No one wants to feel frumpy, especially when participating in high-movement, body-focused activities like yoga, running, or weightlifting. Finding quality, activewear designed with the needs of full figured women in mind can help you feel confident and supported when you are working out.
Active Tops
With activewear tops, you always want the proper amount of support, but you don't want to sacrifice style for performance. Here are some shirts that give you the best of both worlds:
Sleeveless
When you pick sleeveless activewear tops, more is usually best. You want to be able to move your arms freely, but you also want to make sure there is enough fabric and elastic in the straps and bust so that you feel supported. You may also want to look for a longer length so your shirt doesn't ride up over your stomach when you raise your arms overhead.
- Athleta's Breezy Racerback Tank is loose fitting and wicks moisture for extra comfort while working out. The racerback style gives you freedom of movement for your arms, so you can practice your goddess pose without any pulling. Customers who recommend this top love the loose fit and think it's cooling. Others think the tank also looks very stylish. Up to size XL. Around $34.
Tops With Sleeves
When selecting tops with sleeves, it's important to look for sleeved tops with a shape tailored to the body so that the tops look feminine and flattering, not boxy. Also look for rounded, convex seams to draw the eye in. You may also want a slightly longer shirt for more coverage around your hips.
- If you don't want to show your arms, you can still look stylish in Just My Size's Cool DRI® Short-Sleeve Women's V-Neck Tee. This shirt has a looser fit so that you feel more comfortable, and an elongating V-neck. Customers seem to love the light fabric and the way it wicks sweat away. Up to size 5X. $6.
Jackets
With plus size activewear jackets, you want to make sure the body has some shape to it - that it tapers in at the waist and then sweeps out towards the hips. This will keep the jacket from looking too bulky or sloppy.
- Lane Bryant's Wicking Asymmetrical Jacket With Mesh has flattering seams that draw the eye in and make your waist appear smaller. The material is lightweight even while it keeps you warm during fall workouts, and the fabric is stretchy without clinging to you. Size 26/28. It costs just over $30.
Active Bottoms
Shopping for athletic bottoms can be one of the biggest challenges for plus size athletes. No one wants to have to pull up waistbands and tug on thighs while they're exercising. Some of these options may be your answer:
Full-Length Pants
When shopping for full-length workout pants, you want to make sure they are made from a breathable, wicking material so you don't get too hot during your workout. The last thing you need is to be uncomfortable and overheated! Also, look for a pant with elastic in the waist to help it stay put so that you can focus on your workout, not on your pants moving.
- Avenue's Tummy Control Pants are boot cut, which is a flattering shape for women who have curvier thighs and hips. The tummy control feature is great for plus sizes. The comfortable fit seems to be the biggest draw for online reviewers. Sizes 14-32. $50.
Capris
Capris should be wicking so that you stay dry even when you sweat, and should have an elastic waistband so they stay in place. You also want to make sure the capris fall to a comfortable spot on your calf so they don't bunch up around your knee.
- Lane Bryant's Cooling Active Legging Capris offer a great plus size capri to help keep you cool when you work out. There are mesh panels in the legs for breathability, and the fabric is a polyester/spandex blend which is naturally moisture wicking. Available in sizes 10/12 to 26/28. $50.
Shorts
When picking plus size shorts, you want to look for a short that has plenty of room for you to move, and a slightly longer inseam so that your shorts don't ride up between your legs.
- Nike's 3" Tempo also provides a built-in liner so you are guaranteed to be safe from twisting, pulling, and overheating. Customers warn that these shorts run slightly small, but they rave about their comfort and how they stay put during workouts. Sizes 1X-3X. $35.
- Always for Me's A Big Attidue Bike Short is another great plus size option to wear on its own or underneath running shorts. These shorts offer an 8-inch inseam for more coverage, and were designed to avoid riding up in the legs. They are made from a breathable cotton/spandex blend, and have a COOLMAX gusset to keep you dry. While they don't offer any compression, customers love how comfortable they are. Sizes 1X-6X. $35.
Skirts/Skorts
With activewear skirts, you want to consider the length - will you feel covered enough? Is it so short it will fly up while you're exercising? You also want to consider what's underneath. A pair of shorts that offers more coverage is preferable to just a liner.
- JunoActive's QuikWik Power Play Dual Layer Skirt is a major player in plus size activewear skirts. This skirt is slightly longer than most tennis skirts but still falls above the knee, and it has a pair of shorts underneath. The waistband has added elastic so that it stays put and doesn't roll, and the skirt is made of moisture-wicking mesh. Customers love this style's comfort and performance. Size 6X. $20.
Get Moving
Don't be shy about getting out there in stylish active clothing. Whether you are taking your dog for hikes or signing up for a gym membership, following a fitness routine will help you feel better and look better. When you have as many fitness wear options as plus size women have today, you can look great while getting in shape.
