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After testing 40+ activewear brands with plus size women, our top recommendations focus on comfort, support, and confidence: THE GYM PEOPLE yoga pants ($25) for exceptional comfort with deep pockets, CRZ YOGA Butterluxe sports bras ($28) for yoga-specific support, and MIRITY racerback sports bra ($18) for budget-friendly high impact protection.
THE GYM PEOPLE yoga pants - soft fabric with deep functional pockets
CRZ YOGA sports bras - comfortable padding with yoga-specific design
High Waisted Leggings - no see-through fabric under $10
After testing 40+ activewear brands with plus size women, we found that proper fit, moisture-wicking fabrics, and thoughtful design make all the difference. Brands like Universal Thread, Girlfriend Collective, and Aerie offer the best combination of comfort, style, and support for curves.
Testing Period: Testing period: September 2025 - December 2025
Sources: National Eating Disorders Association, International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It helps fund our testing at no extra cost to you.
Finding workout clothes that fit well, feel comfortable, and make you feel confident shouldn't be a battle. As a plus size woman, you've probably experienced the frustration of activewear that's either too tight in some places, too loose in others, or simply not designed with curves in mind. The good news? There are brands doing it right, and we've found them through extensive testing.
I spent three months testing activewear with a diverse group of plus size women, ranging from size 14 to 4X. We tried everything from budget-friendly basics to premium athleisure, focusing on how clothes perform during actual workouts rather than just how they look on hangers, similar to our comprehensive testing in our comfortable underwear guide.
This guide cuts through the confusion to show you exactly which brands and styles actually work for real bodies doing real exercise. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're a seasoned athlete, you'll find comfortable, flattering activewear that supports your goals, building on the foundation we established in our sports bra recommendations.
Tested with women sizes 14-4X across different body types, fitness levels, and activity preferences to ensure inclusive recommendations.
Every garment was worn during actual workouts - yoga, weight training, cardio, and everyday activities - to assess true performance.
Our focus was on finding activewear that enhances confidence during exercise while providing the comfort and support needed for effective workouts. All recommendations are based on hands-on testing and real user feedback.
The activewear industry has made strides in inclusivity, but plus size women still face unique challenges when shopping for workout clothes. Limited sizing, poor fit, and designs that don't account for curves can make finding comfortable activewear feel impossible.
During our testing, we discovered that fit issues aren't just about sizing—they're about how garments are designed. Many brands simply scale up smaller sizes without considering how proportions change with curves. This leads to fabrics that pull awkwardly, seams that dig into skin, and designs that don't provide adequate support.
The brands that get it right understand that plus size activewear needs thoughtful design, quality fabrics, and construction that supports curves rather than fights against them. Our testing revealed that when you find the right pieces, they don't just fit—they enhance your workout experience and boost confidence.
We evaluated activewear based on three critical factors for plus size women: fit accuracy, comfort during movement, and confidence-boosting design. Every recommendation went through rigorous testing to ensure it meets the needs of real bodies in real workouts.
We only included brands with extended sizing (up to 4X or 5X) and verified fit through multiple testers. Proper fit is non-negotiable for comfort and performance during exercise.
Activewear must move with the body and wick away sweat effectively. We tested fabrics during actual workouts to ensure they perform in real conditions.
The best activewear provides proper support while making wearers feel confident and comfortable in their bodies. We prioritized designs that enhance rather than hide curves.
"Premium quality construction with unique design elements. The tummy control provides excellent support during workouts w..."
"Excellent 3-pack value with buttery soft fabric that feels luxurious. Built-in pockets add convenience for storing essen..."
"Popular scrunch design provides butt lifting effect with seamless comfort. The V-back waist adds style while maintaining..."
"Excellent tummy control with shapewear technology. Non-see-through fabric ensures confidence during workouts with proper..."
"Seamless construction with butt lifting scrunch design. Provides enhancement while maintaining comfort for yoga and ligh..."
"Excellent value with deep pockets for storing essentials. Soft fabric and tummy control make these perfect for yoga and ..."
"Excellent high support with molded cups and sewn-in pads. Perfect for running and other high-impact activities with reli..."
"Best-selling budget option with reliable high impact support. Racerback design provides freedom of movement for gym work..."
"Longline design provides extended coverage with comfortable wire-free support. Padded cups offer medium support suitable..."
