There seems to be a lot of assumption that plus size women aren’t or don’t want to be active. At least, that’s what you’d think given that finding really great plus size activewear has in the past been very difficult. That’s not the case anymore, there are some brands doing great things and I wanted to share a few of my fave picks of what is around at the moment.
Workout pants are notorious for being hard to find. When you’re working out you want trousers that make you feel good in them, pants with cool patterns, pants without (lame) slogans. You don’t want pants that go see through when you’re doing squats, pants that don’t stay up when you’re exercising or pants that dig in. Basically you want to feel comfortable and look good, right? Well I’ve got different pants for different kinds of exercise – if I’m going walking or to do a gym workout then I prefer fitted, stretchy and full coverage. If I’m doing yoga then I want soft, easy to move in and comfortable. How about you?
MY PICKS: Gold Leaf Long Tights, AUD $105.00 from Pink Punk Active | Lola Getts Active Sportswear Leggings, AUD $159.99 from Navabi | Marika Printed Sports Leggings, AUD $129.99 from Navabi | State of Mind Cropped Sports Trousers, AUD $129.99 from Navabi
I like to wear crop tops when I’m working out, sometimes by themselves and sometimes underneath another top. While I’d love to be able to wear a sports bra, I’m yet to find one in my size, so for now it’s my regular bras with a tight fitting crop over the top. I’ve got a few Active Intent ones that I love – they’re reversible, colourful and make working out much more comfortable.
MY PICKS: Active Intent Women’s Reversible Racer Back Crop Top, $20.00 from The Warehouse | Coloured Sports Crop Top, $69.99 from City Chic | Contour Zip Front Sports Bra, $69.99 from City Chic | Marika High Impact Sports Bra, AUD $149.99 from Navabi
I like to wear fitted tank tops when I’m doing yoga (because I hate having them fall into my face when I’m mid-pose) or weights, but I prefer looser ones when I’m walking. Do you have a preference depending on what kind of exercise you’re doing or is that just me?
MY PICKS: Be Bold Tank, $69.99 from City Chic | Junarose Jersey Singlet with Print Insert, AUD $47.00 from ASOS | Twist Back Tank, $59.99 from City Chic | Junarose Sleeveless Lounge Singlet, AUD $47.00 from ASOS
I know some of you prefer to wear tees when you work out, so I’ve found a few cute slogan tees for you. I think the “Why Am I Not In Bed” one is perfect for anyone who has trouble dragging themselves out of bed to exercise in the morning.
MY PICKS: Boohoo Plus Brains, Beauty, Booty Shirt, AUD $22.00 from ASOS | Pink Clove #NoFilter Slogan Tee, AUD $30.00 from ASOS | Missguided Plus My Hips Don’t Lie Tee, AUD $26.00 from ASOS | Pink Clove Why Am I Not In Bed Slogan Tee, AUD $30.00 from ASOS
Winter is almost here so you might want a jacket for while you’re exercising (or for afterward – I get really chilly after I’ve worked out in cooler weather). I’ve got one that has pockets, which makes going for a walk super easy – I can put my phone and keys in there, bonus! I’ve also just recently gotten that wrap top after years of wanting one – it reminds me of the wrap cardis that I remember from ballet when I was little, so stoked that they come in plus sizes!
MY PICKS: Colour Block Hoodie, $99.99 from City Chic | State of Mind Wrap Top, AUD $149.99 from Navabi | Performance Jacket, $99.99 from City Chic
At the moment, exercise is limited to physio exercises only for me, until my knee gets the all clear. It’s frustrating not being able to walk as much as I’m used to, but I know that resting it will pay off in the long term. I’ve been wearing some activewear from State of Mind that the team at Navabi sent to me and it’s perfect for my physio exercises, stretching and yoga. The pants are cropped at the bottoms (not that you can tell on my short legs!) and high waisted at the top so I don’t need to worry about them falling down or feeling unsupported. The wrap top is the ballet style I mentioned earlier and I love it – it’s stretchy, it’s comfortable, it’s nice and warm. The only downside is that it takes a bit of practice to tie it (unless there is a technique I haven’t figured out yet!), but not to worry – I’m sure I will master it soon.
What do you like to wear when you’re exercising?
Meagan wears:
Active Intent Women’s Reversible Racer Back Crop Top from The Warehouse (2XL)
State of Mind Wrap Top from Navabi (26, gifted)
State of Mind Cropped Sports Trousers from Navabi (26, gifted)
Nike Lunarglide 6 in purple from Nike (9)
Hi Meagan, Im the owner of PINK PUNK and stumbled across this post – thank you kindly for the feature!
Thank YOU for making such rad activewear!!!
Love that you have done this Meagan. A lot of the gear out there is so expensive, especially when you are like me who works out at least 5 – 6 times a week. I also struggle to find sports bras that fits me too. I have only managed to find one now, but that is due to me losing weight. I would have loved to have a proper supporting sports bra before this time as I love to box as well. Fingers crossed someone will come out with sports bras for all sizes one day!
I second that Aimee, I have never been able to find sports bras that fit – apparently people with larger busts don’t work out?! Here’s hoping someone steps up to the plate soon
Love the cropped pants. Do you mind sharing how tall you are? I’m 5’3″ and looking at the pants on you for length versus the website has me totally confused as to what length they might be on me (most ‘cropped’ pants are at ankle length for me). Hope your knee is on the mend 🙂
Hey Julia, I’m 5’4″ and have pretty short legs so they’re only a couple of inches above my ankles – I suspect they’d be the same on you if we’re similar heights. And thanks – my knee is feeling much better and I’m on the mend! xx
I definitely agree, different types of active wear for different types of exercise! I personally hate camel toe and find that so many pants tend to clump in the groin area. I like loose, flowing pants that aren’t going to make me uncomfortable or self conscious if we decide to stop for coffee on our way. I think it’s super important to feel comfortable when being active otherwise you won’t enjoy it and it will become a chore rather than a pleasure.
Hope the knee is doing better! You looked really good when we saw you this weekend so hopefully it’ll be on the mend in no time and you can join us for some Aqua Fitness classes!
Agreed, not a fan of camel toe! Thanks lovely, my knee is doing much better and I’ve ditched the crutches and working on strengthening it now. Can’t wait to come to Aqua Fitness!
Love this post Meagan! Great to know there are actually quite a few options out there for plus size activewear if you know where to look!
There are so many more too – even Kmart has activewear up to a size 26 these days!
Taking shape do some really nice active wear as