RD.COM Clothing
Amy SchlingerUpdated: Mar. 06, 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.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
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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.
Best plus-size activewear for style and performance
- Best leggings:Beyond Yoga Plus Size High-Waisted Midi Leggings
- Best shorts: Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Shorts
- Best joggers: Adidas Adicolor Essentials Fleece Slim Joggers
- Best tank:Lululemon Sculpt Tank Top
- Best T-shirt:Under Armour V-Neck Short Sleeve
- Best sweatshirt:Nike Pullover Fleece Hoodie
- Best sports bra:Champion Plus Soft Touch Sports Bra
- Best dress: Outdoor Voices Cross-Back Dress
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Best plus-size leggings
Beyond Yoga Plus Size High-Waisted Midi Leggings
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.
Pros
- Versatile leggings
- Buttery soft fabric
- Seamless outside construction
- Lots of color options
- 5-inch waistband
- Available in sizes up to 4X
Cons
- Higher price point
- Only comes in one inseam
2/8
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Best plus-size shorts
Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Shorts
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.
Pros
- On-trend biker style
- Thick high waistband
- Long inseam
- Compressive fabric
- Wide size range up to 6XL
Cons
- Only one length available
- Colors may bleed at first wash
3/8
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Best plus-size joggers
Adidas Adicolor Essentials Fleece Slim Joggers
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.
Pros
- Flattering jogger silhouette
- Fleece interior
- Side pockets
- Their cotton products support more sustainable cotton farming
- Available in sizes up to 4X
Cons
- Not sweat-wicking material
P.S. If you like these, check out our picks for the best plus-size pajamas for women, too.
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Best plus-size tank
Lululemon Sculpt Tank Top
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.
Pros
- Tank style can be dressed up or down
- Lightweight, sweat-wicking material
- Relaxed fit
- Reflective details
- Available in sizes up to 14
Cons
- Some colorways sell out quickly
- Smaller size range than other brands
5/8
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Best plus-size T-shirt
Under Armour V-Neck Short Sleeve
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.
Pros
- Lightweight, quick-drying fabric
- Anti-odor technology
- Designed using recycled, traceable polyester
- Available in sizes up to 3X
Cons
- Fabric may be light for winter workouts
6/8
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Best plus-size long sweatshirt
Nike Pullover Fleece Hoodie
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.
Pros
- Cozy fleece hoodie
- Soft and comfortable fabric
- Drawstring for personalized hoodie fit
- Available in various colors
- Comes in sizes up to 4X
Cons
- Certain colorways sell out quickly
7/8
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Best plus-size sports bra
Champion Plus Soft Touch Sports Bra
Comfort starts with the first layer.This Champion sports bra combines support and softness into one 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.
Pros
- Medium-impact sports bra
- Sweat-wicking material
- Compression fabric
- Includes a chafe-resistant band
- Available in sizes up to 3X
Cons
- Not best for high-intensity workouts
- Only available in black
8/8
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Best plus-size dress
Outdoor Voices Cross-Back Dress
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.
Pros
- Comfortable and cute dress style
- Breathable fabric
- Built-in shorts liner
- Hidden pockets in the liner
- Wide size range, up to XXXL
Cons
- Limited color options available
- Only goes up to 3XL
What to consider when buying plus size activewear
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 price points 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.
How we found the best plus size activewear
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.
FAQ
What are the best fabrics for plus-size activewear?
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.
Originally Published: April 19, 2023
Amy Schlinger
Amy is a freelance journalist and National Academy of Sports Medicine–certified personal trainer covering health-science, fitness and lifestyle topics. A skilled reporter, she regularly interviews world-renowned doctors and medical professionals, elite trainers, nutrition experts, professional athletes and celebrities. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, New York Post, Wall Street Journal, Shape, Health, Self, HuffPost, Business Insider, Travel + Leisure, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Outside, Livestrong, MSN, Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine.Amy has run six half-marathons, completed two triathlons, biked two century rides and finished two Tough Mudder races and four Spartan races. She's a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan and sports lover who also enjoys playing golf and tennis.
