Now that we’re in a new year, the time has come for us to once again reflect on the past year and set some new year resolutions so that we have a couple of goals to work towards for the year. After all, as the saying goes – “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”.
One of the most common resolutions would be to be more active and do more exercises so that you can be in top health. If this is your resolution but you have trouble finding out where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
Before you even start exercising, you need to ensure that you are in the appropriate gear that provides the right amount of support.
In this article, we will be sharing some tips on how you can find the right fit for your activewear, especially if you’re shopping online where you are unable to test the pieces, with the expertise from Melinda, the founder of Anya Active, and where you can find these pieces.
Finding the right fit for sports bras
When shopping for activewear, more specifically, for sports bras, it can be difficult to determine a good size that fits you and the level of support you would need.
Determining the right size
The first thing you would want to do is to make sure that you’re getting the right size for your sports bra, and to do that, you will need a measuring tape to measure your bust and your ribcage, also known as the area right under your bust.
Once you’ve measured your ribcage and rounded it down to the closest inch, you can make use of the following table to determine your band size.
Next, measure the fullest part of your bust and round it up to the nearest whole number. Subtract your ribcage measurement from your bust measurement and the difference will give you the recommended cup size that you should wear.
If you’re in between sizes, you can round up for a more comfortable fit.
Determining the level of support
Now that you’ve determined the right bra size, Melinda says that the next thing you should do is to consider the type of activities you will be doing. From there, you will be able to determine how much support you would need for your breasts.
According to Melinda, when we exercise, our breasts will go through continuous movements where they may bounce. If they are not appropriately supported with the right garment, this can lead to serious and adverse effects in the long run. We’re talking about damage to the breast tissue which will result in stretch marks and even sagging. And I’m sure you wouldn’t want anything like that, right?
If you know that you will be engaging in a lot of high-intensity workouts, it’s best to get one with high support. You might even want to opt for a higher coverage sports bra to give you that additional support.
Some high-intensity workouts include running, jump-roping, and tabata training. Examples of medium-intensity workouts include water aerobics, dancing, and hiking. As for low-intensity workouts, they include yoga, light jogging, and using an elliptical machine.
Finding the right fit for leggings
After finding a suitable sports bra, the next item you would probably want to get is leggings. You might think that you can just work out with any pair of shorts or bottoms, but it’s important to get a good pair of leggings so that you don’t experience chaffing or any discomfort.
Determining the right size
When it comes to choosing leggings, you’ll want to pay extra attention to your hip measurement.
If your leggings fit you perfectly at the hips, they will be squat-proof and you wouldn’t have to worry about the leggings sliding down throughout your exercise.
This can also be avoided when you opt for high-waisted leggings instead of mid-waist or low-waist ones.
If your leggings are too small at the hips, the leggings will stretch too much and become translucent when you squat or bend over.
Determining the level of support
You might think that the level of support only matters for sports bras, but it’s actually also crucial to determine the level of support you would need for leggings depending on the type of activities you will be doing.
If you’re intending to do high-intensity exercises, you would want to go for leggings with higher compression.
If you’re doing exercises that require a lot of stretching, like yoga, you would want to opt for leggings with a stretchier material that will not restrict your movements.
Where to buy plus-size activewear
1. Anya Active
Anya Active is a homegrown label with an inspiring mission to encourage more women to be more active and to embrace their bodies. The team wants to make activewear accessible to all women, regardless of their size, so they’ve included more sizes for their pieces.
If you’ve tried taking off a sports bra from the top like how you would remove a T-shirt right after a sweaty workout, you would know how difficult and exhausting it can be. There are even times where you may get stuck!
Thankfully, Anya Active offers high-support sports bras with a back clasp just like a normal bra for easy removal. This Unrestrained Bra (Back Clasp) (S$43) eliminates the painful struggle of removing your bra after your workout.
Our editor tried this for herself and found that it indeed can be removed easily, just like a regular bra, all while offering good support during workout. The material is also cooling and light, which is perfect when you work out in hot and humid Singapore weather.
