The best places to buy plus-size workout clothes in 2026

Business Insider | 17-08-2026 11:01pm |

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreI tested dozens of activewear brands over the span of a year to find the best plus-size options.Lauren Savoie/Business InsiderMany brands like to proclaim that exercise is for everyone, but few walk the walk when it comes to inclusively-sized workout clothes. The truth is that in the US, the average woman wears a size 16 or 18 (XL-2X). And yet, most activewear brands stop their sizing at an XL.I learned this from testing and writing extensively about the best plus-size clothing. As a size 24 woman myself, I've felt the struggle of finding cute, dependable outfits that stay put as I jog. That's why over the span of a year, I worked out in various fitness gear to find ones with comfortable, temperature-regulating workout clothes in sizes 3XL to 7XL.Believe me, I know how annoying it is to yank up my leggings or adjust my sports bra straps while I'm just trying to enjoy a hike. Below, I've outlined the very best plus-size workout clothing brands, based on my analysis of fit, quality, and durability. Read more about how the Reviews team tests clothing at BI.PopflexLauren Savoie/Business InsiderShop all plus-size activewear at PopflexSize range: XXS to 3XWe love Popflex's fun, girly, and romantic activewear designs, including its viral exercise skorts (even Taylor Swift is a fan). Designer Cassie Ho regularly details the thoughtfulness that goes into each piece on social media. It shows in the final product — not only are the fit and style on point, but the designs include features often overlooked in women's activewear such as deep pockets and an anti-cameltoe design. We particularly love that the brand's leggings are available in seven inseam lengths, which is awesome if you're plus-size and petite or tall (like me).Returns and exchanges will incur a $5.95 return shipping fee unless you buy "Checkout+" for $1.98. I don't love the practice of "refund insurance," but it is cheaper than return shipping and I usually buy it just in case the sizing doesn't work out.Read more in our full Popflex review.SpanxLauren Savoie/Business InsiderShop all activewear at SpanxSize range: XS to 3XSpanx may be known for its shapewear, but the brand has been expanding into other categories, like workwear, jeans, and activewear. One of my biggest pet peeves is when leggings slip during activities and have to constantly be hiked back up. I've found the leggings and sports bras from Spanx feature a good amount of compression, which really helps everything stay in place. The compression might feel uncomfortable to some, especially those with bigger bellies, so I recommend sizing up if you can. I also have a set of the AirEssentials loungewear that I love for walking or lounging — the silky fabric is very cooling, and the silhouette makes me feel like a chic grandma jog walker (in the best way possible).See one our favorite Spanx sets in our guide to the best workout sets for women.AthletaLauren Savoie/Business InsiderShop all plus-size clothing at AthletaSize range: XXS to 3XAs its name would imply, Athleta's athleisure options are plenty, and you'll also find technical apparel, swimwear, and even some pieces that are chic enough to wear to work, like the Brooklyn Ankle Pants. I fell in love with Athleta joggers during the pandemic, and they're still my go-to for working from home, lounging around, or walks in the park. I love the lightweight but durable materials and have purchased six pairs since 2021. I've worn its more technical apparel as base and insulation layers on ski trips and while hiking in the deserts of Utah and the mountains of Colorado. Returns are free, and you have 60 days from the ship date to return in-store or through the mail.Beyond YogaLauren Savoie/Business InsiderShop all plus-size activewear at Beyond YogaSize range: XXS to 4XFor truly luxurious activewear that feels as good as it looks, I highly recommend checking out Beyond Yoga. The majority of Beyond Yoga's plus-size offerings are made with Spacedye, its own proprietary blend of polyester and elastane that feels soft like cotton, but still has the moisture-wicking properties of synthetic materials (which are actually preferred in athletic wear — natural fabrics are more likely to leave you cold and wet when you sweat).Unsurprisingly, the workout sets are perfect for yoga, featuring plenty of stretch and softness for all of the bending and twisting you do in a session. But I love Beyond Yoga for, well, plenty beyond just yoga. The Midi Joggers and the Refocus Cropped Tank are my favorite pieces for long walks — they allow for a great range of motion and still make me feel put together enough that I can easily bop into a store or restaurant while out on a long stroll around town.I know a lot of plus-size people prefer a very supportive sports bra, but I personally really like that Beyond Yoga's bras don't have any padding or metal hardware, which I find much more co

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