PHOTO: COURTESY OLD NAVY/ I AM & CO
“Working out”,” going to the gym”, “being active”, all of these phrases mean pretty much the same thing. But for women who are built to be “plus-size”, they can be a difficult feat to achieve. I know because I am what many call plus size. I am “big-boned,” “curvy,” “thick,” “big,” you know the descriptions. I know them too, like the back of my left hand.
I got to the point last year where I could not bear to look at myself in the mirror and smile. I had gained a lot of weight in the last two years-- almost 60 pounds, actually. Wow, that’s hard to admit. It took me at least a year and a half to accept my body for what she had become, for what I actually looked like. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do for myself.
Don’t get me wrong, ladies, I love myself and my beautiful body. But for a woman that had become used to crop tops and booty shorts in college, for my body to get so much larger in a time span that felt like overnight? I couldn’t help but cry every night. I wanted so badly to look how I once looked and to be every bit as confident at 230 pounds as I was at 170 pounds.
December 1, 2018 was my tipping point. A week before my celebratory graduation dinner I bought a dress. By that night, it no longer fit. I was gaining weight so rapidly, it started to scare the living daylights out of me. Clothing makes the model, in my opinion, so I began to research and learn about brands that offered workout clothing in the size I was, but in fashions similar to that which I used to wear; I was ready to begin my fitness journey again.
Since being curvy is more in now than ever before, my search was particularly fruitful. My favorite athleisure brands like Old Navy, Athleta and Target had my back. Here are some plus size workout clothes that I love, and hope you all will too!
Target has been one of my favorite stores for as long as I can remember. And since they recently started introducing re-vamped brands for their clothing in the last year, I love them even more. Their plus size workout wear pretty much hits the nail on the head, and I couldn’t be happier!
PHOTO: COURTESY TARGET
Women’s Plus Size Urban High-Waisted Leggings
$42 at time of publication
For a girl my size, high waists are a must have. When I go to the gym, I tend to be extremely self-conscious about my belly fat. That’s totally normal, ladies! These Champion brand leggings are an awesome option for super high waist coverage.
These leggings are available at target.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY TARGET
Women’s Plus Size Lightweight Shape Sports Bra
$27 at time of publication
The Champion brand also makes some great sports bras. Having a large chest means better support is extremely important. Moisture-wicking fabric is a good idea too, as it wicks away sweat from the underboob region.
This sports bra is available at target.com.
Lululemon is a higher end brand for workout clothes. While they don’t advertise activewear for specifically plus size options, they do go up to a size 14 in both tops and bottoms; they also have incredibly well-made product options!
PHOTO: COURTESY LULULEMON (SIZE ACCURATE IMAGE UNAVAILABLE)
Align Pant II 25”
$98 at time of publication
These Lululemon Align II Capri Leggings are a gorgeous option for those on the smallest end of plus size “spectrum”. They are super high waisted, and come in fun colors to help with mixing and matching outfits!
These leggings are available at lululemon.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY LULULEMON (SIZE ACCURATE IMAGE UNAVAILABLE)
Cool Racerback II Nulu
$48 at time of publication
This sweet tank is a lightweight, moisture-wicking option that sells for an easy $48. It’s buttery soft, and that honestly makes me want to grab this one for myself!
This tank is available at lululemon.com.
Old Navy is a brand that I have worn for years and years. Their workout wear is definitely pricier than the rest of their clothing, but when I say they are perfection and squat-proof, I really mean it.
PHOTO: COURTESY OLD NAVY
High-Rise Elevate Side-Pocket Compression Plus-Size Leggings
$43 at time of publication
These bright green workout leggings are ideal for leg day! The mesh panelling adds to the breathability of the pants, and the moisture-wicking material adds to their comfort during a workout.
These leggings are available at oldnavy.gap.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY OLD NAVY
French Terry Surplice-Black Plus-Size Performance Top
$33 at time of publication
Open-back shirts are some of my favorite tops to work out in. They allow for airflow across every part of the upper body, and look cute too! I have one of these in navy blue, and I love it! It’s simple and comfy for the gym.
