When I look at the models in activewear ads, I never see bodies like mine. The fat, lumpy bodies with rolls and big thighs and tummies. My body is the kind of body that’s shown as a “before picture”, not as one that is active. Sometimes people with bodies like mine are photographed and made fun of, as I shared on my Facebook page recently, and quite a few people told me that things like this make them feel uncomfortable going to the gym or exercising in public. I don’t give a shit if you’re fat or thin, have wobbly bits or washboard abs, I think that everyone should have the right to exercise if they want to. So here is my body, wearing activewear. No photoshop, no shapewear, just my fat body doing it’s thing.
There are many reasons you might be exercising, for me it’s about my mental health, taking time for myself, rehabilitating an injury, and now I’m starting to work on building strength as well. I exercise in different ways, my favourite being going outside for a walk. Not only does give me interesting things to look at as well as giving me a chance to get fresh air; it also means that I am away from my computer and my very busy email inbox. I can clear my head, solve problems and come up with some really good ideas when I’m walking. And the best part – it’s free (I have to admit, that’s one of the main drawcards for me!).
When it comes to activewear, I have two requirements – it has to be comfortable and fit well. There’s nothing more annoying than having to hike up your pants every few metres because your pants are slipping down; or having to adjust my top because it’s flipped up into my face when I’m in an inverted yoga pose.
It’s interesting though – plus size activewear isn’t all that readily available in New Zealand despite the fact that more than half of women are over a size 16. You’d think there would be plenty of options given that bigger sizes seem to be the majority, but sizing and options are limited, and often restricted to online only. It’s not often well advertised and that’s why I’m here – to help you find those options (online and in store).
The top I’m wearing is from Sonsee – they’re an Australian brand that makes really great stockings, and they launched their activewear range last year at Melbourne Fashion Week Plus. The top is comfortable, if a bit tighter fitting around my stomach than I’d like (it looks very different on me than it does on the model), and it has cool mesh panel detailing on the sleeves and back. It keeps me warm on chilly or windy days, while wicking away sweat and helping me to keep cool while I’m exercising. I think what I like most about this top is the thumb holes in the sleeves, I’ve always liked that detail in long sleeve tops!
The leggings I’m wearing are from Rainbeau Curves. If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen me wearing Rainbeau Curves activewear a bit over the last few months – I’ve been loving their fit and designs. They’re a really fashion forward company, and have lots of really cool bright pieces to choose from (and some more chilled out ones as well, for those of us who like to keep the outfits toned down). I’ve worn their gear for both walking and yoga, and find them super comfortable and well made. These leggings can be pulled right up over my belly button (great for feeling supported), and they’ve got little mesh cutouts in the leg as well. Mesh seems to be a popular thing at the moment.
So here I am in all my sweaty-faced, frizzy haired glory. With my rolls, my lumps and bumps, and my cellulite. Not from flattering angles or with shapewear that’s going to suck me in, just me. I know there are some people who will think “oh god, why would you willingly share a picture of yourself in tight clothes with all your rolls and your double chin and your arms that look like hams? Why not just share the more flattering photos?”. I’ll tell you why – because that’s real life. This is what my body actually looks like sometimes.
Meagan wears:
Sonsee Active Power Long Sleeve Tee from Sonsee (26-28, gifted)
Veronica Print Capri Leggings from Rainbeau Curves (26-28, gifted)
Nike Lunarglide 6 in black and coral from Nike (9)
Photos: Emmy Lou Photography
Go girlfriend. Inspirational read.
You be a special princess too.
Lorraine.
Sorry to burst your bubble: you don’t need active wear when going for a walk.The average person goes for a walk in their casual clothes.
I’ve seen you deleting comments. How adult and totally not censoring of you! 🙂
Hi Anne, my social media and website are body positive spaces, and I try to keep the page safe for everyone. Sometimes this means removing or hiding comments deemed to be offensive or off topic, especially when those comments are bullying someone.
