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SportFits Test: Plus-Size Fitness Clothing
Every January, millions of people decide to exercise more in the new year. As a result, gym registrations skyrocket and fitness clothing becomes one of the most popular shopping areas. After all, the right outfit contributes significantly to performance and motivation! Unfortunately, finding something suitable in the plus-size segment can be rather difficult. Therefore we decided to test a complete plus-size outfit from our shop for quality, fit and comfort.
Renowned brands for everybody
Well-known sports brands often suffer from the reputation of not being for everyone. All too often, sizes stop at a 40 or 42 or run particularly small. This is a problem for overweight people who decide to start exercising. Instead, they turn to unknown manufacturers or cheap fast fashion to find fitness clothing for themselves.
There are, however, well-known brands that also cater to large sizes. In the outdoor segment, these include CMP and MAUL, for example, and skiers can find suitable jackets and trousers at Schöffel. But what about fitness and running?
With my size 48, I tested an outfit for SportFits consisting of the CRAFT Training Bra Classic, the CMP Woman Long Pant training pants, the CRAFTCore Unify Logo Tee and the Puma Flyer Runner Femme shoes.
>> Discover fitness clothing up to size 56
T-Shirts: Comfortable fit and functionality
Going to the gym when you're plus size is always an effort. It's not uncommon to encounter judgmental looks under which you don't want to stand out negatively. Well-fitting clothes help enormously to feel better. However, it is important that they do not slip or are too tight in the wrong places.
With shirts, there is also the factor of personal preference. Do you like short sleeves or sleeveless tops? Should the cut be sporty or wide? What length should the shirt be?
However, functionality is considerably more important than appearance. The shirts have to be breathable and light to ensure a pleasant body climate.
>> Fitness shirts for women from size 44
>> Fitness shirts for men from size 44
The Core Unify Logo Tee from the manufacturer CRAFT promises exactly these qualities. Another plus point: the versatile training shirt is made from 100 percent recycled polyester.
As soon as you unpack it, you notice how light and soft the shirt is without appearing transparent. The fit is sporty, but not so tight that you feel smothered. The performance during sports is also convincing. Even during intense sessions, the shirt stays airy and dry. The tighter fit may not be for everyone, but that depends entirely on personal preference.
All in all, I felt very comfortable in the shirt and will definitely continue to wear it for sports. The shirt is also suitable for hiking or cycling in the summer!
>> More training shirts by CRAFT
Sports bras: good support is a basic requirement
A sports bra is a must-have for any fitness outfit. Compared to many classic bras, the sports version offers significantly more support and comfort during intensive activities. The problem in the plus-size range: sufficient support for large bust sizes. Since sports bras do not have underwires, the material must be strong enough to hold even large bust sizes as well as possible. Otherwise, there will be pain when running or doing fitness exercises.
>> Discover sports underwear from size 44
The Craft Training Bra Classic goes up to a size XL (EU:52) and is made from recycled polyester as well as elastane. Although the intensity is specified as low-medium, the tight fit ensures a comfortable hold during sporting activity. However, the bra is less suitable for extreme sports.
When trying it on, the first thing you notice is that the sports bra fits really comfortably and holds well. Even after two hours of training, everything feels great. For medium-intensity sports, the Craft Training Bra Classic is a really good choice. For very intensive sports, however, you should go for a model with a higher support.
>> More active base layers by CRAFT
Fitness trousers: Optimal fit and plenty of freedom of movement
Shopping for trousers is a nightmare for many in the plus-size range, as it is particularly difficult to find a good fit here. Trousers are often scaled proportionally: The bigger the size, the longer they are. For shorter people like me, this unfortunately makes them unwearable unless a short size is available. Even with larger thighs, you quickly reach your limits in the search. Sports trousers often promise enough stretch, but that doesn't guarantee an optimal fit. In addition, the clothing must also be functional. Unrestricted freedom of movement, for example, should be a must.
>> Shop fitness pants for women from size 44
>> Shop fitness pants for men from size 44
The Woman Long Pant fitness pants by CMP are particularly eye-catching because of the colourful design on the leg. But the listed qualities also speak for themselves: 4-way stretch material, Dry Function and odour-inhibiting treatment.
I want to go straight to the question of questions: The fit. The trousers really do fit great and, above all, are non-slip. And even large thighs were no hurdle here. For my 1.66 m, however, the model was unfortunately a bit too long, so I had to adjust the trouser leg at the bottom. It was a pity, because the beautiful pattern was affected. However, this didn't bother me during sports.
I also have to mention the material of the CMP Woman Long Pant training pants. It is wonderfully light and feels like a second skin even during intensive training sessions. It is opaque and always fits perfectly. Another plus point is that there is some concealment, especially at the top.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the pants. The length is the only drawback, but that doesn't stop me from continuing to wear the pants.
>> To more long CMP fitness pants
Shoes: Comfort for the heavy wearer
More weight means significantly more energy with every step, which must be absorbed or converted by the shoes to protect the joints and maintain momentum while running. This requires robust materials and well-thought-out running technologies in the design.
Ideally, the shoes should also have qualities such as breathability. More importantly, they have to be comfortable, even during long sports sessions. They should also last as long as possible and stay in shape so that they don't have to be replaced after just a few months.
>> Discover the entire running shoe range
The Flyer Runner Femme model from Puma stands out with its chic design. Combined with qualities like the SoftFoam energy sole for improved cushioning and durability, EVA midsole and low weight, the shoe is an interesting choice for training.
The look is just as beautiful live as it is in the picture. But much more important, of course, is the experience during exercise. After about 15 hours in the gym and home workouts, I can say that the shoes are absolutely comfortable! Especially the cushioning on the treadmill and on the cross trainer is fantastic. Even after long training sessions, the feet don't hurt. On the contrary. The shoes are so comfortable to wear that they are also recommended for everyday use. Another plus: the shoes are so light that you hardly notice them.
If I had to look for a con point, I would only mention the mesh material, as this is not to everyone's taste.
Fact is, even fuller people can wear high-quality sportswear from well-known brands. You just have to know where to look for it. Even if not all companies offer clothing from size 44, the selection is still large enough to find beautiful and, above all, functional outfits for yourself. Our tip: Use the size filter and discover many great items in the right size!
