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What are the Different Types of Plus Size Workout Clothes?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Plus size workout clothes are specialized exercise clothing made for fuller body types. This oversize active wear is designed for men and women; there are many different garment pieces from which they can choose. Looking stylish and feeling comfortable while exercising in public can help larger sized people stay confident while getting fit. Bike shorts, capris, athletic pants, workout jackets, t-shirts and tank tops are popular types of extra large workout clothes.

Men's and women's oversize tank tops are designed to fit a larger stomach without riding up uncomfortably during exercises, such as arm raises or weight lifting. These sleeveless shirts, if quality made, allow for maximum arm movement without material bunching up in the underarm area. Tank tops in a flattering line of plus size workout clothes often feature a v-neck, as this is not only comfortable but creates a slimmer look to a fuller face shape. Men's and women's oversize sleeveless workout tops are available in many fashion colors; some also include allover graphic patterns.

A plus size t-shirt.
A plus size t-shirt.

T-shirts for plus size workouts are styled similar to the tank tops, but have short sleeves. They may be a solid color with a small detail such as the plus size athletic clothing company's logo on one side of the chest area. Alternatively, t-shirts in a line of plus size workout clothes may feature graphics such as a photo or text across the middle of the chest.

Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.
Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.

Workout jackets and athletic pants for larger size people are sold both separately and as a matched set. Many of these are designed in unisex styles, which means they're suitable for either males or females. Oftentimes, color blocked strips of material accent this type of plus size workout clothes. Extra large workout pants that feature lengthwise stripes down their length can create the illusion of longer legs as well as add design interest. Rounded color block sections at the waist that are darker than a workout jacket's main color can visually slim a larger body type.

Exercise capris are athletic pants that end just below the knee. This length can be especially flattering for larger sized people with shorter legs. Knee length capri pants for men and women are available in lightweight fleece material as well as thinner types of cotton. The waist on capri plus size workout clothes may be either elastic or drawstring. Oversize bike shorts are similar to capris, but are a little shorter in length; they usually have an elastic waist and fit tighter on the body while still allowing for ease of movement.

Discussion Comments

chivebasil

I am a big fan of the NBC show The Biggest Looser and I often admire the workout clothes that the contestants wear. Is there a place where I can buy the clothes they feature on the show or at least find out what the brand is? I am trying to loose weight myself and I would love to have some clothes that I liked to help me feel better about the whole process.

summing

I am a very large man and I have had trouble finding plus sized workout clothes that fit me. They literally don't make a size that is large enough. What should I do? Where do I turn when the world is not made to accommodate me?

whiteplane

Many plus sized people struggle to find workout clothes that they are comfortable in because wokout clothes tend to be tight and are often intended to highlight the features of the body. Let's face it, workout clothes are made for sexy people. So when you don't feel sexy and you are self conscious to be in the gym and to be sweating and struggling, often the last thing you want is to be in a skimpy little outfit.

Luckily you can go to plus sized clothing store and find clothes that are comfortable, functional and maybe even a little flattering. Having the right clothes can really help you get more involved with your workout.

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    • A plus size t-shirt.
      By: picsfive
      A plus size t-shirt.
    • Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.
      By: Hugo Félix
      Women who wear plus size clothing may find a greater selection online or through catalogs.