The 8 Best Brands for Plus-Size Workout Clothes

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Salutation Stash Pocket II 5" Short
Athleta Pacifica Illume UPF Relaxed Tank
High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8-Length Plus-Size Leggings
Go-Dry Cool Odor-Control Core Tee for Men
Black Topanga Bra
Girlfriend Collective Gia Crop Tee
Nike Dri-FIT Veneer Men's Training Shorts
Nike Dri-FIT One Luxe Racerback Tank
Superhold Pocket Leggings
Men's UA RUSH Seamless Long Shorts
Women's UA RUSH HeatGear No-Slip Waistband Printed Full-Length Leggings
SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra
SheFit Seamless Shorts
Superhold Sports Bra
Speedwick Smokey Shorts
Speedwick ActivChill Tech Top
Size range, fabric quality and product variety are important factors to consider when shopping for workout clothes.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

Finding workout clothes in sizes XXS to XL is generally no struggle. But plus-size activewear brands aren't as easy to come by. Fortunately, some brands are catching the drift: All bodies deserve workout clothing options.

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Here are some of the best brands making plus-size workout clothes for all shapes and sizes. Plus, some of our favorite tops, leggings, shorts and sports bras from each brand.

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How We Chose

We chatted with a personal trainer and physical therapist to learn more about their (and their clients') favorite brands for plus-sized workout clothing. We made the following picks based on the following criteria:

  • Size range
  • Fabric quality
  • Product variety

The below product images are from the retailers' websites and are not original to LIVESTRONG.com. So while all of the pieces of clothing are available in plus sizes, in some cases, the imagery may not reflect that. Even some the best brands for plus-size workout clothing still have work to do to become truly inclusive of all bodies.

We make deliberate choices about the language we use when it comes to gender. While more brands now carry gender-neutral workout clothes, you’ll still typically see clothing brands market their products to men or women.

The main difference between most women's and men's clothing is the fit: Men's versions tend to be longer in length and roomier in the front due to physical differences. However, fabrics, quality and comfort should be the same between gender-labeled pairs. We encourage everyone to purchase the products that feel right for them.

1. Athleta

When it comes to inclusive sizing, Athleta is a must-try, according to Melissa Garcia, DPT, CSCS, a Washington-based physical therapist. Athleta offers hundreds of styles in sizes ranging from XXS to 3X, making it among the most diverse brands size-wise.

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They also make plenty of high-waisted bottoms, which offer nice support while you train. "You don't want [your pants] sliding around while you exercise," she says. "They stretch, wick away moisture and are comfortable."

The Salutation 5-inch bike shorts are the perfect example, according to Garcia. They stay in place and give your mid-section nice support, thanks to the high waist.

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But if you're not on the hunt for workout leggings or shorts, don't worry, the company makes size-inclusive tops, bras and jackets, too, like the Pacifica Illume tank.

Salutation Stash Pocket II 5" Short

Buy it:Athleta.com; ‌Price:‌ $69

Athleta Pacifica Illume UPF Relaxed Tank

Buy it:Athleta.com; ‌Price:‌ $54

2. Old Navy

Old Navy is another brand worth browsing, with plenty of picks for men's and women's plus-size workout clothing, Garcia says. In women's clothing, you can find sizes up to a 4X. For men's, Old Navy makes activewear up to an XXXL.

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Another great thing about Old Navy's activewear? It's versatile for different activities. You can find size-inclusive clothes for just about any workout, including yoga, strength training and running. The PowerSoft leggings and Core tee can take you from yoga class to a run with no outfit changes necessary.

Plus, you don't have to worry about triple digit price tags. The brand's pieces are some of the most affordable on the market.

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High-Waisted PowerSoft Rib-Knit Side-Pocket 7/8-Length Leggings

Buy it:OldNavy.com; ‌Price:‌ $44.99

Go-Dry Cool Odor-Control Core Tee for Men

Buy it:OldNavy.com; ‌Price: ‌$16.99

3. Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective is definitely another brand to keep on your radar, according to Garcia. Offering sizes up to 6XL (and plenty of color options), Girlfriend Collective's broad size range is hard to beat.

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All of the brand's products are made sustainably, too, using recycled water bottles. And when you've used your clothes to the fullest, you can recycle them by sending your items back to the company.

Girlfriend Collective also makes sport-specific clothes for running, biking, yoga, tennis, swimming and, of course, lounging around the house.

