What do you look for in plus size workout clothes?

Personaly I don't look at styles so much, I just want something that fits well and is comfortable whilst I'm working out. I'm uk size 24 top and 22 bottoms but I'm also 6 foot tall so It's hard to find workout clothes that aren't too short.

I'd say don't be tempted to go baggy as it leads to chafing and you can't check your form when doing exercises. You need stretch cycling shorts or leggings, and a well-fitted top. Don't rely on built-in support, you need a sports bra too. Go for technical breathable fabric over cotton every time.

Skorts are an absolute godsend!

I'm not plus sized, but am heavy. I used to wear the little tanks and shorts in summer and tights and fitted long sleeve tops when I was healthy and fit, but now I am just too self conscious in them.

Now, the long-sleeved tops I wear (it's still in the 40s here and I'm outside, running) are what I'd call 'semi-fitted'--they follow the shape of the body, but don't cling. I wear yoga pants for running as they have more flattering legs. On the odd day that it is over 50, I wear capri length yoga pants, again, because the legs are straight(not skin tight) which is much more flattering.

The HUGE annoyance with running in bottoms not designed for running? NO KEY POCKET! Drives me insane!

I'm not concerned about my upper arms, but most plus sized women I know are horribly self-conscious about their upper arms. I would guess they'd prefer a t-shirt type top for warmer weather so that at least part of their upper arms are covered.

I should have added that one of the reasons I like the yoga pants is that they have very wide waist bands, so even thought they are stretchy, they don't cut into you and create bulges above and below them. So the wide waist band makes them more comfrotable and more flattering!

I just want something...anything....I am so tired of going into sports stores and only finding small size workout clothes! Come on people...there's a whole population out there in need of workout clothes!!!

So yay for your friend!

Something other than black!
Also, muscle-cut shirts (sleeveless) are fine, with a bit of extra room in the neck.
Pants? I prefer long pants that are cut close but not tight. Mesh works well underneath shirts and as part of pants.

Agreed about the thighs rubbing together comment. Needs to come down to at least just above the knee. NO SPANDEX anything. Need sleeves. My upper arms are way flabby and make me embarrassed. Colors--love colors.

Yoga pants that don't shrink up would be nice. I had a heck of a time finding some long enough and once I did I bought 4 pair! Gotta be long enough but I also like them to sit above my waist.

Another issue is a tank with built in bra that is A: actually large enough for my cup size (DD) and B: long enough as they ride up as I work out & I'm not into my stomach hanging out!

I have also yet to find a sports bra tank that is high enough on the chest to keep my "girls" in check when I bend over. I just want everything covered and comfortable- why is that so freakin hard to find?

As far as colors, I prefer plain grays, white or black for tanks and bottoms and the color in my sneaks and jackets.

I want 3 quarter length sleeves, yoga style pants and I hate those flowery wild prints they seem to want to stick overweight people in. Just flattering colors that won't make me look like a big tomato. And reasonable prices. I don't want to spend 100 dollars on one outfit I don't plan in being able to wear for long because I am shrinking. Oh, and longer, but not real long shirts.

Maybe a customer loyalty program would help there? So as you needed new sizes, you could get a discount on the next size you need as you go down? Just thinking out loud here, so sorry if it's a silly idea. :embarassed:

Definitely shirts that are longer. For some reason so many plus size clothing makers think that fat people are all short and wide so shirts are too short. and also pants that aren't too long.

Yes to pants that aren't too long! In most plus size stores that I shop in it is impossible to find short jeans or dress pants. The people that work there say that the jeans are so long because they are meant to be worn with heels or boots. Okay...but that doesn't explain the workout pants that are 6 inches too long! I'm 5'4", and I can't imagine that all of the clientele at these stores are 5'10"+. I'm not wearing heels with my yoga pants, so what's the excuse now!?

I like capri length pants that breath and t-shirts that cover most my butt with short sleeves. I work out in a gym - not so much outside - If I go outside I like a sweatshirt that zips or snaps with pockets for keys, sunglasses, etc.

Pants: with a side pocket for house keys/ID. I like PeddlePushers vs Capris since I am short/petitie, (they are shorter but longer than a long short) because Capris come down almost to my ankle (looks like high water pants EWWWW! ). Also, with either elastic or tie waist. Not real loose, no flapping when exercising, but not skin tight showing all the cellulite.

Top : I also want long enough to cover my stomach when reaching...NO chest pocket! ( the 'girls' do not need any more attention brought to them). Also a top that does not show the 'girls' when I bend over and fits under the arms, preferably with short sleeves.

Breathable material with Wicking .

I agree with whoever said something about NOT bright florals or prints (Not Gawdy!!) Tame colors and of course basic 'sweat gray'

Hope this helps

even when i wasnt heavy ive always preferred mens hanes type shirts to work out in! lol...and at a heavier wieght that is still what i prefer.. just like to be comfy while sweating...ill normally wear capris while working out too

Let me chime in with another vote for long tops -- with large breasts and a naturally long upper body (for my short height) I've always had issues with tops that ride up.

Short enough bottoms, too -- short-length workout pants in large sizes. Cut so that they don't slip down over thighs that are wide in the top.

Strong, effective, and not-too-expensive workout bras in sizes 36-44 F/G and more.

Vests with built-in shelves are nice indeed.