Active/Gym/Outdoor Wear

We all know that, despite the fact that more and more people are overweight in this country, it is NOT OK to be fat. This is especially true in LA. Well, what if you want to do something about your weight? You know, get out there and exercise or pick up an outdoor hobby? Awesome!

But what do you WEAR while doing your new physical activities?

This is a problem I come up against over and over again. Most stores do not stock plus-sized workout wear or outdoor wear. Even stores like Lane Bryant, which ONLY sell plus-sized clothes, generally have none or very few active-wear items. And the ones they do carry are poorly made and more designed for lounging than for any serious physical activity. I kind of find this unforgivable.

I love going to REI. They do have some plus-sized clothing options on their website, but they do not stock ANY in their stores. This is really difficult. Last fall I was gearing up for a trip to Jackson Hole Wyoming where I planned on going rafting and hiking among other activities. The weather was such that there could be snow in the mornings and 70 degrees by the afternoon. I needed a jacket and active layers that would work in this setting. I went to REI, but they had no plus-sized items in-store. I ended up ordering a jacket from their online plus-size line and picking it up at the store. Unfortunately, it ran a bit small, but it still worked. I then had to find light-weight shirt and short layers I could wear for my planned activities. I ended up, after a LOT of time spent shopping online and in-person, at Target... in the MEN'S department. They have men's active wear up to a size XXXL, I believe. Or, at the least, an XXL. But women's? They generally stop at L. Not even XL. Just L.

So I ended up with a moisture wicking, light-weight long-sleeve shirt and waterproof shorts, both from the men's department. Both were adequate, but did not really fit me right. The arms were too long, the shoulders too big, but the chest too small. But you take what you can get.

I didn't really think this was an awesome option, so I have since done more research and discovered Danskin. They have a great (online... of course) store with a big selection of women's plus-sized workout wear and active wear. I've bought quite a bit from them, and other than the fact that their shirts seem to be made for people quite a bit shorter than I am, I have been really happy. They have frequent sales and promotions, and their stuff is great for the gym. I also recently took up kayaking, and they had a waterproof sleeveless shirt with a built-in bra that I bought. It is PERFECT for kayaking. I only wish I had purchased more of them, because they no longer stock them.

But still, I am left wanting. It is so difficult for larger women to find appropriate clothing for exercise and outdoor activity. Even if you can find clothes for the gym, what do you wear when hiking? Biking? Kayaking? Rafting? Many of these activities really call for specialized clothing that just is NOT available in women's plus sizes. Or if it is, it's a special order from some manufacturer you've never heard of and it costs a fortune. I bought an SPF50 lightweight waterproof jacket for kayaking from a retailer on Amazon. It cost me $69 and came from a company called Coolibar. I love it, but it took me days of searching Amazon to even find it!

Society doesn't want to deal with large women. But when we're ready to do something to either lose weight or just get out there and get active and healthier, there is very little support for us. And I think that's just sad.

But, to end on a higher note, let me recommend REI's outdoor school. In April, I took their introductory kayaking outing/class, and I was terrified I would be too fat to fit in a kayak or would somehow be singled out with special treatment that would make me feel conspicuous and huge. But, no! They handled it expertly. If you've been thinking about doing something like this but have been scared, fear no more! When you sign up for the class (via phone), they'll ask you about height and weight. And then they make sure that they bring a variety of kayaks and equipment that will allow EVERYONE on the trip to have items from which to choose. I tried 3 different kayaks, including a sit-inside variety, and I fit into all of them! The class instructors were excellent, and I never once felt fat or conspicuous. Now, if only I could find some more clothes to kayak in!