Finding the best workout clothes for plus size bodies can be a game-changer in your fitness journey. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or practising yoga, wearing the right gear that fits well and feels comfortable makes a significant difference. A great start is knowing which brands and styles cater to your specific needs, offering both functionality and fashion.
You might wonder why it’s so essential to have specialised workout clothes. The right attire can boost your confidence, improve performance, and even prevent injuries. Understanding what to look for in plus-size fitness wear ensures that you stay motivated and comfortable, no matter the activity.
Choosing the Right Fabric
When choosing workout clothes, the fabric you pick can make a huge difference in your comfort and performance. It’s important to choose materials that are breathable, durable, and stretchy to ensure you have the best workout experience.
Breathability and Comfort
Breathable fabrics are key to staying comfortable during your workouts. Look for materials like moisture-wicking polyester or nylon, which help draw sweat away from your skin. This keeps you cool and dry, reducing the risk of chafing and irritation. Cotton, while soft, tends to absorb sweat, which can make it heavy and uncomfortable.
Comfort is also crucial. Fabrics with a bit of spandex can offer that extra stretch, allowing your clothes to move with you. Think about the areas where you sweat the most and choose materials that offer ventilation in these spots. For example, plus size sports bras with extra ventilation can make a big difference.
Durability and Stretch
When it comes to workout clothes, durability is essential. You want fabrics that can withstand frequent washing and intense activities without losing their shape or functionality. Look for reinforced seams and high-quality stitching in areas that experience a lot of friction, like the thighs and underarms.
Stretch is another important factor. Fabrics like elastane mixed with polyester can provide the right balance of stretch and durability. This blend allows for a full range of motion, which is important for activities that require a lot of bending or stretching. Remember, clothes that retain their shape even after multiple washes are worth investing in.
Choosing the right fabric might require some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort to find what works best for you.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Finding the right plus-size workout clothes can be tricky. By understanding your body shape, paying attention to size guides, and exploring customisable options, you can achieve a flattering and comfortable fit.
Understanding Your Body Shape
Knowing your body shape is key to finding clothes that fit well and look good. Common body shapes include apple, pear, hourglass, and rectangle. Each shape has its unique characteristics and clothing needs.
For example, if you have an apple shape, focus on finding tops that provide ample bust support and bottoms that balance your proportions. Pear shapes may benefit from leggings with added stretch around the hips and thighs. Hourglass shapes can look for pieces that highlight their waist, while rectangle shapes might choose styles that add curves through the cut and design.
Understanding your body shape helps narrow down which styles are likely to be most comfortable and flattering for you.
Importance of Size Guides
Size guides are crucial when shopping for plus-size workout clothes. Different brands can have varied sizing, so it’s important to check the size chart of each brand. Measure yourself accurately for the most reliable fit.
Tips for using size guides:
- Measure Your Bust: Use a tape measure to get the circumference around the fullest part of your bust.
- Measure Your Waist: Find the smallest part of your waist, usually just above the belly button.
- Measure Your Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips and bottom.
Make sure to compare your measurements with the brand’s size guide. If you fall between sizes, consider the type of fabric and fit you prefer. Stretchy materials may allow you to go down a size, while more structured fabrics might require a larger size.
Customisable Options
Some brands now offer customisable options for plus-size workout clothes, perfect for getting that just-right fit. Look for features like adjustable straps, drawstrings, and mix-and-match sizes for tops and bottoms.
Brands like Adidas and Nike have extended their ranges to incorporate these adaptable features. Adjustable waistbands and bra straps can help you fine-tune your fit, while options to combine different sizes for top and bottom ensure that both pieces suit your body shape perfectly.
When shopping, always look for these flexible features as they can make a significant difference in comfort and performance during your workouts.
Styling Tips
When choosing plus-size workout clothes, selecting the right colours and patterns can highlight your best features. Layering also adds versatility to your wardrobe, offering practical and stylish options.
Colour Choices and Patterns
Selecting the right colours can make a big difference. Darker shades, such as black, navy, and deep green, are slimming and can streamline your look. These colours help to create a sleek profile. Bright colours and bold patterns can add flair, but it’s important to place them strategically. For instance, if you want to highlight a particular area, choose bright and patterned items for that part of your body.
Patterns like vertical stripes can elongate your frame, giving a taller, leaner appearance. Avoid horizontal stripes, as they can make areas look wider. Colour blocking, where different parts of an outfit are different colours, can also help to accentuate or downplay certain areas. For example, wearing darker colours on your lower half can make your legs appear slimmer.
Layering for Versatility
Layering is both practical and stylish. It allows you to adapt to different temperatures and adds depth to your outfit. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. On top of this, you can add a loose tank top or T-shirt for extra coverage and comfort.
Using a lightweight jacket or hoodie is perfect for warming up or cooling down during workouts. It can be easily removed once you start to sweat. Opt for zippers or buttons for easy removal. Mixing textures and fabrics in your layers can add an interesting visual element to your outfit. For instance, pair a smooth base layer with a textured outer layer to highlight different parts of your ensemble.
Layering not only helps you stay comfortable during workouts but also enhances your style, making your activewear look more intentional and put together.
