A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
From sports bras to tank tops to joggers and dresses, we've rounded up the best plus-size activewear pieces based on quality, comfort and performance.
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There’s nothing like sporting a new outfit for a workout. There’s a feeling of energy that comes with slipping on brand-new leggings with pockets or shorts and throwing on that colorful sports bra or tank as you head out to a sweat session. But with so many different brands and types of activewear on Amazon and other retailers, it can be hard to know which pieces are the best plus-size activewear.
To help take the guesswork out of the equation when finding women’s activewear, we’ve rounded up some of the best plus-size workout gear that’s bound to hold up against even your toughest exercise regimen. From sports bras and tank tops, to joggers and workout shorts, here are the best plus-size activewear pieces currently available.
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You’ll want to live in these plus-size leggings the second you slip them on. The buttery, soft fabric has enough compression to keep everything secure without that too-tight feeling. It’s also moisture-wicking and breathable to prevent overheating, even during an intense sweat session. When you’re done, just wash your athleisure, and it’ll be ready for the next high-intensity workout.
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The high-rise thick waistband on these plus-size shorts keeps them from slipping down during even the toughest workout. The 8.5-inch inseam is long enough to feel comfortable, confident and secure whether you’re riding a bike or flowing into downward dog. They may not be butt-lifting, but the support they’ll provide is priceless. Made from recycled water bottles, you’ll look good and feel good wearing these shorts.
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Wear these joggers over shorts on the way to work out, or sport them as loungewear for the day. The slim fit looks attractive on all, and the fleece-brushed interior feels cozy and comfortable. They’ll become a go-to staple in any athleisure wardrobe.
P.S. If you like these, check out our picks for the best plus-size pajamas for women, too.
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Going for a run or planning on a high-intensity interval training workout? Throw on this lightweight tank that features mesh panels that allow for ample airflow and a cutout in the back. Comfort is inevitable in this stylish top thanks to the sweat-wicking fabric and relaxed fit. Plus, the tank has reflective details, too, perfect for exercising outdoors late at night.
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The technology built into this loose-fitting shirt is designed to keep the body cool throughout any exercise session. The soft fabric is also lightweight and quick drying. Bonus: the material has anti-odor technology built in to ensure that fresh smell lasts even after an active day. You’ll still want to put it in the washing machine, of course.
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Pull this hoodie on as a layer to keep warm on the way to the gym, as an extra layer for a chillier workout or as a comfy sweatshirt to relax in post-exercise with a favorite pair of sweatpants. Stash personal items in the front kangaroo pouch pocket for easy traveling. Adjust the drawstring on the hood for a personalized fit.
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Comfort starts with the first layer. This Champion sports bra combines support and softness thanks to the compression fabric. Let the material wick sweat away from the body through moderate-intensity exercise like Zumba, a spin class or a hike. Chafing won’t be a problem either in this sports bra.
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Thanks to the crisscross straps on this dress from Outdoor Voices, your chest will get the support it needs during any type of exercise you choose to do. Wear the exercise dress to play tennis, pickleball, dance or even for a round of golf, and you’ll feel comfortable in the lightweight, breathable fabric. The dress has a built-in shorts liner with hidden pockets, too. Here are some more of our picks for the best plus-size dresses.
Before buying any type of athletic wear, it’s best to think about what activity it’ll be used for. Looking for clothing to wear to group fitness classes? Playing sports like tennis, pickleball or golf? Perhaps a new piece to don on the next long walk or hike? Based on the activity, activewear that’s made to support the intensity of whatever you’re planning to use it for is the most important. For example, HIIT classes will require clothing that provides high support versus what one would wear on a stroll, which wouldn’t require as much compression or support.
Lastly, take the price point into consideration. If you’re looking to wear a certain piece of activewear frequently, that might justify a higher price tag as it’ll get a lot of use. But if you’re only looking to use the clothing on rare occasions, consider spending less.
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
When purchasing plus-size activewear, avoid fabrics like cotton or jersey that won’t pull moisture away from the body and will hang onto the perspiration, making the fabric heavy. Instead, look for fabrics designed to be sweaty in that feature qualities like quick-drying, breathable, lightweight and moisture-wicking. Most activewear features elastane, polyesters, and other stretchy materials.