If you prefer showing less skin when you exercise, or if you’re looking for a versatile option, you can also consider their Classic Crop 2.0 (S$39) which is suitable for low- and medium-intensity workouts. This piece can also be thrown on casually with a pair of shorts or jeans for a chill day out.
For leggings, you can consider their Cloud Pocket Leggings (S$59). This pair is high-waisted, so you won’t have to worry about it sliding down as you move about.
It also comes with functional pockets which will be useful if you’re going for a run and still want to keep your phone and house keys with you.
Interested to view more affordable and attractive active a look at all the activewear that Anya Active offers here!
2. Nike Plus
In case you didn’t know, Nike actually has a dedicated category called Nike Plus which features some of their signature products in more inclusive sizes.
One example is the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Icon Clash (S$55) sports bra. This offers medium-support and it is not padded.
This comes in two colours: black and bronze eclipse.
If you’re looking for a T-shirt to wear over your sports bra, you can purchase the Nike Sportswear Icon Clash (S$45).
As of now, Nike only has these two items for sale, but you can stay tuned to this page in case they add more items in plus-size!
3. ASOS
ASOS is famous for having lots of inclusive sizes for all of their products, including their clothes and even shoes. They’ve got offerings for petite, tall, and curvy body shapes, and even regular and wide feet in terms of footwear.
With so many sizes for their products, ASOS is definitely a great place to head to if you’re looking for plus-size activewear. Furthermore, since they’re a retailer, they carry lots of other brands as well other than their own house brand products.
ASOS has close to 200 products dedicated to this section, so you’re bound to find something that you’ll like.
Try out the ASOS 4505 Curve Icon Sport Bra with Strap Adjusters (S$33.99) in dark green. This piece features a scoop neck and a stretchy band to ensure a secure fit.
You can also adjust the straps so that the sports bra supports you appropriately.
For the leggings, go for a matching ASOS 4505 Curve Icon Legging with Bum Sculpt Seam Detail and Pocket (S$35.99).
This pair is high-waisted and even has a side pocket for you to store your essentials even as you workout. And with a sculpting design in a lightweight material, you’re not only going to look great, but also feel great.
Check out more plus-size activewear from ASOS right here.
4. Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga is another brand you can look to if you’re searching for good quality plus-size activewear.
Their leggings are said to be so buttery-soft that you’re practically going to want to live in them.
You can wear them for yoga or for lounging around the house.
Plus, the leggings are made with a performance fabric with moisture wicking to keep you dry no matter how much you perspire during your exercise.
Take a look at their Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging (1X-4X) (~S$131.62)!
This pair of leggings comes in various colours. Choose the core colours like black and grey if you’re looking for something easy to match, or go for the seasonal colours like hot pink and show off your personality through your activewear!
Likewise, their sports bras are also made from a similar buttery soft material that will make you feel like you’re wearing cushions on your chest.
This Spacedye Got Your Back Bra (1X-4X) (~S$78.70) also has thick straps which will give you more support than the ones with thinner straps.
This sports bra offers a slightly compressive fit and will be suitable for medium-intensity workouts.
Browse through Beyond Yoga’s entire plus-size collection here.
5. Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is one of the most size-inclusive brands around. In fact, its regular apparel has sizes all the way up to UK24. It also has a dedicated plus-size category which features regular fits up to UK24 and its latest Curve plus-size clothing range which runs up to UK32. If this isn’t called size-inclusive, we don’t know what is.
Marks & Spencer’s activewear aren’t just made to look trendy, they are also highly comfortable with a good amount of support for any type of activity you’re looking to do.
This Printed Scoop Neck Vest Top (S$32.90) is cut to a comfortable regular fit. The material is breathable, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking, so you’ll be cool and dry throughout your workout.
Pair the top with this pair of Go Move Reflective Gym Leggings (S$79.90). It has an all-over reflective print which will keep you visible even as you exercise on the streets at night. The elasticised high waistband gives you additional support around the waist, ensuring that the leggings do not slide down even during vigorous exercises.
There is also added stretch in the fabric so that it’s easier for you to move around freely.
