Runners come in all shapes and sizes, as anyone who’s eyed the competition at the start line of a 5K, marathon, or trail ultra can tell you. But for too long, outdated ideas about what a “runner’s body” looks like have dictated what kind of performance wear is available from the major athletic brands.
The good news is that’s starting to change, as badass runners of size gain more visibility, and the “health at every size” movement picks up steam. Everyone wants and deserves to feel comfortable while they run—and activewear companies are finally taking notice. Some are even specializing in fitness apparel beyond the XL. Here’s what to look for when shopping for new running gear and what the plus-size athletes in our test group have been running in this season.
The Best Brands for Plus-Size Runners
Runners of all sizes now have more options than ever. More mainstream brands are extending their size ranges or creating new plus-size collections, like those from Nike, Athleta, and REI. (Also check out Team Estrogen, Skirt Sports, and Old Navy, while you’re at it.) Some online startups, like Girlfriend Collective and Fabletics, are doing inclusivity particularly well, making the same style of compression gear you can buy in an XS available in up to a 6XL. Other brands, like JunoActive, specialize in workout gear for women in plus sizes only. Just don’t get discouraged if you can’t find anything you like in the store: Many brands are online-only, or have a much wider selection online.
Where to Start
The two most important things you need are likely to be shoes and a sports bra. There’s no one pair of running shoes that works for everyone, but you’ll definitely want something durable with plenty of protective cushion. We’ve found that stiffer shoes with lots of firm cushioning through the midsole, like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20, are well-received by heavier runners. We’ve recommended a few others below, but your local running store will be able to provide you with more personalized suggestions.
Choosing the right sports bra with the support and compression to hold everything in place might make even more of a difference to your comfort level while running. Unfortunately, that anti-bounce fit doesn’t come cheap—you’ll likely have to spend a little more money to get the stay-put support you need. We’ve found that Glamorise and Enell make high-quality sports bras with adjustable, padded straps in a wide range of band and cup sizes, but mainstream brands like Nike and Adidas have some solid models in extended sizes as well.
As for apparel, there are some special features that will make your runs easier and more comfortable. Technical fabrics that breathe well and wick sweat are always your friends. Wide, high-waisted waistbands not only look cute and flattering but also keep your running tights from rolling up or migrating down. Flat seams in general will help prevent chafing—particularly the dreaded “chub rub” created by the friction between a runner’s thighs. We recommend compression shorts, like those made by JunoActive, for sweaty summer running with less thigh chafe. Read on for more of our favorite plus-size running clothes.
How We Chose These Products
To ensure you’re covered from head to toe, we looked at everything from tops and bottoms to shoes and sports bras. We chose durable shoes with plenty of cushion, and sports bras that come in an extensive range of band widths and cup sizes. Some of the products we’ve tested in other sizes, and some have been recommended by our plus-size pool of testers. We also know which features are a bonus for any woman who wants to work out comfortably, including high waistbands, compressive materials, and fabrics that are lightweight, stretchy, sweat-wicking, and colorful. Here’s a dozen to get you started.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Many a runner has wondered to herself why brands can’t just make the same hip, functional workout clothing available in a wider size range. Girlfriend Collective not only pulls off the dream but makes it look easy, with running tights and tops in modern colors and styles—in everything from an XS to a 6XL. These high-rise leggings are super-comfortable and flattering to all body types, and don’t chafe or budge while you’re in motion. They’re also made using ethical manufacturing from recycled water bottles, so you can feel good about every part of your workout.
JunoActive QuikWik Bike Short
Summer is chafing season for most runners, which is why these compression shorts are clutch under baggier running shorts or just worn solo. The flat elastic waistband won’t roll down, and the legs won’t migrate up mid-run. The lightweight micro-polyester and spandex fabric wicks moisture and breathes well, so you’ll stay cooler and more comfortable on hot days.
