The best plus-size workout clothes we tested for fit, comfort, and affordability

Shop all plus-size activewear at Popflex

Size range: XXS to 3X

We 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 our full Popflex Active review.

Shop all plus-size activewear at Beyond Yoga

Size range: XXS to 4X

For 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 comfortable for my preferred activities of walking, biking, hiking, and yoga. The bras, like the rest of Beyond Yoga's offerings, are soft and comfy enough that I could fall asleep in them, and I still feel very supported during medium-impact activities. My only gripe is that I wish the brand offered more of its limited-edition colors and prints in plus sizes.

Shop all plus-size activewear at Girlfriend Collective

Size range: XXS to 6X

Girlfriend Collective offers a diverse range of activewear in sizes up to 6X, and it's a really great place to shop if you prioritize ethical retailers. The brand is super transparent about its materials and manufacturing process, including the conditions of its factories, which are SA8000-certified. This certification ensures that employees are paid a living wage, have safe working conditions, and have the right to unionize, among other quality-of-life and safety standards.

I love the diversity of styles and colors offered by Girlfriend Collective. It's rare as a plus-size person to feel like you have tons of options, but Girlfriend Collective has literally hundreds of size-inclusive styles, from basics like leggings to more niche activewear like leotards. I do wish the brand featured more plus-size models; though the clothes are available in up to a 6X, I couldn't find a model wearing larger than an XXL on the site. It would be super helpful to see the clothing on bigger bodies to get a feel for the fit and sizing before ordering. I personally find the clothing runs a bit small and I usually order up a size.

We detail a prime example of Girlfriend Collective's quality workout gear in our guide to the best leggings with pockets. To learn more, see our full Girlfriend Collective sustainable leggings review.

Shop all activewear at Universal Standard

Size range: 00 to 40 (4XS to 4XL in Universal Standard's in-house sizing)

Universal Standard tops many of our plus-size clothing guides, including the best plus-size workwear and best plus-size jeans. The brand offers an incredible range of sizes — from 00 to 40 — and each garment is fit-tested on every size.

The activewear options lean more athleisure than technical, with a focus on looser-fitting silhouettes, making them a good option for those who don't like a lot of compression in their active clothing. Several of the items are eligible for the brand's unique Fit Liberty program, which allows you to exchange the garment for a new size up to a year from purchase. This makes Universal Standard pieces a great investment if you're anticipating changes in your body as a result of starting or changing your activity.

I'm not usually a unitard gal since, at 5'11", most are too short in the torso for me, but I really love my Universal Standard Next to Naked Bodysuit. The adjustable straps mean you can tailor the fit to your height, and it's a fun, sleek look for workout classes, power walks, or just running errands.

You'll have to pay for returns ($4.50 per order for in-person returns through Happy Returns, $7.50 for online returns), unless you exchange or return for store credit.

Shop all activewear at Superfit Hero

Size range: L to 7X

Superfit Hero is the only retailer on this list that specifically focuses on activewear for plus-size bodies. The brand offers sizes Large to 7X and fit tests its products on models across every size in its line before going into production. Superfit Hero also uses models across the entire size range, so you can get a super accurate idea of how the pieces look on similar body types. Its signature line is the SuperHold Compression Collection and I can personally attest that these bottoms stay put — no slipping or sliding as you move. Its Racerback Sports Bra comes without padding or inserts, which is my preference for comfort, but if you prioritize support, the Zip-Front Sports Bra not only has removable cups but also a front latch, zip closure, and adjustable straps for maximum hold.

To qualify for free shipping, you'll need to spend $150; otherwise, you'll pay $8.99 an order. Like Popflex, Superfit Hero offers "free" 30-day refunds if you purchase refund insurance at checkout for $1.98. If you don't, you'll have to pay the cost of return shipping.

Shop all plus-size clothing at Athleta

Size range: XXS to 3X

As 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 the brand's 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.

Shop all activewear at Spanx

Size range: XS to 3X

Spanx 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.

Read our full Spanx review.

