Our favourite plus-size activewear brands for EVERY body
Let me start by just getting one thing off my chest: its 2021. Surely we can find a better term than plus-sized when it comes to clothing, including activewear, amirite? With that in mind, its what weve got to work with, so well keep it, for now. But what wed rather say is: activewear for everybody and activewear for EVERY BODY.
Because we know you can be fit and healthy and not be a size zero. We also know that having activewear that doesnt support you can be a real buzzkill, and a real demotivator when it comes to actually getting out there and working out. Even the most committed fitness fanatic would find it hard to enjoy their workout when their sports bra keeps digging into their back, or when theyre constantly tugging at their leggings to keep them from slipping down. So with that in mind, here are the best brands that make great activewear for bodies of all shapes and sizes.
Our favourite activewear brands for every body
Running Bare
Adidas
DAY/WON
Active Truth
Good American
Nike
Beyond Yoga
ASOS Curve
Stax
Under Armour
Want us to break down why these brands are our faves? Keep reading…
Running Bare
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
Dont let the fact they only seem to have slim models on their website deter you: Bondi-born and bred, this Aussie activewear powerhouse is completely dedicated to creating a label that is size-inclusive, comfortable to wear, and fits flawlessly. Running Bare makes leggings, crop tops, tees, hoodies, trackies and more in sizes 8 to 22 and is available at THE ICONIC and Rebel Sport. “Running Bare tights are fantastic,” writes one reviewer. “They are so comfortable. They don’t slip down and really smooth over my tummy. I ended up buying 3 more pairs and I probably won’t stop there!”
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Adidas
Image: Adidas
Source:BodyAndSoul
Athletic powerhouse Adidas are amazingly size-inclusive. You can buy almost their entire range up to size 22, with their dedicated plus size range offering tights, trackies, hoodies, shirts and sports bras up to a size 4X or a 34. Their classic three-stripe needs no introduction, and thankfully, it really is available to everyone. You can buy Adidas at Adidas, THE ICONIC and Rebel Sport.
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DAY/WON
Image: DAY/WON
Source:BodyAndSoul
Formed by Candice Huffine, supermodel and acceptance advocated, DAY/WON is founded on the idea of inclusivity and great, functional, comfortable activewear for all. Every single piece in the entire range is available in size 0 up to size 32. Not only is it size-inclusive, but its also sustainable and eco-friendly, using recycled materials in its designs and fabrics, so you can feel doubly good about yourself while you exercise. “DAY/WON allowed me to work out in shorts without chafing for the first time since puberty,” wrote one reviewer.
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Active Truth
Image: Active Truth
Source:BodyAndSoul
You know what we really love about Active Truth? Not only are they completely size-inclusive, stocking activewear from size six to size 26, they also put real-sized models front and centre all over their website and marketing. We are ALL here for that kind of body positivity. Active Truth offers a huge range of leggings, loungewear, tops, shorts and swimwear in great designs and fun prints. A reviewer wrote of their best- selling Essential 7/8 leggings, “Another purchase from Active Truth that doesn’t disappoint. I love the fact that your size range is so accessible and that these tights are firm around the tummy and hold everything in place. Also love that they don’t roll down, are comfy and have a beautiful pattern. Problem is I want more now!!!”
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Good American
Image: Good American
Source:BodyAndSoul
If you were going to trust your curves to any celeb-associated activewear brand, itd have to be one co-founded by a Kardashian, right? Say what you want about those ladies, but they know how to dress their cuves. Khloe Kardashian co-founded label Good American has a huge range of fashion and accessories, along with a curve-friendly activewear line, including leggings, crop tops, tees and intimates up to a size 28.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kbgZWS5wH0 – Spirometry: how to take a lung function test
— Total Care FP
Wed Jun 08 22:15:27 +0000 2011
Nike
Image: Nike
Source:BodyAndSoul
Its a big tick of approval from us, with Nike leading the way when it comes to big brand activewear thats totally size-inclusive, with their range of crops, tights, tees, trackies, and hoodies available up to 3x XL (Aus 26).
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Beyond Yoga
Image: Beyond Yoga
Source:BodyAndSoul
Beyond Yoga is making waves in the athleisure scene for their range of on-trend, super functional styles for every body. While their regular range will take you up to a size 16, their curvy range will cater to women up to around size 26.
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ASOS Curve
Image: ASOS
Source:BodyAndSoul
There are so many great fashion options at ASOS, not the least of which when it comes to activewear and plus-sized at that. ASOS curve has a huge range of styles and shapes to help keep every body fit, healthy and active and stocks not only their own brand of crops, tights and sweats, but also plus-size offerings from Adidas, Under Armour and Pink Soda Sport.
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Stax
Image: Stax
Source:BodyAndSoul
A brand beloved by Aussie celebs and influencers, Stax makes luxe activewear and athleisurewear with a fashion-forward bent. Totally size-inclusive up to 4XL, its a brand that has its bevvy of staples when it comes to shorts, crops, tees, leggings and trackies, but drops limited-edition ranges from time to time that are seriously drool-worthy.
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Under Armour
Image: Under Armour
Source:BodyAndSoul
Under Armour has a dedicated plus-size activewear range with leggings, shorts and crops for women up to a size 26. Made from hard-working, high-performance fabric, their pieces are built to train and train hard, and theyre built to last. You can also buy Under Armour plus-size at ASOS.
What should you look for when buying activewear online?
Most importantly, you should be considering the fabric used. If youre looking for summer workout gear, you generally want to steer towards thinner, more breathable material. In winter, you can go for fleece-lined and even compressive material, to keep you feeling snug and supported.
Secondly, you should be considering what you plan to do in it – whether thats mostly yoga or the gym or a spin class – as some activewear is better suited to certain activities. Look at how high the waist is, how supportive the fit is and the length (when it comes to tights) because if youre particularly short or tall, you might want to consider full length or 7/8 tights.
Finally look at any accessories that might be included – like pockets or thumb holes – and consider whether these things are important to you. For me, pockets in my leggings are an absolute must-have.
Talk to me about different fabrics…
Common fabrics used in activewear include:
Cotton
Polyester
Spandex
Nylon
Nylon-spandex
Polyester, Nylon and Spandex are great choices for activewear as theyre sweat-wicking, breathable, long-lasting and have stretch. Most activewear tights have a percentage of spandex as this helps hug the legs and gives you a more flattering fit.
What is the best way to care for your activewear?
Most activewear needs to be treated gently when it comes to washing, with hand wash or cold machine wash preferable to protect the material and help with longevity. But just as long as youre checking the label and any washing directions before you chuck it in the machine, you should be OK.
Want more great buying guides? Weve got yoga pants for every body and the top activewear brands to buy online. Plus, weve found up to 30% off shoes and clothing at Nike.