Plus Size Workout Clothes

June 23, 2011

I have blogged MANY times about the lack of stylish, well-fitting plus size workout clothes. Yes, there is the stand-by of Junonia, whose style frankly is a little too “old-school” for my taste, in addition to being hella expensive. I must admit though, they’re the only place I’ll buy my workout swimsuits – SO worth the money.

I’ve talked about Target and their C9 by Champion line (as with many things, plus sizes only available online), however their offerings haven’t changed in months, and seem to be fewer than before.

I also mentioned in this same post about the Danskin NOW line at Wal-Mart, which had a couple hits and a few misses when I last tried them.

Seeing as it’s hot as hades already this year and I don’t have any weather-appropriate clothes that fit (and I desperately need them for Bikram yoga), I searched online again at these places, and was really just pissed. I want the cute Athleta, lululemon and Fila Toning offerings to come in plus sizes *stomps feet*! And by “plus size” I mean at LEAST to a 22/24, if not a 26/28.

I set out on the hunt last week for some sleeveless shirts and new capris or workout shorts that would be appropriate for Bikram (since it’s hot as BALLS in there). I used to have major hangups with my arms (there is a LOT of skin), but there are some muscles forming under there so I shouldn’t be ashamed. Plus, sleeveless is more comfortable. Cut a MAJOR win from the now-redeemed Danskin NOW line at Wal-Mart. I ordered online because this girl does not do the madness of Wal-Mart in person.

Women’s Plus Antimicrobial Bra Tennis Tank: $13
Women’s Plus SlimTech Secret Tummy Shaping Capri: (don’t pay attention to the “shaping” that’s malarkey) $17

Women’s Plus Reversible Yoga Capri: $13
Women’s Plus Jersey Tank: $6

I also bought the same “tennis tank” in a royal purple color, and it’s awesome. For all of these, I’m wearing a 3x, which is a 22/24. The tops are a little tight, but that’s how they’re designed. I was really happy with the length of the tops also – I’m 5’10 with a long torso, and these had plenty of coverage over my belly. If you want something a little larger, size up. I found the pants were very true to size.

I ended up with 3 tanks and 2 pair of pants for less than the 1 yoga tank from Junonia I was looking at. I’m all for paying for quality and fit, but these Danskin NOW finds FAR EXCEEDED my expectations.

(and to the FTC: I was not compensated in any way to gush about these finds. That being said, Danskin, if you want to talk, holla at your girl. I’ll give you a LOAD of feedback!)

While I head back to the Wal-Mart site to buy more, tell me: have you found any great plus size workout clothes lately?

  • Pingback: Plus Size Workout Clothes — Emmie Loves

  • http://followmethirty.blogspot.com/ Shala

    I have those exact pants in all black & love them. I also picked up a couple of Faded Glory plain ribbed tanks I can wear alone or layer. They were $4-can’t beat it!

    I haven’t had a lot of luck other places either. And you really just can’t beat the price.

  • Marcie T

    I actually like the Danskin cycle shorts I got from Walmart last year. I’m an 18 but I saw them in larger ones. I’ve found the tighter cycle shorts under a loose and flowing top to be great for Zumba for me and they help mitigate some of the inner-thigh friction with activities like walking a 5K. Avenue had some decent sweatshirt-material shorts last year as well, but I haven’t been shopping this year yet.

  • http://Color-me-crazy.net Colormeroo

    Oh nice post!! I wear a 16 and have the hardest time finding *comfortable* and cute workout clothes. @melgetsfit and I were discussing this very same thing the other day. I’ll be checking back to see if anyone comments with something they love. In the meantime I need to check out this line at Wal-Mart.

  • lisa

    Funny you’re posting this today—I went to Walmart today and found both capri length and bootcut long length Danskin. They were marked $13 but then they were $7 at the register. Yay me. I think I have about 10 pair now…and they wear really well. I haven’t seen the tops though but just noticed that Avenue is selling $5 ribbed tanks. I’m not ready to wear tanks at the gym yet—especially when doing arm exercises! You look great!!

  • lisa

    Oh–sorry—the Walmart ones go up to a 5x–30/32.

  • http://spoonfulofme@blogspot.com Tabitha

    I just did a post about this same thing. I need new work out clothes. I am going to check out Wal-Mart.com, I go to Wal-Mart every week but they never have anything in stock. I am 5’9 and length is my biggest problem. I don’t want my belly showing during Zumba.

  • http://Fitforrambling.Wordpress.com Sasha

    Gah. This has always driven me crazy. Thanks for the tips, I will have to see if the same stuff is available in Canada. I just bought a tank for running and after one wash, it’s now hanging low and showing off my oh so sexy nursing sports bra. Double gah!

  • http://ajslevine.blogspot.com Laurie

    Awesome post.
    Awesome clothes.
    Awesome pictures!

  • http://fatonajourneytofit.blogspot.com Amber

    Great post!!! I was at work today thinking about warm weather workout clothes. I just started going to these outdoor workout sessions @ the park in downtown Greensboro and I need something to help with the blazin’ hot southern heat! Thank you!