Skirt Sports Triple Pocket Tights
Ultrarunner Mirna Valerio of the blog Fat Girl Running selected these full-length tights as one of her picks, with good reason—they’ve got lots of extra cargo capacity for all your long-run essentials, like phone, keys, cash, and gels. With a higher rise and a lightweight moisture-wicking fabric, the tights stay comfortable and compressive for sizes up to a 3X.
Athleta Ultimate Train Top
Athleta recently extended the sizing of up to 70 percent of the store’s selection, so you can find more workout clothes in 1X to 3X both in store and online. This lightweight, breathable long-sleeve is a good pick for brisk morning runs when you know you’ll heat up quickly, or for sunny days when you could use the shirt’s UPF 30+ protection. The fit is loose—and comfortable enough that you’ll want to wear it on rest days, too.
Nike Dry-Fit Legend Training Top
This basic short-sleeve is available in sizes from XS to 3X and a dozen different colors—at a price conducive to stocking up, if you like the fit. The fabric is lightweight, quick-drying, and swingy, so the shirt feels cool and well-ventilated on summer runs or treadmill workouts. The back of the top is a little longer than the front, so it pairs well with leggings.
REI Co-op Active Pursuits Tank Top
If you’ve long since given up on REI having extended sizes, give the store a second chance—its in-house Co-op brand has an entire plus-size line now. Available in a 2X and 3X, the Active Pursuits tank is made of stretchy, lightweight polyester that dries quickly, wicks sweat, and has UPF 50+ sun protection, so it’s perfect for summer running. Designed for hiking and trail running, it looks stylish enough to be worn as casual wear.
Glamorise No-Bounce Cami Elite Sports Bra
Glamorise No-Bounce Cami Elite Sports Bra
A good sports bra just might be the most essential gear item you can buy in terms of comfort and motivation. This one comes through with all the support you need for tempo workouts and race-pace efforts without feeling too tight or restrictive. There’s also no underwire to stab you in the ribs. Perforated moisture-wicking fabrics throughout the bra keep you from overheating, and adjustable straps help you dial in the fit. Look for it in sizes from 34C to 50H.
Enell Sport High Impact Bra
At some point every large-chested runner has probably thought the only true cure for excessive bouncing was wearing two sports bras at the same time. Nope—this ultra-compressive model might be a little hard to get on initially (a row of hook and eye closures lines the front of the bra), but once you’re in it, you get maximum support in one ridiculously powerful layer. The sizing covers everything from a 32- to a 60-inch bust.
Plus-Size Adidas Ultimate High Support Sports Bra
For a high-impact, wire-free bra that provides tons of support without feeling like a kettlebell is sitting on your chest, this Adidas zip-front is perfect. The polyester elastane fabric dries quickly and wicks moisture, while maintaining good airflow. It’s easy to get on, comfortable, and the best part is, it stays in place—and holds you there with it. There’s only one catch: The size range is comparatively limited, covering 44C to 46DD.
Hoka One One Clifton 7
The Clifton has won over all types of runners with its counterintuitive mix of soft, plush cushioning and light overall weight. Heavier runners in particular will find a lot to love here: A thick, full compression EVA midsole absorbs shock and protects your joints from getting battered by the road, and a generous toebox gives even wider-footed runners plenty of space to spread out. You probably won’t reach for this shoe on speedwork days, but for long runs, it’s ideal.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
The “GTS” in this sneaker’s name stands for “go-to shoe”—and it’s an accurate summary of this longtime favorite running shoe’s role in our rotation. Thanks to a guide rail system that bumpers an overpronating or fatiguing foot into place, the shoe is gentle on the knees while providing lots of stability and support. The midsole here is firm, but not too firm—and provides just enough cushion to keep your legs feeling fresh post-run. We’ve found that it provides a soft, stable ride for runners of all sizes and stride types.
Running in the Cold
The brand’s flagship stability shoe is slightly on the heavy side, but with that bulk comes a soft, thick, Gel-infused midsole; plush, engineered mesh upper; and lots of high-mileage rubber underfoot to carry you through your race training cycle. Lighter runners might find the Gel-Kayano to be a bit stiff, but it hits the sweet spot for heavier overpronators who want the support and cushion to go long.