This top is available at oldnavy.gap.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY OLD NAVY
Medium Support Plus-Size Racerback Sports Bra
$23 at time of publication
This sweet banana-colored sports bra offers the perfect amount of support for arm day. Medium support sports bras are comfortable and the flat-locked seams prevent chafing under the arms. Old Navy actually offers matching high waisted leggings to complete the look!
Get them both at oldnavy.gap.com.
Athleta is Old Navy’s partner brand for activewear. Their plus size options majorly rival the ones Old Navy sells, even to a longtime fan like myself. In nearly every legging, sports bra and top option, there is a plus size parallel. Talk about body inclusive sizes!
PHOTO: COURTESY ATHLETA (SIZE ACCURATE IMAGE UNAVAILABLE)
Elation ⅞ Tight in PowerVita
$89 at time of publication
These fun pink workout leggings run in a ton of different colors and make me excited to go to the gym. Their soft, seamless feel makes them ideal for cardio day and the high waist makes my overzealous tum happy.
These leggings are available at athleta.gap.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY ATHLETA
Elation Ombre ⅞ Tight
$98 at time of publication
Ombre hair was a hot trend in 2014, but now ombre leggings are! These cute yoga leggings are perfect for stretching out those sore muscles. They are seamless too, so according to Athleta’s website, they have one less distraction for the workout.
These leggings are available at athleta.gap.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY ATHLETA (SIzE ACCURATE IMAGE UNAVAILABLE)
Hyper Focused High Neck Bra in PowerVita
$54 at time of publication
High neck sports bras have amazing coverage, so these tops are ideal for cardio day! Athleta brand only offers them in size XL at the largest, but they are still a great option for those ladies on the smaller end of the plus size spectrum.
This sports bra is available at athleta.gap.com.
ASOS is an ideal brand for stylish, curvy girl clothing, so I decided to give their plus size activewear a go. I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. They range from a curvy size 14 to a size 26; they aren’t playing with their larger sizes, and we are here for it!
PHOTO: COURTESY ASOS
Wolf & Whistle Plus Khaki Gym Set in Leopard Print
$45 and $64 at time of publication
I am big into matching sets when I go to the gym. Matching workout clothes, such as the set above, make me go so much harder during my workout because they preemptively get my endorphins pumping! This khaki-colored leopard set is one of my favorites to date.
This set is available at us.asos.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY ASOS
ASOS 4505 Curve Gym Legging With Bum Sculpt Seam Detail
$29 at time of publication
In case you haven’t noticed by now, I love to work out in green leggings. These ones are a super cozy option with a small ASOS 4505 logo and a super high-rise elastic waistband.
These leggings are available at us.asos.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY ASOS
Wolf & Whistle Plus Snake Print Bra
$42 and $64 at time of publication
Wolf and Whistle is an ASOS Curve brand that typically specializes in lingerie and swimwear. This adorable blue snake-print sports bra is made from recycled polyester fibers, and is super trendy to boot! Pair it with the matching leggings, too!
This set is available at us.asos.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY ASOS
Wolf & Whistle High Waist Leggings In Black
$60 at time of publication
These simple, black workout leggings are a perfect staple to any girl’s workout wardrobe. Just like black leggings are a fall staple, these are wonderful year-round at the gym. Their high rise cut is perfect for cutting abs out of our curvy tummies!
These leggings are available at us.asos.com.
Plus size clothing doesn’t have to miss the trend boat by ten years or be uncomfortable! It just takes a little searching to find the perfect fits and fabrics for boosting our confidence and making us feel good. I did my best to find some of the cutest and most comfortable options for the gym, but keep in mind just because they aren’t here, doesn’t mean they aren’t awesome!
Everyone deserves to feel gorgeous in their own skin at the gym. I am so proud of every woman for acknowledging that style does not have to be sacrificed for comfort in the gym! We got this, ladies!