Motivation to exercise on the wane? We hear you.
Getting psyched to go out for a run when it’s cold and wet outside is no one’s idea of a good time, but dig deep and find extra incentive with stylish sportswear.
While there have always been leisurewear options in standard sizing, more brands are cottoning onto the fact that curvy and plus-size women want better selections too. Shopping for plus size gym wear is a far more pleasurable prospect these days with collections in sizes for almost every body. So if you’re got curves to clothe, jump for joy.
For high-performance pieces that look good and fit well you don’t have to look far. We’ve done the heavy lifting and found the best bras, leggings, shorts, vest, t-shirts and more designed for plus size bodies.
How to choose the right sports bra
A number of factors can affect your bra size, from your menstrual cycle to stress. If you’re not sure about what size sports bra to get, visit Sport Direct’s flagship on Oxford Street. The brand is home to the UK’s first ever multi-brand bra finder tool in the Bra Studio. Promising to help women find their perfect fit in every brand stocked, and for different kinds of sport, you’ll never need to fumble mid-circuit with a slipping bra strap ever again.
Going for a walk or run, rolling out the yoga mat and jumping on the spin saddle are all a lot easier when you feel confident with how you look.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best plus size sports kit and gym wear so you can spend less time shopping and more time planning your week’s workouts.
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Best women’s gym shorts that are ideal whatever your workout
Nike Training Plus High Shine Indy light support sports bra in pink
Sizes: 22 - 32
With front adjustable straps, you’ll never have to fumble around to get the right support mid-workout again. The pull-on scoop neck design is ideal for low-impact activities such as yoga and pilates, helping you feel secure as you work through the moves.
Buy now £37.95, ASOS
Adanola Oversized Sweatshirt - Coffee Bean
Sizes: XS - 2XL
Choose the right pieces and you’ll find they’re as comfortable for exercising as they are for lounging around the house. Adanola, a relatively new Manchester-born label, specialises in elevated athleisure that’s made it a go-to for celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian. This oversized sweatshirt is the perfect pull-on once you’ve finished going hell for leather at the gym. Add matching trousers for a casual look or team with cycling shorts to recreate your own Princess Di moment.
Buy now, Adanola
Good American The Icon Bike Short
Sizes: XL - 3XL
Khloe Kardashian is the big name behind Good American, and while we’ve waxed lyrical about its curve-enhancing denim (what else would you expect from such a celebrity name?), the activewear is worth a mention too. Available in a range of sizes to fit as many body shapes as possible, options run from XS to 4XL for many pieces.
Hitting mid-thigh The Icon Bike Short is your fitnesswear ride-or-die, whether you’re sat in the spinning saddle or doing reps, helping keep you looking and feeling cool. The plain black shorts go with everything and are quick-drying, useful after a workout or a wash. The fit won’t bag or roll thanks to the 12 per cent spandex woven into the polyester.
Buy now £60.00, Good American
M&S Goodmove Freedom To Move Ultimate Support Sports Bra
Sizes: A-E cup
There’s no missing this M&S design in your underwear drawer; the jewel pink is ready and waiting to join you on your next trip to the gym. Racerback-style straps give added support and lift when you’re giving it your all but there’s no worry over sweat levels: integrated Cool Comfort tech helps you stay feeling fresh. The bra comes in A to E cup sizes with bands running to 42 and is perfect for high-impact exploits such as dancing, spinning and running.
Buy now £25.00, M&S
Nike Dri-FIT Women’s Training Tank (Plus size)
Sizes: XL - 3XL
Keep it plain and simple in Nike’s soft tank, constructed with a jersey knit that won’t hamper your movements. It’s a good choice whether you’re trying to reach your PB on the treadmill or digging deep on the cross-trainer.
Buy now £22.95, Nike
Nike Dri-FIT One Women’s Printed Training Tank (Plus Size)
Sizes: XL - 3XL
Good enough to wear clubbing, turn your workout into a party with help from this gold-speckled training tank top from Nike. The fabric feels smooth and breathable against the skin, while the cropped cut helps with ventilation, welcoming air whether you’re sweating on the machines or stretching out on the mats.
Buy now £32.95, Nike
Adicolour 3-Stripes Swimsuit
Sizes: XL - 4XL
Whether you’re a front-crawler or a butterfly stoke kind of swimmer, make a splash in the pool with sports giant Adidas’ electric blue swimsuit. Featuring an open back and high cut legs, the piece is made with at least 70 per cent recycled plastic content.
Buy now £45.00, Adidas
adidas Badge Of Logo Swimsuit
Sizes: 30 - 42
Get your lengths in with style with Adidas’ sleek black swimsuit. The bold design features a racer back and is made from ex-nylons, helping to recycle clothes that would have otherwise gone to landfill.
Buy now £28.00, SimplyBe
Ulla Popken Crane Print Zip Pocket Stretch Knit Leggings
Sizes: 24 - 34
Fashionable fitness apparel is far and few between, which is why we love Ulla Popken’s crane-print leggings. The slim leg look features a high rise elastic waistband and there’s a pocket on the centre back for essentials like keys when you’re out for a run. Stretchy and comfortable, they’re ideal for a range of activities and go up to a size 34.
Buy now £45.00, Ulla Popken
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25"
Sizes: up to UK24
Made for high-impact circuits and workouts where you’re guaranteed to work up a sweat, Lululemon’s Wunder Train leggings make the perfect gym partner. The contour fit four-way stretch design is made with sweat-wicking Everlux, which dries quickly and stays feeling cool on the inside.
Buy now £88.00, Lululemon
M&S Goodmove Go Move Printed High Waisted Gym Leggings
Sizes: 6 - 22
There’s nothing more annoying than leggings rolling down when you’re in the middle of a fitness class. Opt for tights with a higher waist and you’ll feel secure, whatever position you find yourself holding. M&S’s Goodmove line has this bold animal print second-skin pair complete with pockets to store the absolute essentials. There’s even a tie inside the waist for added security.
The entire Goodmove range is designed to work for as long and as hard as you do with breathable fabric that wicks away moisture so you’re never feeling claggy. Better yet, all this is achieved through recycled polyester, giving new life to old plastic that would have otherwise been binned.
Buy now £27.50, M&S
