The Cutest Adventure Gear for Plus-Size Ladies
There is a frustrating myth that all women size 12 and up are unhealthy, lazy, “fat chicks,” who wouldn’t run unless it was to go after a slice of cake. I am here to tell you that this sounds as ignorant as saying that all thin women are anorexic. I am 5’1”, a U.S. size 16/18, and I finished a half marathon this year. Many plus-size ladies, like me, love a good, athletic adventure attached to our vacation.
Some of us will even build a whole vacation around a race. So why is it so hard to find stuff to pack for our excursions? I am talking about real performance-wear that is foxy — not frumpy or unisex. Fret no more ladies. I have you covered. Though clothing for curvy women has come a long way, it is still hard to find what you are looking for in the brick-and-mortar stores, but there is a respite for you online. Here is a roundup of the gear you need for every adventure.
Ski Slopes
After a recent trip to Mont Tremblant’s ski resort in Canada, I did a lot of research on where to find snow-sport gear that is both functional and fashionable. The first thing to note is that you must take your measurements and look at the size guides online, as brands differ drastically. Some major ski brands say 1X on the tag but have the fit of a size 12.
Related: Hidden-Gem Ski Resorts With Great Powder, Shorter Lines
The Bugaboo and Whirlibird jackets are warm on the slopes and perfect for plus-size ladies. (Columbia)
Enter, Columbia gear! The three-in-one, interchangeable Bugaboo and Whirlibird jackets have amazing warmth ratings and proper plus sizing, and they come in pretty colors. What else could you want? Oh yeah, pants. Columbia’s matching snowboard pants will do the trick if your hips measure less than 55”. Some other companies’ “plus” options run too small to allow the mobility you need to dominate the slopes. Columbia is a bit too snug to crouch over your board if you have particularly large thighs, so we found more flexible ski pants at JunoActive. This site is a gold mine for all active women — short or tall — who range from size 1x to 6x.
It is easy to find base layers at sporting goods stores, but L.L. Bean, in particular, has a great array of quality products up to size 3X. Also, be sure to search eBay, Zappos, and OneStopPlus.com for the best in wide-calf boots, and check out some audio earmuffs for après-ski.
Aquatic Adventures
Stylish swimwear ready to make a splash! (Swimsuitsforall)
Need a plus-size wetsuit for your surf, snorkel, and scuba vacation? SwimOutlet.com has everything from performance swimsuits and kneeskins for a triathalon trip to sexy swimwear for some fun in the sun! Swimsuitsforall specializes in plus-size swimwear. They even have some stylish chlorine-resistant maillots. If you surf, you may need a shorty wetsuit like the ones at iSnorkle.com or perhaps just the rash guards or board shorts from Kanu Surf. If you need a full suit for cold water scuba, just provide Wetsuit Wearhouse your measurements, and they can make you a custom suit to fit your needs!
Related: Master Scuba Trainer Reveals the Most Dangerous Dives in the World
Race Day
Races can take you all over the globe and have recently become one of my favorite reasons to travel. You get to experience a city in solidarity with thousands of runners. After you cross that finish line, you can hit the local restaurants and bars with a sense of accomplishment! Most plus-only retailers worldwide, like Addition Elle, Lane Bryant, and City Chic, carry activewear such as hoodies and yoga pants, but what about clothes that go the distance? I have a bit more jiggle than most jocks, so here are my picks for tried-and-true running gear. Compression pants are key for comfort and recovery, so head to Old Navy for great tights and tops in all sizes. As for sports bras that actually work for women who need a D-cup or larger, I have found only one brand. So many have tried and failed, but Enell front-hook sports bras hold up to their promise of firm support. Don’t forget that we need more water the more we weigh, so get a hydration backpack like the ones from CamelBak or Australia’s Keep Sweatin.
Related: No Sweat! 9 Marathons Worth Hopping on a Plane For
Doing a fun run and need more flair? Once again, we need to check the Internet to find things that fit and flatter. I am currently training for a RunDisney 10k and half marathon, so I needed a princess running costume. RunningCouture and Sparkle Skirts have skirts that will fit up to a 43” waist, but you can also get one made in a custom size from many Etsy shops. I even decided on my character based on who had the coolest running skirt in an XL! As you can see, Snow White won out.
This princess is going to the races. (Etsy)
So there you have it, ladies! Just a few resources to help guide you to the best adventure-wear out there no matter what size you are!
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