The whole plus-size activewear collection from Marks & Spencer can be viewed here.
6. H&M+
You might be familiar with H&M, the go-to brand for affordable and stylish pieces, but did you know that they have a sub-brand called H&M+ that includes fashionable pieces in more inclusive sizes?
Take a look at the activewear category and you’ll be surprised with what you’ll find!
This Seamless Sports Bra (S$19.95) has a ribbed design and it offers medium support. It’s designed to have wide shoulder straps with a racerback so that it provides you with more stability and support.
In need of two pieces? Opt for the 2-Pack Sports Bras (S$39.95) instead!
These will look great when you pair them with the simple and classic Seamless Sports Tights (S$29.95). This pair of leggings is designed wide wide, elasticised ribbing and minimum number of seams for a more comfortable fit. Since this is stretchy, it’ll also give you increased mobility.
Excited to purchase some for yourself? View the entire collection here!
7. Uniqlo
If you’ve shopped at Uniqlo, you’ll know that the brand prides itself in offering lots of basics that we should all have in our wardrobes. In order to make their clothes accessible to all, they’ve included sizes of up to 3XL! So if you’re looking for a a classic design for your activewear, you can consider the ones that Uniqlo offers.
If you tend to heat up quite easily, you might want to opt for biker shorts instead of full-length leggings. These biker shorts are silky smooth and are part of the AIRISM collection. They are currently on sale for S$19.90, so grab them while stocks last!
Don’t worry if you still prefer full-length leggings because Uniqlo does offer them too! This pair of AIRISM UV Protection Soft Leggings (S$29.90) doesn’t just work well at giving you the support you need when exercising, it also protects you from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Click here to shop the full range that Uniqlo has.
8. Torrid
Torrid is an American label that specialises in plus-size clothing, so you would realise that the options it offers for activewear is quite possibly the largest out of all the brands mentioned in this article.
While this is so, you do have to wait a little longer for your parcel to arrive since it ships all the way from the United States unlike the local brands.
If you think that having a sports bra with a back clasp is still a struggle to remove after a sweaty workout, Torrid has solved your problem with their line of sports bras with a zip on the front. That’s right, once you’re done with your workout, all you have to do is pull the easily-accessible zip on your front and you’ll instantly feel liberated.
These sports bras offer maximum coverage and are not see-through, but do take note that these are made for low-intensity workouts.
If you’re all for the bold aesthetic, don’t let monochrome-coloured activewear mute your personality. Proudly show it off with these huge prints and strut with confidence!
These leggings are made with a smoothing tech which offers light compression, perfect if you’re looking for a pair of leggings that are not too tight that they become uncomfortable when you work out.
These will hug you at the right places and provide you just the right amount of support.
Shop the entire collection now by clicking here.
9. Boohoo
Boohoo is a British label that offers clothes to women of all sizes at great value without compromising on the quality. If there’s anywhere you need to shop at for activewear, it’s Boohoo.
Look effortless chic even when you’re exercising with the Plus Woman Active Sports Bra (S$20, U.P. S$25) in black. This is one of the items in Boohoo’s latest plus-size collection and it features a sweat-wicking material that offers comfort and coolness.
Choose to either mix and match or get the same colour for a co-ord set look when you pair the sports bra with the Plus Woman Active Compression Tights (S$24).
Shop more of the plus-size collection that Boohoo offers by clicking here.
10. Gym Wear Movement
Support local when you shop from homegrown label Gym Wear Movement. It may not seem like it, but Gym Wear Movement actually offers inclusive sizes for their regular fits. Our top pick is the High-Waist Stellar Leggings with Pockets (S$47). This comes in five colours: navy blue, teal green, fire red, camo, and black.
Don’t worry if you realise that the size doesn’t fit you snugly because Gym Wear Movement offers a 30-day exchange policy from the day of shipment so that you can exchange it for a piece that fits you well.
This makes it very convenient and allows you to find the perfect fit without any risks.
At Gym Wear Movement, you’ll be able to find something flattering for every body shape. Click here to shop!
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