Running Gear for Plus-Size Women: the next edition of Another Mother Runner Gears Up. We have #motherrunners put key running gear to the test, then deliver the results so you can grab the gear that works best for your running and body.

By Allison Pattillo

We’re guessing you may have noticed this, but bodies come in all shapes and sizes. That goes for runners’ bodies as well. Go to any race, a park on a pretty day, or fitness class, and any dated notions of an athlete needing to be a certain size will be tossed like a crumpled paper cup in a race aid station. As one of our testers, who prefers the term “larger bodied” to “plus-sized,” said: “I may be fat, but I could probably beat the majority of the population in a running race.” We hear you.

As such, we wanted to see how brands were doing with their more inclusive sizing options, and we found a lot to like. Our testers were looking for gear that comes in colors and patterns (they want “fun” with functionality), wicks sweat, has higher waists and good seams, has multiple pockets, and, for tank tops, has room at the waist without being too big at the arms.

As with any clothes, finding your perfect fit involves trial and error to find the right combination of styling, fabric, and structure for you. Know that this is just a sampling, and there are many more brands making strides in this space (such as Columbia, Athleta, Old Navy, Spanx, Girlfriend Collective, New Balance, Oiselle, Juno Active, Threads 4 Thought, Sweaty Betty, Alder Apparel, and more). For this review, testers selected the styles and sizes they thought would work best for them.

For positive news on this front, Old Navy recently announced their BODEQUALITY focus, which includes all sizes in a style having the same price, eliminating the “fat tax,” and all sizes being grouped together. We also noticed their size inclusive mannequins, now displaying clothes in sizes 4, 12, and 18, on a rare trip into an actual store (#covideffect). Next up, our testers would like other brands to adopt more size inclusivity images when it comes to shopping online. A gal just wants to get a sense of how something is going to fit. Is that too much to ask?

We apologize in advance, this same issue applies to most of the images shared in this article, except for Day Won, who, well, wins the day. It’s a process.

Editor’s note: Based upon your feedback, our apparel reviews will now include a “size range” listing to help with shopping choices.

Fabletics Trinity High-Impact Sports Bra

Tester Rating: 4.5

Size Tested: XL

Review: This bra fit our tester true-to-size. She appreciated the sizing tools on the website and that the bra was modeled on different size women, as in a size XL or 1X, “not the typical medium or small.” Along with the secure fit, our tester loved the high neck styling, as it meant she could cycle and do pushups in a group setting – “if you know what I mean, you know what I mean.” The triple pocket in the back of the bra, between the shoulders, was a styling bonus. “It was super easy to grab my phone, take a quick pic, and keep moving.”

VIP Price: $59.95

Size Range: XXS to 4X

Brooks Running Atmosphere Sleeveless

Tester Rating: 4.5

Size Tested: XXL

Review: The fit was “right on” according to our tester, who recommends this to anyone who isn’t a fan of sleeves, but also isn’t a fan of tanks. The underarm area was just right, not too saggy or too tight, and our tester also loved that the fabric didn’t stick to her, even when she was super sweaty. The neckline was higher than she would normally wear, but it worked. Her one critique was that it is a bit on the short side, and she would have been even happier if it was an inch or two longer.

Price: $44

Size Range: XS to XXL

The North Face Wander Tank

Tester Rating: 4

Size Tested: XXL

Review: One tester said this was her favorite of the tanks she tested because “it covers where it needs to cover, is breathable, keeps me cool, and doesn’t have a lot of frills, which is what I prefer.” Given that it’s also lightweight, wicking, and has UPF 50+, this tank is a smart choice for running and cross training.

Price: $35

Size Range: XS to 3XL

Under Armour Streaker Run Tank

Tester Rating: 4

Size Tested: XL

Review: The sizing tools on the website were very helpful in telling you how and where to measure for the best fit. Our tester found the fabric to be breathable and soft, and not at all hot when she ran. She loved the fit and that it didn’t hug her waist. Her one concern was that it was lower cut in the back than she generally preferred, however her fear of underarm chafing due to the lower cut did not happen, thankfully!

Price: $27.99

Size Range: XS to XL (The UA Knockout Tank goes to 3X)

Skirt Sports Jaguar Skirt

Tester Rating: 4

Size Tested: 2X

Review: Soft hand feel and generous, yet sleek pockets made this a winning choice for our tester. For running, she would have liked the under shorts to have more compression, but the fit was amazing for golf and walking. However, our tester did admit to ordering a size up due to experiencing a tight fit in other brands. It turns out, this was true to size, so her sample was a bit large. In addition to the skirt on this style being a bit longer, it has pleated side and back panels to show your sass!

Price: $74

Size Range: XS to 3X

Day Won Aurora Full-Length Legging

Tester Rating: 4

Size Tested: 22/24

Review: I loved these leggings!” Fun prints can be hard to find in larger sizes, making that a welcome bonus for our tester. She thoroughly loved the fit and the fact that she didn’t need to adjust or pull them up while on her run, thanks in part to the 5” non-slip, double lined waistband. The leggings were “cool and comfortable,” with a waist pocket capable of holding a phone in a case, plus the seams are reinforced.

Price: $79

Size Range: 0 to 32

Lululemon Fast & Free High Rise Tight 25” Nulux

Tester Rating: 5

Size Tested: 20

Review: “The material feels high quality; they stayed in place; and the side pockets were perfect for my phone. I also liked that they have a drawstring. I want to order them in every color, I love them so much!” There’s not much to add, save that the fabric is indeed lightweight, sleek, sweat-wicking, and quick drying, with four-way stretch to move with you.

Price: $128 (some colors are on sale!)

Size Range: 0 to 20