The weather is heating up and I’m breaking out my summer clothes from my crinkled IKEA storage bags. From work out dresses for the gym or exploring the city with friends to the comfiest bike shorts that won’t chafe your thighs—let’s get outside and explore the best plus-size friendly athletic wear!
It can be hard to find quality plus-size clothing let alone clothes that work for your favorite forms of movement and outdoor activities. Don’t fret! There’s more out there than you think and in all sorts of styles and sweat-wicking or natural materials. Let’s gear up and get started, don’t forget your sunscreen!
Old Navy – Affordable, Most Variety, IRL Stores
Offerings: Athletic wear for high impact and low impact activities, may be able to find your size in store!
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models and accurate sizing/easier to understand size charts
- Great variety of clothing types from workout dresses to shorts and even workout skirts depending on your preferences
- Affordable and accessible since they offer some plus-size options in store
- Comfortable and simple styles
Photo Credit: Old Navy
Cons
- They stopped carrying the full range of plus-sizes in store despite having a whole add campaign about it a few years ago
- May not hold up as well over time
LL Bean– Classic, Workout Gear and Outerwear, Hiking and Trail-Friendly
Offerings: Elevated athletic wear, full plus-size range with size accurate models and size charts
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models and accurate sizing/easier to understand size charts
- A classic for a reason with a variety of options including outerwear for outdoor activities which can be hard to find in larger sizes
- Accurate sizing and plus-size models to make things easier while online shopping
- Natural fiber options for breathable hikes and performance fabric options for sweaty workouts
- High-quality and long lasting items – I can vouch for this myself!
Photo Credit: LL Bean
Cons
- Higher prices, may be out of budget
- Only goes up to a 3X which can be limiting
Girlfriend Collective – Best Size Range, Fun and Trendy, Plus-Size Models
Offerings: Workout gear that goes up to a 6X, fun color options, on trend
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models
- Small woman-owned business
- High-quality and long lasting items – their sports bras fit great and hold up well after many washes!
- Vibrant color options but also plenty of basics
- Biking unitards and athletic underwear that can usually be hard to find in larger sizes
- Famously incredible plus-size friendly workout leggings
Photo Credit: Girlfriend Collective
Cons
- Higher prices – may not be in the budget even during a sale
- They tend to do less restocks especially in larger sizes
- Don’t have physical stores so you may have more trial and error with sizing
REI – Gorpcore, Plus-Size Base Layers, Wide Foot Shoes
Offerings: Less options but great base layers and sports bras, wide-foot friendly hiking and outdoor footwear
Pros
- Size-inclusive, plus-size models
- High-quality basics, especially the wool base layers that would be good for hiking or winter sports
- Physical shops in larger cities if you’re traveling or local and want to try clothes on in-person
- Great, affordable sports bras that hold up during long hikes or sweaty workouts (I can attest to this!)
- Wide foot friendly hiking shoe options – best to try on in store but they do offer wide foot shoes online too
Photo Credit: REI
Cons
- They’re weirdly anti-union and have been not supportive of workers organizing at their stores
- Size charts can be tricky and a little too vague – sometimes things run bigger or smaller than expected, may be best to try on in-person at an REI store near you
- Higher prices – may not be in the budget even during a sale
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