If, like me, you aim to keep moving on your recovery days, I can’t recommend New Balance’s wide-leg joggers enough: they are roomy through the thigh and right down to the hems – a cut that’s hard to come by for curvier girls. Alo’s crewnecks are an investment, but the premium fleece lining makes them worth the splurge – their tactility and colour hold even after several laundry cycles.
Shop more plus-size activewear brands…
H&M Move
Look to H&M Move for swim and gymwear that won’t dent your wallet. While sizing varies throughout the range (and feels distinctively smaller in non-stretch fabrics), there are some stellar size-inclusive finds. The hiking cargos, which do double duty as a pair cargo shorts, are a fine example.
- Sizes: up to a 4XL (UK 32-34) at H&M.
Nike
Nike Plus offers a comprehensive range of activewear for every sport conceivable, purpose-built in performance fabrics. From hiking trousers to parkas and the classic Dri Fit leggings, you’ll find reliably functional pieces that often fit a tad larger than the label size. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for the NikeSkims drop – which, if it’s anything like Skims itself, looks set to be a fusion of fashion and fitness gear.
- Nike plus sizes: 0X-4X (UK 22 – 38)
Klayd
Klayd deals in the kind of basics that you can build your wardrobe around, offering activewear that serves double duty as a casual capsule, too. “Because our pieces are inherently stretchy and supportive, we naturally have flexibility in sizing, meaning our XS comfortably adapts to an S, and so forth,” reveals founder Paula Anselmi. “The double-layer fabric provides gentle yet firm support, giving that shapewear-like effect without compromising comfort or mobility.” I find the separates have a chic simplicity and are sturdy, but soft to the touch. “It’s about making every single person feel genuinely good, empowered, and confident in their body, no matter their size or shape,” Anselmi says.
- Sizes: up to a 4XL (UK 20-22) at Klayd.
M&S Goodmove
Stop by Marks & Spencer for workout staples done well. Supremely soft, its modal T-shirt is slit in the rear to spare your scrunchies when you want a tied waist, while its cotton joggers are cool enough to work up a sweat in.
- Sizes: up to a UK 24 at M&S.
New Balance
New Balance makes no distinction between its straight and extended sizes. Which is just as well, as much of its apparel is made in a way that offers a liberal fit. Pro tip: browse the men’s section for rugby tops and boyfriend-style hoodies that drape cosily over a top heavy frame – especially if, like me, you find that oversized silhouettes can be undermined by your bigger bust.
- Sizes: dependent on the item, but most pieces are available up to a 2XL (UK 26-28) at New Balance
