Athletic Clothing Extended Sizes

About Plus Size Athletic Wear

If you are a plus size lady looking to shed a few pounds or who just wants to lead a healthier and active lifestyle by exercising, some comfortable athletic-style clothing is just what you need. Besides being lightweight, they absorb sweat, allowing you to feel cooler while exercising. Other reasons to purchase athletic wear include:

• Comfort
• Durability
• Moves well with your body
• Stylish
• Transitional; can be worn while performing other daily tasks
• Easy laundering

Plus size athletic wear, specifically items made in extended sizes, come in a variety of styles including:

• Sweat pants
• Sweat shirts
• T-shirts
• Tank tops
• Sports bras
• Swim suits
• Yoga pants
• Bike shorts
• Leggings (both long and capri-style)
• Socks
• Shoes

A Word About Exercising

Before you begin any exercise regimen, make sure you get an OK from your doctor. Once you do start, make sure you start slow. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a week! If you plan on walking for exercise, for example, start off by walking for 10 minutes a day for the first few days, and slowly increase the time and distance. However, if you start experiencing any of the following symptoms, immediately stop and rest. If the symptoms persist, contact your doctor. Warning signs of "over doing" the exercise include:

• Shortness of breath
• Unable to hold a conversation while exercising
• Shin splints
• Dizziness
• Immediate fatigue
• Overheating

Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after exercising. And always dress in layers of clothing as to not overheat.

Find Athletic Clothing in Extended Sizes

Depending on the extended size you need and the style of athletic clothing you are searching for, shopping online may be your best bet. You may be able to find what you need at stores such as Avenue, which carry sizes up to 32W. But in case you can't find what you need there, here is a listing of websites where you can find athletic clothing in extended sizes:

• Plus Size Athletic Wear sells a variety of items in extended sizes including yoga capri pants or loose fit sweat pants both available in sizes up to 4x. You can also find racer back sports bras in sizes up to 52-55 (4x).
• Alight offers a few styles of active wear in sizes up to 6x including bike shorts, tank tops and tank bras.
• Catherines offers a large selection of athletic wear in sizes up to 34W (5x). Many of these styles may be found in their retail stores, but some can only be purchased on the Internet. Choose from a short-sleeved hoodie, embellished t-shirt or French terry cropped pants.
• Junonia has a fabulous selection of active wear including sports bras in sizes up to 48G, crew neck t-shirts and basic bike shorts up to a 6x.

Comfort Over Style

While there's nothing wrong in wanting to look stylish when hitting the walking trail or the treadmill at the gym, you should remember that comfort comes first. Forget what the size tag says you are getting -- purchase your athletic wear because it fits well and feels comfortable. The same goes for shoes. When purchasing athletic shoes, make sure they fit properly, as this will help you stay motivated and keep you exercising.