Top 10 Locations for Buying Plus-Size Activewear

All products and services recommended are independently reviewed. We may receive compensation should you follow any of the links we provide. To learn more, continue reading.

Table of Contents

Everyone has distinct ways of moving, whether it's gym sessions, hot yoga or a neighborhood stroll. The universal desire for plus-size workout clothes, regardless if we're going for a treadmill run or a costly latte run, is that they offer support, comfort and come in trendy styles that fit us. However, finding the ultimate plus-size workout gear often seems like an endless search.

Luckily, the activewear industry has evolved, with brands extending their range of leggings, shorts, sports bras, and tops beyond a size XL. Not only casual fitness clothing is available; you can find activewear for harsh workouts too. As a plus-size activewear user, I value what a perfect fit means for a size over 14. I attest that the brands advised in this write-up meet the criteria, ranging from squat-proof leggings that don't slide down to sports bras that secure your bust entirely.

In this article, we've spotlighted the top-rated products from our tests in each category. This provides an overview of the pros and cons of specific plus-size workout clothing on the market, which will help readers of all sizes to make informed choices.

If you're seeking no-frills plus-size gym clothing of fantastic quality, Athleta is your ideal choice. They are renowned for super-soft fabrics and various styles for any occasion — from HIIT and cardio workouts to relaxing days off. While their prices are on the high side — with leggings and bras costing about $98 and $60, similar to Lululemon — you'll likely find their sleek design, advanced fabrics, and the wide array of styles worth purchasing, especially during sales.

Athleta's size offerings range from 1X to 3X, and they also stock sports bras made specifically for D to DD+ cup sizes, ensuring you have the best support possible.

We love the Athleta Salutation Stash leggings; they have a broad waistband that prevents rolling and two deep pockets on the sides, made of a second-skin material, which isn't too tight.

Old Navy has a plus-size workout clothing section worth browsing. They offer over 600 styles and most of them fall under $50, so we recommend adding a few items to your shopping cart. Their signature fabrics — PowerSoft and FlowForm — are incredibly lightweight and designed with comfort as a priority. Old Navy caters to all needs, from a cute tennis outfit to snug yoga wear.

Almost all their gym clothes are available in extended sizes from XL to 4X (or 16 to 30 in numerical terms), and they apply the same pricing to each size. This means budget-friendly shopping is possible for everyone.

PowerSoft 7/8-length leggings are known for their slight compression feature, which complements a soft finish and a waistband that gently secures (never squeezes) your waist.

Girlfriend Collective mixes trendy designs with sustainable materials and ethical production practices, setting a high bar in today's market. Their activewear not only looks good when taking selfies but also drives performance. Green manufacturing methods started with a few leggings and bras but have now extended to a fantastic range of items, including bodysuits, skirts, sweats, and underwear. All items are made from recycled materials for a better consumer and environmental-friendly experience. Girlfriend Collective products don't disappoint, whether you like neutral shades for the gym or bright fashion colors for comfortable clothing.

They offer an inclusive size range from XXL to 6XL.

Having won our 2024 Fitness Awards, the Racer FLOAT Ultralight Skort and the built-in compression shorts stand out as favorites due to their flouncy design and cushioned softness.

Oprah declared her liking for the Compressive Pocket Leggings, and we found that they were up to the challenge for the sweatiest and hottest yoga class we'd ever participated in.

The expansion of Lululemon's legging size range came as exciting news for both trend-followers and gym enthusiasts, particularly those wearing above size 14. Although their prices are on the higher end, stretching from $88 to $198 per pair, the brand's remarkably soft and supportive leggings have been praised on Instagram by many yogis. Beyond just being Instagram-popular, Lululemon's workout outfits are crafted for high-performance and perspiration-heavy activities, delivering high comfort and support regardless of whether you do Pilates or boxing.

Lululemon's sizes might often lean towards the small side, and their plus-size workout clothes are available in a limited range from 16 to 20.

Even though choosing the Align leggings might seem mainstream, their remarkable stretchiness and leading role in the leggings-as-pants trend make them our favorite. The Align leggings differ from other more compressive Lululemon leggings in that their waistband can accommodate fluctuating waist sizes.

Fabletics is famous for its leggings, but its sports bras should not be overlooked. With ranges from low-impact for casual wear to high-impact for runs or high-intensity exercises, there is a suitable option for each individual and activity intensity. Many styles feature removable cups with adjustable straps which allow for a customized fit. Along with this, various details such as reflectiveness, cooling fabrics, and fashionable designs like strappy backs are standard. There is also an option to get a matching set of leggings.