Very true Anne (depending on what kind of walking you’re doing, how far/where you’re walking, and what your “casual clothes” are of course), but some people like to be able to change into different clothes for exercise – whether it be taking a walk or hitting the gym or something else.
And guess what those people don’t have to wear it.. This site is for awesome people who believe in lifting people up and making people feel confident not tearing them down and making them feel like they should be ashamed!
Hi Meagan. I am going to buy some Rainbeau curves tights after reading this. Can you help me with the sizing? What is the sizing like?
Hey Megan, I sure can! I’m wearing a 26-28 here and usually wear a 24-26 in most NZ/AUS brands. The size chart is pretty spot on, so I’d recommend grabbing a tape measure and going by what that says. Hope that helps xo
I really like the top. It looks comfortable. Thank you for posting this. Sometimes people think that heavier girls do not exercise at all, which is not true. Plus, I definitely appreciate good active wear!
Thanks Lana! The best thing about this top is DEFINITELY the thumbholes, it’s weird how one little detail can make something so much more comfortable and practical!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 💟
I LOVE those leggings, and I love you HARD for that sitting down shot! Yes to realism! xx
So love your top, the colour is amazing!
Thanks Ashley!
I love to exercise and find branded gear too expensive. I op shop and find Nike, adidas and Lululemon training gear for a snip. The more colourful the better. Best gear across any range has moisture wicking fabric and decent pockets for keys and cell phone .
Moisture wicking fabric and good pockets are so important!
Oh Meagan you look glowing! So pleased you’re able to start working on some strength building after your knee has been holding you back recently. It’s so good for mental health I agree. I love having some nice exercise outfits so it feels like a bit of luxury and a treat to myself rather than something I’m being forced to do. I may not want to leap up and go for a trail hike in the Waitakes but I do want to wear my new Rainbeau Curves jacket and leggings so hell yeah I’m gonna do it! I recently also purchased a nice backpack from Kathmandu in their sale. It’s in my favourite colour, it has back support and it’s going to carry my water and snacks so a hike is something I don’t dread. Amazing how the little things get you excited to get out and about.
This purple so suits you and I’m so pleased you’re featuring some activewear on your blog.
Thanks Sam! I figure that building strength will help with recovery from my knee op too, so anything I can do to prepare is good! I agree with having nice gear to work out in being a bit of encouragement. I find that if I’m in nice gear that feels good, it can make a big difference to how I approach exercise.
TBH I actually much prefer the way the top looks on you to how it looks on the model in the sense that when I saw it on you I wanted to buy it but the catalogue photos were completely unappealing. I don’t like my workout gear to look that baggy on me.
I don’t like mine super baggy either, only because it means that it flicks up in the wind when I’m walking or ends up flashing my bra when I’m doing yoga!
wow love the colour of the top and the sleeves … I went in to a well known sports shop was looking at active wear this little missus came up to me and said “we dont have anything to fit you here” Im like who said i was looking for me? and all the skinny people in this world go on about bigger people not exercising …….well when we want to we cant find anything to wear so we are so noticable NOT in our gym clothes .That means we get more looks than the skinny girls THANKS for that and I wandered off with her just staring after me lol
What the heck? *eyeroll*
Love those leggings!! But closer to home I’m loving the warehouses plus size active wear
Same Kylie, it’s so nice! I made my mum try some on yesterday, such nice gear
I love the pattern on the tights! The brighter my activewear is the more excited I feel to exercise 🙂
I’m usually a darker top and patterned pants. I love the bright colours, they make me feel so much more excited to exercise!
Thank-you for posting this. I love the clothes. I have several pieces from rainbeau curves and love them (and might have to get me some sonsee pieces once I’m off my self-enforced buying ban). Even more love that you are being real! Kudos to you.
Thanks Bron! Rainbeau Curves are great, aren’t they? I love that they do so many different colour and style options!