Size-inclusive activewear brands that go beyond XL
Because health and fitness don’t have a size limit
When your body is a size and shape that deviates from fashion industry norms, you live life with a double-edged sword by your side. Remember when Nike had curvy mannequins displaying activewear and everyone lost their minds? We’re told that we need to work out and then often mocked when we work out in public. So we try to hide our bodies under Papa’s oversized t-shirts and loose track pants, straining our eyes into the mirror to figure out whether our form is correct under all that fabric. That’s why we’re always on the hunt for size-inclusive activewear brands that cater to sizes beyond XL, while providing the right amount of breathability, support, comfort and flexibility that we require for intense activity.
A study by Washington State University found that a lack of access to size-inclusive activewear brands leaves women frustrated and averse to get moving.
How can we conquer cursed burpees and crush a kickboxing class in leggings that feel more like a sausage casing than workout gear? Imagine trying to smoothly transition from one warrior pose to another while the strap of your sports bra stages a rebellion, tightening its grasp around your rib cage. Smashing your health goals and feeling good in your skin (and clothes) isn’t reserved for just one body type.
A number of homegrown size-inclusive activewear brands have been rewriting the rules of what workout wear looks like, creating quality pieces for people of all shapes and sizes. Here you’ll find some of our favourites. And if you’re a beginner looking for low-impact workout routines, we have some options for that, too.
Size-inclusive activewear brands that cater to all women
Price range: tops from ₹999 to ₹2,099 and bottoms from ₹1,749 to ₹4,249
With sizes from XS to 4XL, we can’t talk about size-inclusive activewear brands without starting with Blissclub. It’s not only about sizing; they have covered pretty much all your possible pants needs. Are you looking for high-waisted gym leggings, maternity leggings or ones with pockets? What about pencil pants or yoga pants? Maybe capris are more your style. Joggers, perhaps? There are variations of those, too. All your pants needs are in one place.
Price range: tops from ₹900 to ₹4,999, bottoms from ₹999 to ₹1,999 and activewear sets from ₹999 to ₹4,398
We love a good co-ord set as much as the next woman, so why shouldn’t that apply to our workout wear? There’s something calming about going monotone, and this one in particular caught our eye.
In 2022, Pantone created the hue Very Peri as their colour of the year and, two years later, we’re still not over periwinkle. Kica has nailed their activewear in this soothing tone and its sizing goes from XS to 3XL. Definitely worth the price tag.
Price range: tops from ₹899 to ₹2,299 and bottoms from ₹1,299 to ₹2,600
Curvy ladies are going to love Spirit Animal. They’re not only one of our favourites amongst all the size-inclusive activewear brands, but they do every kind of clothing for curvy ladies.
They prove that size is no obstacle to overcome when it comes to being stylish and that transcends to their activewear as well, with sizing ranging from 38 inches to 64 inches over bust, waist 34 inches to 56 inches, and hip sizes from 38 inches to 72 inches.
Price rage: tops from ₹1,295 to ₹3,295, bottoms from ₹1,995 to ₹3,395 and activewear sets from ₹4,590 to ₹4,790
Aastey has a great range of activewear options to pick from, though you’ll want to pay attention when picking the right size for you.
Sizes for their bottoms range from XS to 4XL with an option to adjust the length based on your height (we love this), but in their co-ord sets, you have tops and bottoms from XXS to XXL. So, remember to check the size chart before you rush to put in your debit card details. It is worth it, though.
Price range: ₹1,599 to ₹2,199
The Pink Moon has a lot of clothing options but the rapid dry sports bra is what you’re going to want to quickly add to your cart. The size range is fantastic and nothing like we’ve seen before starting from 2XL to 10XL, while giving you the support you need to get through your workout without the titty committee dancing about.
Price range: bottoms from ₹1,499 to ₹2,199
We know what you’re thinking by now. Oh, look, another one of those size-inclusive activewear brands with leggings that all look the same. But hold on, you’re going to want to pay attention to these. Not only do they hit all the right spots when it comes to what we’re looking for in a pair of workout tights with sizes ranging from XS to 6XL, these have not one but two side pockets.
You get a pocket! You get a pocket! Everyone gets pockets!
Price range: tops from ₹475 to ₹1,299, bottoms from ₹875 to ₹2,999 and activewear sets from ₹3,998 to ₹4,998
Give mama the satisfaction by letting her finally turn dad’s big, old t-shirts into jhaadans and pick up some proper workout t-shirts. Not sleeping t-shirts, but workout tops made of the correct quick-dry material.
We know, we know, it can feel awkward wearing form-fitting clothes when you’re just starting off, but their sizes range from S to 4XL so you’re bound to find something that meets your comfort needs.
