Spring and summer are right around the corner. That means it’s time to get those arms, legs and core in tip top shape. For those of you who work out religiously, you don’t have anything to worry about. But for those of you who are like me – you’re probably screaming “AHHHHHHH” in your loudest Home Alone voice. Those extra helpings of my favorite holiday dishes may make me actually have to step foot in a gym (ugh).
Wait, I haven’t been in a gym in quite a while. What am I going to wear?!? C’mon – I can’t make my grand reemergence to the gym looking like a hot mess. Little did I know that finding plus size workout clothes would be so difficult.
Availability
Depending on the retailer, plus size apparel – such as workout clothes and athletic wear – may be sold in store or online only. I was surprised to learn that Old Navy sells their plus line exclusively online (except for a few return pieces that make their way to the sales floor). This makes finding plus size athletic wear a bit challenging.
Cost
I’ve been away from the gym so long that I didn’t realize how expensive things cost. Needless to say, I got a bit of sticker shock when I hit up big brands like Torrid and Lane Bryant. With most of their items starting at $60, I was forced to seriously consider wearing their workout clothes to more than just the gym.
Design
I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the design options available for workout clothes and athletic wear. Each of the retailers I studied had a nice selection of options ranging from simple pieces to trendier silhouettes. The color pallets of pinks, blues, neon’s, etc. infused color in all the right places without focusing on areas that are typically trouble zones for plus size women.
If you’re in the market for new workout clothes and athletic wear, check out my hot and not lists below. Share your favorites in the comment box!
Hot List
- Kohl’s: This store is an all-around winner. They combine great pricing (that gets even lower with a coupon), cute design options and in store stock that’s easily accessible. My outfit above was purchased from Kohls. The leggings and the top were approximately $20 – $25 each (with coupon) and the headband was $6. That’s my kind of pricing. 😉
- Torrid: This store’s plus size women’s athletic wear is definitely designed with the trendy woman in mind. The cut of the tops, patterns used and color selection are huge benefits. The downfall, however, is the price. Paying $54 for a pair of leggings is a bit steep for me. It’s still on my hot list because these pieces would be a great purchase with your Haute Cash (Torrid Money).
- Lane Bryant: This store recently stepped their game up for plus size workout clothes and athletic wear. Their newest pieces from the Livi collaboration with Sophie Theallet are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!! My mouth was salivating over the swing tanks, wicking active jackets and fleece crop tops. Well, at least until I peeped the price. Why oh why must everything range from $60 – $200?!? Ah, well – a girl can still dream. 😉
Not List
- Old Navy: In addition to not being able to try the pieces on before you buy them, I’ve heard too many stories about the poor quality. Hopefully this retailer steps it up and gives plus size woman the selection we deserve.
What are you favorite places to get plus size workout clothes? Leave me a comment below!
6 comments
I really felt the need for a guide when I started working out, There was no one out there who could’ve helped me out. I was in the gym with some baggy clothes and one woman came to me and told me about How I can improve, I love her. She helped me through the stuff and really helped me out in deciding my workout wear.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks for these updates…as a tall curvy female who has also enjoyed the holiday meals, I need to step up my workout fashions and run (not walk) to the gym.
Glad I can give you a little fashion inspiration! You’re not the only one who needs to run to the gym. Ha! 😉
A great retailer is Walmart for sports bras. I was able to find the EXTREME ACTIVE STRENGTH ones that mimic name brand ones in all sizes and colors.
I have been searching for a good sports bra. I’ll check it out this weekend. Thanks for the great suggestion!