  • Lucy

    Moving Comfort, Nike, and SportHill all do plus sized workout gear. (They’re all more expensive and more technical than Walmart/Danskin.)

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      I like some of the Nike stuff, but had length problems with their tops. I haven’t found any moving comfort or sporthill styles I like above a size 18, they always seem to be out of stock. Will continue to look for them. Would love more technical gear!

      • Tara Kieninger

        I just bought 2 Nike Extended Miler women’s running shirts in 2x and they fit GREAT! Long length, which I love and can’t find anywhere. I ordered some Target C9 shorts & shirts online in 2x and when they came, discovered they are more likely a 1x or even XL fit and were too short in length. I like my workout clothes to be a little loose, not fitted. Nike shirts were definitely more expensive, but they fit truer to size and are actually a technical shirt, not just a “wicking” t-shirt. Love this post by the way because I’ve been on a hunt for plus size workout clothes.

        • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

          I might try that Extended Miller shirt. I don’t remember the name of the one I have the UV Victory and it’s too short.

  • Melissa

    So, although I am not plus size anymore I am still bigger than your average person at the gym. I also wear a bunch of Danskin products. For the price you pay they are wonderful!

  • http://sorryaboutyourweight.blogspot.com sorryaboutyourweight

    I went to the site and bought one pair of pants and one top. I was afraid to buy more because the reviews said that this line runs small, and I don’t want to have to squeeze into an exercise shirt. Thanks for pointing this out!

    I found some plus size exercise clothes at Target in May when I was shopping for pants to do a 5K, but they were at least double the prices of the Walmart items.

    • http://sorryaboutyourweight.blogspot.com sorryaboutyourweight

      I wanted to update. I bought these Thursday night and received them this morning! The clothes are too big, even though I went by the sizing chart. I’ll probably take them back to the store today to try for an exchange or refund to buy again online. The clothes seem to be of comfortable, good quality. Still, I received my items in 36 hours with $0.97 shipping!

      • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

        Sorry they’re too big! I ordered more Thursday and got them this morning too- how crazy fast is that for $0.97? Ridiculous!

  • http://bellainlapbandland.com Bella

    One of my weight loss goal outfits is going to come from Lululemon! I love that store. I’ve purchased tops recently from Athleta and found the 2x to be quite roomy (I wear 22/24).

    For more inexpensive workout clothes, I have been liking Woman Within’s activewear line. The quality isn’t top-notch, but it will last for several months with lots of washings – enough to get me through until I’m down to the next size. :)

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      I’m really curious about the athleta fit, so might order some test items from them

  • http://www.plusathletic.com Char

    Some of the Dick’s Sporting Goods stores (and online) carry Adidas plus sizes which I have been very happy with. Also, AlwaysforMe.com carries more Danskin plus size gear, and you may also want to check REI.

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      Thanks Char. I’ve bought from Alwaysforme before, but should check it out again. I’ve scoped out REI online but haven’t found anything there that I HAD to have. Will check again!

  • http://kylydia.wordpress.com kylydia

    I was surprised that I had good luck at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I was searching for some workout capris (tight) and sleeved performance tops. I had to search for them – none of the plus-size clothing is where I think it should be. I think that all running clothes should be together, all tennis clothes together, etc. So, I was frustrated when I couldn’t find anything plus-size in the “regular” apparel sections. However, when I hunted, some more, I found that there were about four racks of plus-size clothes all together.

    I bought some Nike dri-Fit capris (1x) that are a little tight around the calves, but are SUPER comfortable. They served me well for both Bikram and for outdoor walking. They have a great upper butt pocket for key storage on walks.

    I also got two tops. One is an UnderArmour XL (not plus) that I LOVE. It’s a little more form-fitting than I’d like but it is the lightest-weight, most comfortable top I’ve ever worn. It is totally long enough to cover the awkward hip issues I have. The other tops is an Adidas 1X that is also comfortable and roomy through the sleeves and shoulders (which I need).

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      I’ll have to hunt for those racks because I haven’t been able to find them there! I knew they had some stuff online, but not in the store. I purchased some Nike Dri Fit capris a few months ago and the calves were WAY too tight for some reason (and waist was just right). I should try again.

      • http://kylydia.wordpress.com kylydia

        The store near the mall definitely has them, as that’s where I bought my pants. I think I might unpick that lower leg seam and see if I can finagle it to be just a bit less tight!

  • http://www.watchsarahshrink.com Sarah

    Thanks for the review! I just ordered a couple things for myself — never would’ve gone to Walmart’s site for this.

  • Heather

    Thanks for the tips! Also, you look super athletic and toned! I am slowly recovering my motivation to hit the gym. Regardless of what the scale says, you look AMAZING!