Fabletics’ plus-size fitness attire is available in sizes from 1X to 4X for almost every single design.

The All Day Every Day Low Impact Sports Bra certainly delivers on its name; you can always count on it for ideal support, whether for day-to-day activities or gym exercises thanks to adjustable straps, an optional racerback, and removable cups.

Unlike most sportswear brands that begin with sizes 0 to 14 before expanding their range, Superfit Hero has always specialized in plus-size workout outfits. Inspired by the plus-size community, their activewear not only caters to a wide range of sizes but also celebrates all body types. Although they are solely an online store, they have rigorously tested their size chart to ensure the perfect fit. Superfit Hero's dedication to serving plus-size customers spans from high-waisted leggings to soft loungewear.

Offering sizes from L to 7X, they are the most inclusive on our list.

The Pocket Flare Leggings performed impressively in our tests, maintaining their quality despite multiple uses and washes. Their flat-lock seams prevented any chafing, be it at the gym or lounging at home.

On top of making you want to immediately visit your nearest yoga studio, Beyond Yoga does an excellent job of creating soft, warm silhouettes ideal for a gentle flow or hot yoga. Most pieces are built with the highest comfort in mind, comprised of incredibly soft fabrics and versatile silhouettes. They generally offer light compression and low support range, making them ideal for studio workouts. Rest assured the longer tops and wide waistbands will provide coverage and support in any pose.

Beyond Yoga extended sizes are available in 1X to 4X.

Another winner of the 2024 Fitness Awards, the Spacedye Out Of Pocket High Waisted Leggings' 5-inch waistband is remarkably thick, but never pinchy. Its fabric feels heavenly against your skin.

Given its reputation for making exceptional workout gear (many professional athletes wear Nike), it comes as no surprise this brand is a top choice for high-intensity activities. If you're a plus-size fitness enthusiast or athlete, and partake in sports contexts that call for substantial support like running, jogging, and sports, Nike is your go-to brand. They specialize in supportive, durable gear that caters to a range of activities and athletes. For plus-size shoppers, this means compressive leggings, high-support bras, and shorts created for various activities. In summary, Nike is the brand to choose for running.

Its extended sizes range from 1X to 3X.

The Dri-Fit One High-Waisted 3' Brief-Lined Shorts got a seal of approval from the thick-thigh club (read: no chafing), and the built-in briefs kept us feeling covered even with the loose, flowy design.

Like most activewear brands, Lola Getts focuses on fit — with one huge difference from competitors. The brand fits its pieces on different size models (a size 16 and a size 6), rather than crafting styles on a smaller model and increasing the size from there. This ensures more accurate sizing — meaning your clothes will fit like a glove every single time. Lola Getts keeps shopping simple with low to high-compression options, along with different fabrics for different coverage. Finding leggings you can safely squat in and a bra that won’t ride up while you’re lifting? A training day game changer.

You’ll find plus sizes 1X to 4X available on the brand’s site.

The Hi-Rise Square Pocket Leggings not only hold you in while you work out, but feature a unique textured fabric that disguises any bumps or rolls — helping you feel your most confident at the gym or out and about.

The best workout set is nothing without a supportive and comfortable pair of shoes. And for those who need a little extra width in theirs, finding the perfect fit isn’t always an easy task. Unlike so many shoe brands, though, New Balance offers many of their styles in wide widths — a huge deal for both gym days and weekend walks. Whether you’re in search of a running shoe that actually fits your foot or those trendy everyday sneakers all over TikTok, New Balance has plenty of options (and we’ve tested most of them). Of course, not every style comes in different width options, but iconic silhouettes like the Made in USA 990v6 and Fresh Foam X 1080v13 are even available in extra-wide sizes. 

New Balance offers women’s shoe sizes 5 to 12 with wide and/or extra-wide options in most styles.

The Fresh Foam X 1080 v13, our pick for the best running shoe for beginners, is also wide-feet friendly, and we love the smooth cushioning on this everyday trainer. 

Maggie Griswold is a fashion and lifestyle editor — who focuses on (and wears) plus sizes. For the last year, she has also been working with a trainer multiple times per week, constantly putting workout gear to the test in real life. Squatting, cardio, and lifting — she’s committed to making sure activewear stands up through it all. You can find her work in Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, StyleCaster, and more.