Six years ago, there was not much choice for plus-size women when I launched my swimwear line. The entire line sold out in one day and the website crashed. I got so many messages from women saying, “I didn’t realize I could wear a bikini until I saw you wearing one,” or “I never felt comfortable on the beach until you made swimwear that made me feel good in my body.” It was like these women needed permission to feel confident in themselves.
To be honest, however, I feel just as comfortable in my body as I do when I go to the gym. Even though I work out twice a week with a trainer, I still get intimidated going to gyms and workout classes in Los Angeles—so I want to at least have an outfit that looks good.
The industry has been slow in recognizing that plus-size women want trendy options just like everyone else. Your typical activewear options as a plus size woman are black leggings, and a grey top.
This is probably because There is still a lot micro-aggression towards plus-size women around the world. At the grocery shop and at the gym, there are certain assumptions. There are myths about plus-size women who don’t exercise or are lazy. People believe that we don’t want to work hard on what we wear because we want to lose weight.
I could be healthier and I am working on it, but that’s not my business. It shouldn’t affect how I’m treated by others or whether I’m allowed shop for certain products.
Some brands are doing this right. I love Girlfriend Collecting and Beyond Yoga—they both have super high-quality, soft, comfortable, and cute clothes. Nike has recently updated their plus-size offerings. They’re even including plus-size bodies into campaigns.
Gabi Fresh’s Favorite Activewear Selections
![Women's Crops (Plus Size) Nike Pro [width : Plus]](https://womenmag.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1569251197-pro-womens-crops-plus-size-CVkHn3.jpg "Women's Crops (Plus Size) Nike Pro [width : Plus]")
Sports bras are very difficult for me—I’m an H-cup so it’s impossible to shop in stores. Enell sports bras, a classic that I love, are a favorite. They’re functional—but not super-cute, although they have recently started doing more fun colors.
Extended size ranges are something I would love to see more. I often wear the largest size available at mainstream stores, even though it is sometimes too small. That’s unacceptable to me.I shouldn’t be the largest size. Brands need to offer more than just 1x and 2x sizes.
I would love to create a plus-size activewear collection someday. Because women shouldn’t feel like it is a crime to look stylish and cute at the gym,
As told by Amanda Woerner.
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Source: Women’s Health Mag
