Skechers USA Inc. said Tuesday it plans to extend its trendy appeal in the sneaker market to medical apparel, launching a branded line of scrubs and related work clothing for nurses and other health care professionals.

The Manhattan Beach casual shoe company signed a licensing agreement with Strategic Partners Inc. to create and distribute the apparel line starting in January. Strategic Partners makes medical apparel under the Cherokee, Disney, Baby Phat, and NFL-licensed brands.

The Skechers-branded scrubs, pants, jackets and T-shirts will have a "younger, more flattering" fit than traditional medical apparel, the company said.

“Doctors and nurses already love our Skechers Work non-slip footwear products,” President Michael Greenberg said in a statement. “This new medical apparel line perfectly complements our workplace footwear offerings.”

Skechers shares were down 6 cents, or less than 1 percent, to $23.61 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.