What Nepali nurses ask before the first order

When Sarita Karki messaged us before ordering, the questions were rarely about style. They were about the shift.

The first is always the pocket. Does it hold a phone without pulling the whole front out of shape. A shallow patch pocket looks neat and is useless by the second week.

The second is the sleeve. A short sleeve that rides up when the arm is raised is the most common complaint we hear. It is a pattern issue, not a size issue, and it is why we check the armhole on every sample.

The third is the waistband. Elastic that folds over, or a drawcord that disappears into the channel after five washes, is a small daily irritation that adds up.

The fourth is the fabric against the skin in summer. Terai nurses are specific about this. A fabric that feels fine at seven in the morning can be unbearable by two in the afternoon.

The fifth is colour fading. Nobody wants a set that looks new in the shop and washed out by the third month, particularly when the whole ward is meant to match.

The sixth, and the one that surprises people, is the length. A top that is slightly too long catches on trolleys. A trouser that is slightly too short shows at the ankle when the wearer crouches.

None of those are design questions. They are durability and pattern questions, and they are the reason a good scrub costs more than a cheap one.

If you are ordering your first set, ask all six. A supplier who cannot answer them clearly is guessing.