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Original poster

Larger lady gym wear

33 replies

Blushingm · 28/02/2026 14:38

I’m a size 20 and went to the gym for the first time in a long time.

There were lots of young fit women there and I felt completely out of place - what do larger women wear and where do you buy it?

OP posts:
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MayPeasBeWithYou · 02/03/2026 05:48

LusciousLondoner · 01/03/2026 19:44

@MayPeasBeWithYou RIP Fat Lad at the Back

They supposedly exist under a different name but ive never actually seen anything plus sized on their site yet. Fortunately when i realised they were going under, I panic bought several pairs in multiple sizes!

LusciousLondoner · 01/03/2026 19:44

@MayPeasBeWithYou RIP Fat Lad at the Back

MayPeasBeWithYou · 01/03/2026 11:15

For general gym stuff I wear Tikiboo leggings (RIP - yet to find a replacement for these, any recommendations?), with a longline vest top and then just an oversized body t-shirt over that. I'm tall and if I raise my arms above my head, the world does not need to be subjected to my flabby body!

Decent sports bra is always a good investment.

For cycling I wear Fat Lad at the Back padded shorts.

Original poster
Blushingm · 01/03/2026 11:10

Mathsbabe · 28/02/2026 22:38

I’m 5ft 1inches. The tops are long, if I’m standing up they cover my bottom and stomach and I like the curve of the hem.
The leggings are too long for me, I could turn them up I guess but I mostly put them inside my shoes. I’m a 16 in Seasalt clothes and a 18 in a supermarket swimming costume.
The tops that I have are 2XL and are getting big on me. I bought an XL top and it fits me but it isn’t loose.
I’m also in XL for the leggings.

Show quote history

I ordered one - it’s coming today so fingers crossed crossed!

OP posts:
ForPinkDuck · 01/03/2026 10:22

Love this thread op. Great ideas from everyone.
I gave some of my decathlon yoga pants to a friend yesterday. She found them so comfy she wore them home.
Il

LattePatty · 01/03/2026 07:58

Nike do plus size of the same styles which I like

Mathsbabe · 28/02/2026 22:38

Blushingm · 28/02/2026 18:15

What’s the sizing like on these tops? Are they longish?

Show quote history

I’m 5ft 1inches. The tops are long, if I’m standing up they cover my bottom and stomach and I like the curve of the hem.
The leggings are too long for me, I could turn them up I guess but I mostly put them inside my shoes. I’m a 16 in Seasalt clothes and a 18 in a supermarket swimming costume.
The tops that I have are 2XL and are getting big on me. I bought an XL top and it fits me but it isn’t loose.
I’m also in XL for the leggings.

Original poster
Blushingm · 28/02/2026 18:15

Mathsbabe · 28/02/2026 16:35

Amazon do great gym wear. I have tops and leggings from them and also a couple of thin zip up cardigans which I wear if I’m cold during the warm up.

What’s the sizing like on these tops? Are they longish?

OP posts:
petitpasta · 28/02/2026 18:09

I've had good size 22 and 24 gym gear from Goodmove (M&S) and Sainsbury's. There's plenty on Vinted too, often still with tags on

FknOmniShambles · 28/02/2026 18:06

I'm a 22 and wear next leggings and a slightly loose next top. I have a tighter top but felt uncomfortable in it as it rode up while exercising. Luckily nobody gives a crap at my gym, and I've finally hit the golden age of not giving a fuck what others think of me 😆

PineappleCoconut · 28/02/2026 17:54

Sainsburys Reaktiv range is very good. And does big sizes that fits big busts.

Original poster
Blushingm · 28/02/2026 17:48

CymruChris · 28/02/2026 17:00

My gym has a real mix of people, I do a group strength class in which I'm the largest but don't feel judged which is nice.

I wear leggings as I find them most comfortable. Sweaty Betty or Under Armour are my current faves but I make sure they are squat proof! Sports bra is from Next, front zip as find ones to pull over my head too difficult. I have previously worn tighter t shirts from Nike but currently feeling most comfy in oversized t shirts, Aybl largest size fits me ok (18/20 apple) and are long enough.

I would recommend looking for a gym where you feel comfortable, it makes such a difference!

I would try another but it’s difficult.

I go with DP - we were going together but they changed it to ladies only. The council gym need to book and it’s times don’t fit with work or they’re booked up well in advance. The local hotel gym is nearly £100 per month which is too much. So I’m left with JD Gym

OP posts:
LusciousLondoner · 28/02/2026 17:00

M&S Goodmove!

CymruChris · 28/02/2026 17:00

My gym has a real mix of people, I do a group strength class in which I'm the largest but don't feel judged which is nice.

I wear leggings as I find them most comfortable. Sweaty Betty or Under Armour are my current faves but I make sure they are squat proof! Sports bra is from Next, front zip as find ones to pull over my head too difficult. I have previously worn tighter t shirts from Nike but currently feeling most comfy in oversized t shirts, Aybl largest size fits me ok (18/20 apple) and are long enough.

I would recommend looking for a gym where you feel comfortable, it makes such a difference!

Shoes232 · 28/02/2026 16:56

Adanola go up to XXXL

ChaosDreamV2 · 28/02/2026 16:40

At sz20 I wore T-shirts from the men’s dept at matalan as they were a decent length and a good price. All the ladies things seem to be cropped 😕 leggings were fairly easy to pick up.
At my gym it’s a very mixed bag, folk seem to wear what they’re comfortable in whether that be shorts or joggers

Mathsbabe · 28/02/2026 16:35

Amazon do great gym wear. I have tops and leggings from them and also a couple of thin zip up cardigans which I wear if I’m cold during the warm up.

Larger lady gym wear
Larger lady gym wear
Swissmeringue · 28/02/2026 16:13

I actually really like Sainsbury's gym wear. I'm a 16/18 and usually wear an L, but they do up to an XXL which I guess equates to a 22ish? Anyway it's super cheap, looks nice and functions perfectly for me.

Original poster
Blushingm · 28/02/2026 16:10

VWT7 · 28/02/2026 16:07

I think retailers are missing a trick here.
We still want to look stylish, confident, athletic and put together don’t we.

Thanks for some the ideas above

I’ve taken to buying some vest tops from the evening wear ranges in say German/European stocked designer shops - on the discount rail (not discounting a hint of diamanté or glitter if it looks passable 😃)

Yes we do!!!

OP posts:
VWT7 · 28/02/2026 16:07

I think retailers are missing a trick here.
We still want to look stylish, confident, athletic and put together don’t we.

Thanks for some the ideas above

I’ve taken to buying some vest tops from the evening wear ranges in say German/European stocked designer shops - on the discount rail (not discounting a hint of diamanté or glitter if it looks passable 😃)

Deanefan · 28/02/2026 15:53

Not sure why one had a pic and one didn’t 🤷‍♀️

ForPinkDuck · 28/02/2026 15:36

I cannot tolerate synthetics. I buy cotton long tees and youga pants from decathlon or m and m direct. Been wearing shock absorber bras for years.
Bought this set recently.

Larger lady gym wear
UpAndDownAllTheTime · 28/02/2026 15:22

Matalan do some great stuff. I bought some long length t-shirts from them, as I don't like showing my arse 😄 Also some v comfortable workout leggings.

Wherethecatgone · 28/02/2026 15:21

Leggings, sports bra from Asda, longish tshirt that is roomy enough to move in, but not low necked. Other women wear tracksuit bottoms, anything goes at ours.