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      thanks xx

  • http://lottalatte.blogspot.com Denise

    I just ranted about the vast wasteland in terms of plus-size workout stuff and ended up ordering the same tennis tank, which I now hope looks as good on me as it does on you. My complaint is that, at least out here in south California, Walmart only carries the Danskin plus stuff online, so I can’t try on. They are my go-to, though, especially for tank tops because I don’t feel like I’m stuffed in like a sausage in their tops. I didn’t realize Target had plus size stuff online…I’ll check that out, and a commenter on my rant recommended Dick’ Sporting Goods, so I’ll check them out and let you know what I find.

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      most of the Danskin plus stuff isn’t here in Kentucky either – thankful for super cheap shipping!

  • Melissa

    I am addicted to both Hot Yoga and lululemon!

    I am also a runner and athleta makes fantastic running skirts. They prevent chub rub (the place your inner thighs meet) and look mad cute.

    Both are a little more pricy, but invest in a few and they will last you a long time.

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      If I could fit in Athleta, I’d totally buy. Same with lululemon. Athleta’s largest size is a 2X, which is a 18/20 – still too small :(

  • Shawnna

    I don’t have anything to add regarding the clothing, I just had to comment on your dog…he’s cracking me up the way he genuinely seems interested in what you’re wearing…too cute!

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      LOL, she’s used to me trying to take pictures using my camera timer. She thinks it’s funny when I run back and forth from the camera to my “spot” – always trying to get in the shot ;)

  • http://getfitkatie.blogspot.com getfitkate

    I just bought some great exercise tanks, shorts and capris at fashion bug – about $10 each piece. Nicely made, sizing from 14W to 30W. Very comfortable. The shorts are long enough to not ride up when I do cardio, but short enough that they are not old-ladyish. Love the tanks – very comfy with good stretch to them, so they don’t bag out. Colors are nice. Also, I hit it during the buy 1 get one 1/2 off even, which was key. Definitely recommend fashion bug plus size exercise gear.

    Kate
    getfitkatie.blogspot.com

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      ooh, off to check out Fashion Bug

  • http://www.journeytomarvelous.com Melissa @ Journey to Marvelous

    I like some of the Target pants, but I have to get the kind that are non-cotton and wicking. I tend to sweat a lot around my legs and I hate looking like I peed myself! Moving Comfort bras are my very favorite by far! These look like nice finds from Walmart…good job!

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      The “wet” look is why I won’t buy gray workout pants. Have seen this “peeing” appearance on one too many people!

  • http://mythunderthighs.com Elisha

    Almost all of my workout clothes come from Walmart, and most of them are Danskin, because I’m cheap like that.

    Totally unrelated, but is that an airedale? My family used to raise airedales (my parents just have one now, but his full brother is a national champ). Yes, I’m a dog dork. They’re just uncommon, so I notice. :)

    • http://skinnyemmie.com Skinny Emmie

      LOL, yes, she’s an airedale. She was used for breeding, and then given up to the shelter where we got her. She is full of ATTITUDE but we love her :)

  • http://healthytasha.blogspot.com Tasha Lee

    I bought a pair of Danskin workout shorts in a Bermuda style at Walmart and I love them. I should have gone a size down because even the 4x (26/28) is a bit big even with the draw-string.

  • http://theskinnycupcake.wordpress.com Jess

    LOVE your site! Just what I needed.. motivation to start my own weight loss journey. Congrats on the weight loss so far! I will be following along!

    I usually order my plus size workout clothing at Walmart. The prices are great & the clothing is comfortable. The only other place I’ve found to order from with success is at nike.com. Pretty cool that they have plus size workout wear =)

  • Debbi

    I love the Danskin Now from Walmart. I am not fond of the tops, but there are other White Stag tops that are good and not too much money. The DN capri’s are super nice and work for cycling, Zumba, Yoga, and general workouts. I too would love some of the really cute yoga wear, but the mfgrs seem to think only skinny people do yoga.
    Keep up the good work Emmie!
    Does your Airedale lick your clothes? I have to fight mine off, they want to lick the pants as soon as I put them on. Looks kinda funny to have dog slobber on your pants at exercise class.

  • Pingback: Bought A Plus Size Heat

  • Pingback: Zumba Fitness Info » Blog Archive » The Zumba Attire

  • Sydney

    Agreed, Danskin rocks. 

  • Pingback: Getting Ready For Your Workout | Omron Scales

  • Murdypuck

    This is great! Love your blog… So real! 

  • Ashley

    Have you checked out adoraom.com? It’s a bit pricey, but very trendy.You may also want to check this blog out: 
    http://plus-size-work-out-clothes.blogspot.com/2012/05/plus-size-workout-clothes.html

  • http://twitter.com/Michell81250574 Michelle C.

    Your work out clothes are really great. I love them and you look comfortable in it. Would you like to check out more plus size clothing? Check out the link and see our collections. Cheers!

  • Diann

    Thanks for the tips!! So frustrating to look for workout gear for big girls only to find velour sweat suits. Really? Going to check these out now!

  • BarbZ

    Thanks for the info! I have been looking for the right clothes too! Have you tried or seen the Active wear from Old Navy? If so what do you think?

  • Pingback: For more information, check out the following:-  | My Business Online

Previous post:

Next post:

Copyright Skinny Emmie © 2013

Disclaimer