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Their Topanga bra is ideal for a yoga or Pilates class (pretty much any low-impact workout) and it pairs perfectly with the lightweight Gia tee.

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Black Topanga Bra

Buy it:Girlfriend.com; ‌Price:‌ $46

Girlfriend Collective Gia Crop Tee

Buy it:Girlfriend.com; ‌Price: ‌$22.40

4. Nike

Nike has been around seemingly forever and with good reason: The company offers a broad range of sizes, according to D'Annette Stephens, CPT, founder of Fit Pros Black Alliance. The brand makes men's clothing in sizes up to 4XL tall and women's clothing up to 3X.

Plus, Stephens especially loves seeing their plus-size mannequins in the store, which is pretty unique to the brand.

For performance-driven, moisture-wicking fabrics, Garcia recommends you try clothes with Nike's Dri-FIT material, like the Veneer shorts or Luxe tank. The fabric pulls moisture away from your body to prevent skin irritation and chafing. Then, the quick-drying properties help dry your sweat ASAP to keep you dry and cool.

Nike Dri-FIT Veneer Men's Training Shorts

Buy it: Nike.com; ‌Price:‌ $42

Nike Dri-FIT One Luxe Racerback Tank

Buy it:Nike.com; ‌Price:‌ $25.97

5. SuperFit Hero

Stephens loves SuperFit Hero for women's plus-size workout clothes. "They believe all body types are athletic," she says.

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The brand offers clothes in sizes L to 7XL — and it's ethically made.

SuperFit Hero also takes the guessing out of online shopping. The brand offers a try-at-home trial run. You can try six items at home for a week absolutely free. Then, you only pay for what you keep and send the rest back.

Definitely include the Superhold Pocket leggings and matching bra in your trial box. The bestselling bottoms have a sweat-wicking fabric and a comfortable compression waist, according to Micki Krimmel, founder of SuperFit Hero.

Superhold Pocket Leggings

Buy it:Superfithero.com; ‌Price: ‌$99

Superhold Sports Bra

Buy it:Superfithero.com; ‌Price:‌ $69

6. Under Armour

Unlike most big-name activewear brands, Under Armour has an entire section of their website devoted to plus-size workout clothes. For long-lasting and durable pieces, Under Armour is a great pick. Their fabrics promise no pilling or tearing through even the toughest workouts.

Their plus-size leggings also have a no-slip waist-band, which is ideal, according to Garcia. While you exercise, your clothing shouldn't be a distraction. You don't want to spend half of your session readjusting your bottoms (seamless shorts are a great option for a distraction-free workout, too).

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Women's HeatGear Armour No-Slip Waistband Ankle Leggings

Buy it:Underarmour.com; ‌Price:‌ $45

Men's UA RUSH HeatGear 2.0 Long Shorts

Buy it:Underarmour.com; ‌Price: ‌$50

7. SheFit

Finding a good sports bra is a big priority for anyone with breasts, according to Garcia. And if you have a larger chest, you want a supportive fit that won't feel too tight or limiting.

Although they make an array of workout clothes, SheFit makes some of the best plus-size sport bras on the market. The brand focuses specifically on larger sizes, ranging up to a 55-inch bust and 49.5-inch rib cage.

Not sure what size is best for you? Take the company's virtual size quiz to find your perfect fit. It only takes a minute to complete and all you need is a measuring tape or a piece of string and an industrial measuring tape. (Pro tip: You can also use a ruler.)

If you're not on the hunt for a new bra, their seamless shorts will stay put through lots of lunges and squats.

Ultimate Sports Bra

Buy it:Shefit.com; ‌Price: ‌$75

Seamless Shorts

Buy it:SheFit.com; ‌Price:‌ $45

8. Reebok

For some men, when shopping for plus-size clothing, height is also a concern, Stephens explains.

Fortunately, Reebok, has a variety of Big + Tall as well as height-specific sizing options, too. Look for a T (tall) in the listed sizings. So in addition to sizes ranging from 1XL to 6XL, you can also find 2XLT, 5XLT, etc.

Before you buy, check the online size chart to find out if tall sizing will provide the best fit for your body.

Speedwick Tie-Dye Tech Shorts

Buy it:DXL.com; ‌Price: ‌$50

Speedwick ActivChill Tech Top

Buy it:DXL.com; ‌Price:‌ $50

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