Shop all activewear at Harper Wilde

Size range: XS to 4XL

We've named Harper Wilde among our picks for the best plus-size underwear, best thongs, and best bralettes for large busts. The brand may be best known for its underwear and bras, but it also has a small collection of size-inclusive activewear. The offerings include three tops and two bottoms, each in a range of on-trend colors that can be mixed and matched. The return policy doesn't specifically address activewear or sleepwear, but the brand does require that all bras and underwear be unworn in order to be eligible for return. If you meet the criteria, you'll have 90 days to initiate a return for a refund equal to the value of your order minus shipping.

Shop all activewear at Torrid

Size range: 10 to 30

Torrid is an OG in the plus-size space, but I think it's massively underrated. I get it; a lot of folks grew up with Torrid being one of the few stores where a younger person in a bigger body could shop IRL. Now that there are a lot more retailers carrying trendy plus sizes, so Torrid — no longer shiny and new — often gets overlooked. But, in the past few months, Torrid has really been upping its game with its on-trend and unique offerings, like its Festi line.

Its activewear options similarly feel current — there's a dupe of the viral Popflex skirt (though we highly recommend the original version from Popflex if it's an option in your size) and trendy rugby-inspired wear, among classic leggings, sports bras, and sweat sets. The prices are mid-range compared to others in this guide, and Torrid often has sales. You have 60 days to make returns, and you'll pay a $6 return shipping fee.

Shop all plus-size workout clothing at Old Navy

Size range: XS to 4X

Old Navy is a contested brand in the plus-size space. On one hand, the brand has significantly walked back on offering plus-sizes in stores and featuring plus-size models on its site. On the other, it continues to offer a huge selection of its clothing in plus sizes on its website at a very affordable price point. For those reasons, it makes our list as a solid place to shop for affordable plus-size activewear. You'll find leggings, joggers, sports bras, and even exercise dresses and onesies, all for under $50 a piece (and often significantly discounted on sale). The color options are on-trend, and certain styles come in petite and tall styles (albeit only up to an XXL). You have the option to return in-store, but even online returns are free up to 30 days from purchase.

Shop all plus-size activewear at Nike

Size range: XXS to 4X

Legacy sportswear brand Nike has 100 items available in women's plus sizes, including sports bras, leggings, shorts, outerwear, and loungewear. The majority of items are basic neutrals — black, white, or grey — but a few pieces are available in pastels and brights for those looking for a bit more color. Shipping is free on orders over $50 for members of Nike's free loyalty program. Members also get free returns up to 60 days after purchase.

Shop all plus-size activewear at Adidas

Size range: 2XS to 4X

Adidas' iconic three stripes are ultra-trendy at the moment and the brand has a small but mighty collection of plus-size clothing in sizes up to 4X. The majority of Adidas' plus-size options are general lifestyle wear, but the brand also makes several styles specifically for certain sports, including soccer, running, weightlifting, yoga, and HIIT. You'll find swimsuits, breakaway pants, warm-up clothing, loungewear, and even a few dresses. Shipping is free if you sign up for Adidas' adiClub loyalty program, and returns are free within 30 days for most purchases.

Shop all activewear at Livi

Size range: 10 to 40

Livi is Lane Bryant's activewear line. The brand's offerings are diverse — with tons of tops, bottoms, outerwear, and base layers in both compression and loose-fitting options — to support a range of activities and preferences. Its sports bras are a particular standout; the underwire sports bra is one of the most supportive options we've seen for bigger busts and a great option for high-impact activities like running or tennis. Shipping is free to store or for loyalty members who spend over $75. You have 45 days to make returns, which are free in-store but will incur a $7.95 return shipping fee if returning online.

Shop all activewear at Target

Size range: XXS to 7X

Target's website can feel a bit like the Wild West to navigate, but with a little work, you can find a decent collection of plus-size activewear. Like Amazon, Target also offers a range of clothing from third-party sellers, so you'll find a variety of activewear options from both popular and little-known brands in sizes up to 7X. I recommend starting with the All in Motion collection, one of Target's in-house lines, which goes up to a 4X. Most pieces in the collection are under $30, so it's a good place to shop for budget activewear — especially sports bras and leggings.