Gabbi Hall
It’s a myth that plus size people don’t want to work out. Women’s plus size activewear is becoming more and more easily available. No more oversized t-shirts for us (unless that’s your vibe!)
What should a plus size person wear to the gym?
First, let me say wear whatever the f**k you want, babe. You do you and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear something because of your size. Now that we have that out of the way, we all know there are some key elements of good plus size activewear for women.
You’re going to want a great sports bra—something supportive that will keep you from jiggling too much and distracting from your workout. You’re going to want a pair of leggings or shorts with a secure waistband that won’t fall down when you jump, run and play. And, of course, you need all of it to be quality enough not to be see-through when you squat. Let’s dig into the best places to buy women’s plus size activewear.
Where are the best places to buy plus size activewear for women?
These days, more and more brands are expanding their plus size activewear offerings, including major players like Nike. Of course, long-time plus size brands like Torrid also offer a wide selection and extended sizing. That said, there are few plus size activewear lines that I am particularly fond of.
Fabletics
I’ve written extensively about my love of Fabletics from plus size activewear sets to cozy jackets to loungewear. They are constantly coming out with new styles for plus sizes—literally every week. That means that nearly every time you return to the site there are new colors, prints and options to choose from. And sure, you can become a VIP (I do recommend it so you can get lower pricing), but you can also just shop it like you would any other store.
Lululemon
When Lululemon launched plus sizes, they sent me a package of leggings, tops and accessories to try out. I hadn’t been able to wear Lululemon since I was around a size 10 (a long time ago), so I was delighted to try them. I have found Lululemon’s size 20 leggings high quality and comfortable. Certain styles have drawstrings in the waist which allow for easy tightening and make them great for vigorous workouts. I also love the High-Waisted Align shorts for everyday wear. They are SO soft. I have not been able to try/test a Lululemon sports bra, but as a 42DD I sit outside their size chart and doubt one would do me any favors.
On an additional note, Lululemon needs to continue expanding its sizes beyond a 20 to cater to even more men and women. I hope that will come sooner rather than later, but they’ve also been a brand that’s slower to adapt to plus size activewear.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective offers eco-friendly activewear for plus size women. Their pieces are made from recycled materials and their packaging is 100% recyclable. They also offer all the way to a 6XL, so they are most size inclusive of the brands featured here. I personally only own one piece, a black bodysuit that’s perfect for summer time layering. It’s not compression wear, but it’s soft, fitted and if I layered a sports bra underneath, great for a workout.
Stitch Fix
One of my favorite sets by Beyond Yoga was gifted to me by Stitch Fix a while back. If you want to try a few brands, request a Stitch Fix box with women’s plus size activewear items from a personal stylist! They serve plus size people very well, and you’re sure to find some fun pieces. I even have a referral code you can use to get $25 off your first Stitch Fix box.
Dia & Co
Last but not least, I can’t talk about women’s plus size activewear without talking about Dia&Co. It’s essentially Stitch Fix, but dedicated to plus sizes. You can ask for a styled activewear box or you can shop all the available activewear. They are always bringing on new brands, so it’s worth subscribing to their newsletter to stay in the loop. Fun fact: Use my code HereGoesGabbi for 30% off your first Dia&Co order.
Where do you shop for women’s plus size activewear?
I want to hear about the size-inclusive activewear lines you love! Share them in the comments.
Until next time, here goes nothing.
