Plus-Size Workout Wear for Fall

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Since I started working at SparkPeople this April, I've gotten into the habit of wearing workout clothes to work on most days of the week. It helps me fit in fitness breaks throughout the day without having to spend time changing clothes. But because I'm wearing fitness gear so much, my old ratty yoga pants and oversized T-shirts just aren't cutting it anymore. If this is what I'm going to wear every day, I want to look cute, too! Luckily, it's getting easier and easier to find cute workout clothes in extended sizes. (I wear a 14 or 16 depending on the brand.)
 
Fall is a tricky season for exercise clothes. It can be quite cool in the mornings but then warm up throughout the day. There are also sometimes weeks of lingering summer heat or sudden, overnight cold snaps. At least that's what it's like here in Ohio. If you don't like the weather, just wait 24 hours and you'll get something completely different! My strategy is to dress in layers and to always keep some of my summer clothes in the rotation until the first freeze of the season. Here are some of my current favorites and some things I'm putting on my list for fall shopping.

In My Closet
Athleta Shiva Top: This is my all-time favorite top. I have it in four different colors! With 3/4-length sleeves, it's perfect for the transition from summer in to fall. The fabric is a cotton/polyester/spandex blend that hugs the body in the right places, while the tunic cut makes it skim across the torso in the most flattering way possible. ($42; available in sizes from XXS/00 to 2X/20.)




Athleta Kickbooty Pant: This classic yoga pant is both flattering and comfortable. The breathable fabric is designed to wick sweat away from the skin while making your butt look amazing! It's also designed to not get that unflattering shiny look as it stretches. I use the small pocket sewn in to the waistband to hold my fitness tracker but it's great for a key, too. ($79; available in sizes from XXS/00 to 2X/20.)



Athleta Rishi Jacket: This hoodie takes it up a notch with fun colors and flattering ruching on the sides. It's also cut long to cover your backside. This jacket is a bit on the heavy side so it's great for particularly cool mornings. But once the sun comes up, it gets too warm. ($128; available in sizes from XXS/00 to 2X/20.)





Old Navy Printed Compression Capris: I get more compliments on these affordable workout pants than on any of my other much higher priced ones. These run a little long for capris, which makes them perfect for transitioning from warm to cool weather. The fabric is designed to wick sweat away from the body and the pants include a hidden pocket in the waistband for a key. ($24.94; available in sizes from XS/0-3 to XXL/20.)
 






On My Shopping List
Old Navy Micro-Performance Fleece Jacket: I admit that my default jacket is a hoodie, but this zip-up is much cuter and slightly less casual. The mid-weight fleece makes it good for cool mornings, but it's light enough to wear indoors without overheating. ($19.94; available in sizes from XS/0-3 to XXL/20. A similar style is available for $26.94 in sizes 1X/16-18 to 4X/28-30.)








Woman Within 3/4-Length Sleeve Tunic: I love tunics and I love 3/4-length sleeves, which can be tough to find combined in one garment. Not only is this top perfect for falling temperatures, it comes in 14 different colors! ($10.99-$13.99; available in sizes M/14W to 7X/48W.)











Woman Within Fleece Vest: When it's not quite chilly enough for a jacket but you need a little extra warmth on a long walk, there's nothing better than a soft, fleece vest. This one comes in 11 different jewel-tone colors. And the length is just right to cover your bottom without looking boxy. ($26.99-$31.99; available in sizes M/14W to 6X/44W.)









A Big Attitude Capri + Baseball Shirt: For warmer fall days, this cute combo would be perfect. I love that the top and bottom have matching color panels. It's almost impossible to find gym clothes in larger sizes that also feature cute cuts or colors. ($69.98; available in sizes 1X/16-18 to 5X/32-34.)








Ryka Women's Motion Boot Cut Pant: You can adjust the length of these fun workout pants with the drawstrings at each ankle. They feature ruching at the waist for a flattering fit. The fabric is also designed to wick moisture away from the skin. ($65; available in sizes S/0-2 to 3XL/20.)





Calvin Klein Performance Asymmetrical Zip Jacket: Want! Want! Want! This cotton/Modal/Spandex blend jacket features a longer cut in the back than the front to cover your booty without making you look too boxy. The super stylish design would perfect to transition from a morning walk right into the office. ($84; available in sizes 1X/14-16 to 3X/22-24.)















Moving Comfort Flipside Long Sleeve: So cute! This long-sleeve T-shirt is reversible and made of moisture-wicking fabric. It includes two handy pockets and thumb loops to keep the sleeves from riding up when you want to stay warm. ($70; available in sizes XS to 2XL.)






Athleta Cavassa Strata Skirt: This adorable, patterned skirt would be perfect to wear over leggings when the temps dip. Then you can just pull it off and toss it in your bag when you're ready to hit the gym since the fabric is totally wrinkle-free! ($69; available in sizes XXS/00 to XL/16. The unprinted Strata Skirt is available up to size 2X/20.)




Lola Getts Racer Back Tank: The gym where I do personal training doesn't have A/C so even as the temps drop it can still be quite warm. This tank would be perfect to wear under a cute jacket that I can just take off as soon as I start hitting the weights! ($51; available in sizes 0/14-16 to 2/22-24).)







ToeSox Half Toe Yoga/Pilates Socks with Grips: I hate having cold feet when the temperatures starts to drop but I enjoy both yoga and Pilates. I think this year I'll try out some grippy socks and see if that helps. ($15; available in sizes XS to XL.)
 







I don't know about you, but I'm ready for fall (and for a long overdue shopping trip)!

(All images belong to their respective brands.)