I am a huge fitness fanatic and have friends who often refer to me lovingly as a “gym rat.” Without my endless collection of activewear—ranging from leggings to wrap tops and even stylish ankle weights—I wouldn’t be able to make the most of my gym days. Having access to well-fitting activewear is so important, and I’m so happy that most brands can now cater to a wide variety of body types. This article is dedicated to honoring the brands that have helped create options that are size inclusive and high quality, allowing for the best workout possible for all of the amazing plus-size women who love getting their sweat on.
If anything is an indication of a good product, it’s always in the reviews. While researching for this story, I was so impressed by how many detailed testimonies some of these products have. Hello, endless scrolling. While these positive commentators have given these brands quite a few test-drives, I reached out to my personal favorite It girls to get the scoop on plus-size activewear that is a cut above the rest.
A quick chat with Chloe Pierre revealed that she will “always be a Nike girl through and through.” She adds, “However, I have a new favorite when it comes to activewear. … Sweaty Betty rules my wardrobe recently, as the support is unlike anything I have ever experienced. The pieces are not only tailored for extreme variations of both sports and fitness alike but perfect for getting to these activities as well as just walking on the street. I get so many compliments, and the feel, as well as look, is so premium. It ticks all the boxes for me.” These brands weren’t the only standouts among fashion insiders. Javiera Del Pozo let me know the brand she prefers for playing volleyball: “I find myself reaching for my Fabletics leggings the most! They’re extremely supportive, thick, and I love that they carry up to 4x!”
Alright, I’m sold on those brands, and thanks to my extensive research, I have a few others to share. Read on to find your new workout uniform.
The go-to bra for yoga day. Rating: 4.41 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I typically wear a 32GG UK bra size and am always hesitant to buy bras that are in S-M-L sizing, however got the medium, and this seems like a success! Very comfortable, and I am pleasantly surprised with the support across. Definitely, some compression if you are bustier, but nice for the outfits where I prefer a more streamlined look and want to be comfy! Still wouldn’t wear for high-impact sports but definitely will do the job for low-impact exercise.” — Everlane reviewer
Okay, wow—you had me at $11. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I am 100% regretting not buying more of these during Black Friday. These shorts are comfortable without being too tight and stay in place during a workout. I could size down for a tighter fit if I wanted to use them solely for workouts. Definitely recommend these for lounging and working out!” —Everlane reviewer
I’d wear this under everything when I’m not at the gym. Rating: 4.26 stars. Customer Review: “This cami is perfect. It features fantastic coverage that allows for easeful movement, feels secure, and is extremely comfortable. I got the forest color, and I am obsessed. The top is slightly cropped, so it doesn’t really tuck into pants if you are wearing this in a non-active situation. With that said, this has been my go-to for climbing lately. I feel strong, sexy, and secure when I wear this!” —Everlane reviewer
My kind of color palette. Rating:5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “As the mom of little kids that works from home and basically lives in leggings, I consider myself somewhat of a legging expert, and let me tell you, these Perform Super Soft Leggings are probably the best leggings I have ever worn! First, the material is buttery soft and feels great against my skin. Second, the sizing is spot on! Sometimes I find leggings are either too long or too short, but these are perfect and cover my ankles completely. Also, as I mentioned, I have babies, so the high waist and stomach support is perfect! There is even a little pocket on the inside of the top that I can put my house key or debit card in when I go to the park with the kids. Lastly, the fact that the material does not get baggy throughout the day and stays tight no matter how I move is HUGE! Especially in the knee area, where I often find they stretch out from bending too much. They are also very lightweight, so they will be comfortable to wear in the summer! These are great quality leggings that can be worn as loungewear, for working out, and running errands because they are not sheer at all. Would highly recommend!” —Everlane reviewer
The reviews on this one have me convinced. Rating: 4.32 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I will mourn the day it’s too warm to pull on this half-zip. I was hesitant about the color because I typically stay within the neutral category when it comes to outerwear, but I’M OBSESSED. So happy I went with the heathered pear! The material is also super comfy and feels very high quality. Definitely 10/10 recommend! Wish I had it in multiple colors! I ordered a small, and it definitely has a slightly oversized fit, which I love!” — Everlane reviewer
Twist and shout. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “This sports bra makes the girls look really good. I feel super confident in this while I’m at the gym. The material is AMAZING. One of my favorite bras from fab for sure.” — Fabletics reviewer
This sports bra is so cute. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “Love the fit and feel during workout and regular wear.” — Fabletics reviewer
Bending backward for these yoga pants. Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “These pants are very comfortable and form-fitting. They have just enough stretch and are versatile. The color is beautiful. I hope to get them in black!” — Fabletics reviewer
Working out in a tank is the best. Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “Soft, flattering, and hugs your body in all the right places. Great for activities like yoga!” — Fabletics reviewer
The brand’s leggings are elite. Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “Three years later and these are still my favorite leggings. They have held up to heavy wear and are still in my cycle. They snatch you, are comfortable, and are not see-through.” — Fabletics reviewer
