommended. This verifies production capacity, working conditions, and quality control processes. Third-party inspection companies operate throughout Vietnam and can complete an audit for approximately $250 to $500. See our guide to factory audits and quality control in Vietnam for more details.
Check export experience. A factory that produces for the domestic Vietnamese market may not be equipped to meet international quality and regulatory standards. Always ask for their export client references and which markets they currently ship to.
The Scrub Manufacturing Process
Once you have selected a factory, the production process follows a fairly standard sequence.
1. Product specification. Provide detailed specs including fabric composition, weight (GSM), color (Pantone references), sizing (with graded measurements), pocket layout, closure types, and any branding requirements. The more precise your spec sheet, the fewer revisions you will need.
2. Sampling. The factory produces an initial sample (sometimes called a counter sample or pre-production sample) based on your specs. Review it carefully, provide written feedback, and request revisions as needed. Expect one to three sample rounds before approval.
3. MOQ and pricing negotiation. Most Vietnamese scrub manufacturers set MOQs between 500 and 5,000 pieces per style and color. Ordering in higher volumes generally reduces your per-unit cost. Negotiate pricing, payment terms (typically 30% deposit, 70% before shipment), and delivery timelines before signing a purchase order.
4. Production. Once the sample is approved and the deposit is paid, production begins. Depending on order size and factory capacity, production typically takes 30 to 60 days.
5. Quality inspection. Arrange a pre-shipment inspection when production reaches approximately 80% completion. This catches defects before the order ships and gives you leverage to request corrections.
6. Shipping and logistics. Work with a freight forwarder to arrange sea or air freight to your destination. Factor in 2 to 4 weeks for ocean freight from Vietnam to the US West Coast.
Key Fabric Considerations for Medical Scrubs
Fabric selection directly impacts comfort, durability, and compliance. The most common options for scrubs sourced from Vietnam include polyester-cotton blends (65/35 or 60/40), which offer durability and easy care at an affordable price point. Polyester-rayon-spandex blends offer a softer handfeel and stretch, which are popular for modern-fit scrub lines. For antimicrobial requirements, look for fabrics treated with silver-ion or other antimicrobial finishes, and verify that the treatment meets your market's regulatory standards. If sustainability is a brand priority, some Vietnamese factories now offer scrubs made from recycled polyester or organic cotton, though availability is more limited and MOQs may be higher.
Always request fabric test reports covering weight (GSM), tensile strength, colorfastness, pilling resistance, and shrinkage. Reputable factories provide these as standard.
Source Medical Scrubs With Cosmo Sourcing
Finding the right scrub manufacturer in Vietnam does not have to mean weeks of cold emails and unverified Alibaba listings. Cosmo Sourcing has been connecting businesses with vetted garment factories in Vietnam since 2014, and medical apparel is one of the categories we source regularly. We operate on a flat-fee model, which means we are incentivized to find you the right factory, not the most expensive one. Our team handles supplier identification, RFQs, sample coordination, factory audits, and production oversight. You receive original factory quotes with no markups, direct introductions to your chosen manufacturers, and support through shipping.
If you are ready to source scrubs from Vietnam, reach out to our team:
Email: info@cosmosourcing.com Get started: cosmosourcing.com/contact-us