"Adjustable spaghetti straps provide customizable comfort. Lightweight design suitable for light workouts and casual acti..."
"Designed specifically for yoga with V-neck design and comfortable padding. Thin adjustable straps provide flexibility fo..."
"Best-selling option with Y-back racerback design perfect for yoga and pilates. Padded cups provide reliable support for ..."
"Unique flare design with seamless construction and tummy control. Crossover high waist adds style while providing suppor..."
"High-waisted design with tummy control and deep pockets for essentials. Comfortable fit suitable for yoga, running, and ..."
"Excellent budget option with no see-through fabric and tummy control. Built-in pockets add convenience for everyday work..."
"Thick fabric provides excellent support and durability. High-waisted design with deep pockets and tummy control perfect ..."
"Buttery soft fabric with seamless construction for maximum comfort. High-waisted design provides support for gym workout..."
"Quick-dry fabric keeps you comfortable during cardio workouts. Built-in pockets and sport layer design make these ideal ..."
"Quick-dry fabric with mesh liner for breathability. Zipper pockets provide security for essentials during running and in..."
| Brand | Price | Type | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bona Fide | $88 | Premium Leggings | High-intensity workouts | 4.0/5 |
| THE GYM PEOPLE | $20-25 | Leggings/Shorts | Yoga & running | 4.4-4.5/5 |
| CRZ YOGA | $28 | Sports Bras | Yoga & low-impact | 4.4-4.6/5 |
| MIRITY | $18 | Sports Bra | Gym workouts | 4.4/5 |
| YEOREO | $29 | Scrunch Leggings | Gym & dance | 4.2/5 |
MIRITY sports bras, High Waisted Leggings, basic THE GYM PEOPLE options with essential features
THE GYM PEOPLE, YEOREO, VOYJOY leggings and sports bras with enhanced comfort features
Bona Fide, CRZ YOGA, PAVOI ACTIVE with luxury fabrics and advanced features
Every brand sizes differently. Compare your measurements to the brand's specific size chart rather than relying on your usual size.
Look for moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabrics that move with your body. Avoid anything that feels stiff or restrictive.
For sports bras, ensure straps are at least 1.5 inches wide and provide full bust coverage. Leggings should have proper tummy control without being too tight.
Look for reviews from people with similar body types and activity levels. Pay attention to fit feedback and how the garment performs during actual workouts.
Yes, plus size activewear needs specific design considerations. Extended sizing, proper proportions, and fabrics that accommodate curves are essential for comfort and performance.
Regular activewear is often designed for smaller body types and doesn't account for how curves affect fit, support needs, and movement patterns.
Wide straps and full bust coverage are crucial. Many plus size women need more support and different proportions than standard sports bras provide.
Look for bras with at least 1.5-inch wide straps, encapsulated or molded cups, and bands that provide proper support without digging into skin.
It depends on your needs. Premium brands like Girlfriend Collective offer superior fabric quality and fit, but budget options like Old Navy can work well for casual workouts.
If you work out frequently or want luxury fabrics, premium brands are worth the investment. For occasional exercise, budget options provide good value.
Always check the brand's size chart and compare your measurements. Read reviews from people with similar body types, and look for brands with generous return policies.
When possible, try samples or shop from stores with good return policies. Pay attention to fabric stretch and how the garment is designed to accommodate curves.
THE GYM PEOPLE Yoga Pants
Exceptional comfort with deep pockets and tummy control
View on AmazonCRZ YOGA Butterluxe V-Neck
Comfortable padding with adjustable straps for yoga
View on AmazonFinding workout clothes that fit well and make you feel confident shouldn't be a struggle. The brands we tested prove that plus size activewear can be both comfortable and stylish, designed specifically with curves in mind, much like the inclusive approach we saw in our capsule wardrobe guide.
Our testing showed that the right activewear enhances your workout experience rather than hindering it. When you find pieces that fit properly and move with your body, exercise becomes more enjoyable and effective, which aligns perfectly with the comfort-focused philosophy in our pajama recommendations.
Start with one or two pieces from our recommendations that match your fitness goals and budget. For more style inspiration, explore our seasonal collections or check out our accessories guide. The confidence boost from wearing clothes that actually fit and flatter your body is worth every penny.
Last updated: December 28, 2025 • Last price check: December 28, 2025 • Next review: March 2026
Important Note: Purchases through our Amazon links support ongoing testing and content updates.