Your activewear collection is the best place to experiment with color. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “It’s just the winter hoodie I was looking for! I love the color, and the fit is great, not too bulky. The hood seems to accommodate longer hair or possibly a ponytail.” — Nordstrom reviewer
The perfect black leggings. Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “These. Are. Amazing. They fit true to size and are thick but not uncomfortable. They keep your wobbly bits in check, and I would wear these to the gym or with a long sweater and boots. I already ordered a second pair!” — Nordstrom reviewer
When my co-workers won’t shut up about a trend, I know it’s a good one, and this bomber hits many bases. Rating: 3.3 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I can’t even say how much I love this jacket. It runs just a bit generous in size and is the perfect weight for after a workout or for running errands—or any time!!! It is super cute and absolutely worth the wait!! Worth 5 stars!!” — Nordstrom reviewer
You’ll literally live in this. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I have purchased this… three times because I love it so much. I was looking for a sports bra that didn’t cross in the back and the straps stay up. Done!” — Nordstrom reviewer
The slight fade at the seams is so chic. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I’m enjoying wearing these for outdoor running in warm weather. The pocket is located in the middle of the back waistband and is large enough to hold my cell phone. Excellent!” —Nordstrom reviewer
Just the right amount of crop. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “The clincher for me is the side pockets. Love being able to go for a run and not wear an armband with my phone. I can carry my phone as well as tissues, keys, whatever, and not even know they’re there. So comfy!” — Lululemon reviewer
The most iconic activewear jacket. Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “This jacket is so cute and flattering and good for working out. It makes your body look amazing!” — Lululemon reviewer
Die-hard Lululemon fans are always begging for this tank to come back in stock, so hurry. Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “Love these tanks and have in many colors. They are my go-to tanks for working out and running in.” — Lululemon reviewer
Tennis skirts are just so fun. Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I love this skirt! It’s longer so you feel covered, and I like that!! The high waist is nice too!” — Lululemon reviewer
I’m into this color. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I’ve already bought two more pairs.” — Lululemon reviewer
Pink is my love language. Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I’ve had a difficult time looking for a sports bra that doesn’t cut my circulation and isn’t too big. I went by the size recommendations listed with the product and it fits perfectly with great a great hold.” — Amazon reviewer
The cinched ankle makes these sweatpants feel put-together. Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “These are the best sweatpants I have ever owned. I bought both black and grey colors. I hope they keep making them. Perfect fit. Perfect amount of warmth. I am living in them. They are life!” — Nordstrom reviewer
I can’t survive winter without my Nike hoodies. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I really like this hoodie. Honestly, it is reaaaaaalllly cute. It’s more of a feminine take on the classic Nike hoodie and has a really cute cut. Even though it’s oversized I ordered my normal hoodie size, and it fits perfectly while still having that oversized look. If you want more of a form-fitting you may want to size down. The fabric is lightweight but soft. It can definitely be used for errands, walks, and snuggling up on the couch, very versatile. This is a 10/10 for me!” — Nordstrom reviewer
I just know this bra would be supportive. Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “When I first received this bra I thought, ‘There is no way this could fit me.’ But when I tried it on, it fit like a glove! I was in disbelief. I wear a 34G, and sports bras were always out of the question for me. The ones I would find never fit me quite right or didn’t give me enough support. This bra is hands down amazing. It’s very supportive, and it didn’t give me the dreaded uni-boob look or squish me in any way. I appreciated the classic hook-and-eye closures so you can customize the band fit. It is so hard getting a sports bra on without those clasps. The straps were wide, which prevented any digging into my shoulders as some bras do. What I loved most about this bra is the comfort. I don’t just wear it out on our many hikes, but it’s something I can wear every day. It’s become my T-shirt bra, lounging bra, and workout bra. It’s so universal and just made its way into my daily life.” — Nordstrom reviewer
All about that logo. Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “These are some of my favorite gym leggings. So soft and lightweight but also not see-through! I have them in black and gray. They’re also super slimming!” — Amazon reviewer
If it’s Halle Berry approved, then what else do I need to know? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “I love a boxy tee so bought this in both colors. It’s loose but not too baggy and is cut to the perfect length for high-waisted leggings or jeans. I think I’ll wear these a lot.” — Nordstrom reviewer
I couldn’t believe the number of positive reviews this sweatshirt has. Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “The material is so awesome on this sweater, soft and warm. Very high quality, I can tell it will last. I highly recommend this.” — Nordstrom reviewer
What is my closet without a collection of flattering tank tops? Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “This is a really cute and comfortable tank top. I wore it playing tennis, and it didn’t show big sweat marks like so many shirts do. I will order more from this brand. The blue is a great color too.” — Nordstrom reviewer
So breathable. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “Just ordered my third pair of SB Zero-Gravity Running Leggings. They fit great and are very stylish and flattering!” — Nordstrom reviewer
A perfect five-star rating always wins me over. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Customer Review: “This is a great fitting top. It doesn’t rise up when you’re doing a workout. I wear it when I go rock climbing. It’s really comfortable to wear, and I love the design.” — Nordstrom reviewer
