Whether walking, kayaking, running or climbing – many are active Clothing brands that stop at a women’s size 18 or men’s size XL mean that more than 25% of women and more than a third of men face significant barriers to getting active outdoors.
Shortly after my accident, I’m going for a walk in a size 18 Craghoppers top
While I’m currently 14-16 with large hips and breasts, I usually need to enlarge when it comes to jackets, which can result in limited choices. After a direct request to cover plus size outdoor clothing, I thought now would be a great time to round up some brands that have larger sizes (XXL or 18+) active and outdoor clothing in stock.
Craghoppers
Size range
- Women size 8-22
- Men’s size XS – 4XL
presentation
Craqghoppers is a British brand that specializes in active and travel clothing and accessories. My first running set was bought by Craghoppers and as of fall 2020 70% of their clothes are made from recycled materials.
Their womenswear ranges up to a size 22, but they have few items in a 22 so it really feels like their current range ends at a 20. There are far more options for men as their range increases to 4XL
Shop Craghoppers »
Lucy Locket loves
Size range
presentation
If like me you find bright colors and patterns, you will love Lucy Locket Leggings! The leggings are ideal for running, wearing to the gym and walking in warmer weather. They fit perfectly (choose between capri, full body, loungewear or activewear versions).
Thick waistbands make your active selection of leggings really squat-proof and many are made from recycled materials. Available in sizes 6 through 26, they are really worth a look.
Shop Lucy Locket Loves »
Nike
Size range
- Women size 4 – 32
- Men’s size XS – 2XL
presentation
Nike has been leading the way in diversity for a number of years. Just think back to the June 2019 controversy that resulted from the decision to use plus-size mannequins in their stores.
In addition to a really excellent range of sizes, you can also find a good one on their website. Although the Plus range is not as large as the regular range, there are numerous options up to a size of 32 for women and up to a size 2XL for men.
Shop Nike »
regatta
Size range
- Women size 8-22
- Men’s size XS – 4XL
presentation
Regatta gear offers solid performance with good value for money and regardless of your activity preference there is something for you. From heated jackets for leisurely winter hikes to cycling and fitness clothing.
Regatta women’s clothing ranges up to size 22, while their men’s range goes up to size 4XL.
Shop regatta »
Tog24
Size range
- Women size 8 – 24
- Men’s size S – 6XL
presentation
Tog24 is another UK brand that designs active outdoor clothing. Their hiking, skiing, and snowboarding areas are good and they have a wide range of sizes available.
Tog24 clothing for women goes up to a size of 24 while the men’s selection is some of the largest we’ve seen from a small to 6XL.
Shop Tog24 »
Transgression
Size range
- Women’s size XXXS – 5XL
- Men’s size XXXS – 5XL
presentation
The Scottish brand Trespass offers a wide range of fitness and active clothing with a wide range of sizes for men and women. Although they go up to 5XL, their full range is not available, but they still have a wide variety to choose from.
Shop Trespass »
Decathlon
Size range
- Women’s sizes tops 6 – 26
- Ladies sizes trousers 4 – 22
- Men’s size XS – 4XL
presentation
We’re already fans of Decathlon camping gear, but they also have a wide range of hiking and active clothing, ranging up to 3XL for women and 4XL for men.
Decathlon’s active equipment focuses on practicality and performance without the high price. From base layers and fleeces to waterproof hiking pants and technical ski equipment.
Shop decathlon »
Mountain house
Size range
- Women size 8-20
- Men’s size XS – 3XL
presentation
Although her size is around 20 for women, Berghaus is still worth a mention, especially for some of their technical outwear that is ideal for the serious outdoor enthusiast who demands high performance.
Berghaus also has some unisex garments, including fleeces up to 3XL, which extends the options for women a little.
Shop Berghaus »
Mountain camp
Size range
- Women size 4 – 22
- Men’s size XS – 3XL
presentation
Mountain Warehouse clothing is always great value for money and is ideal for hiking and snow sports. Their ladies’ sizes range from 4 to 22, while their men’s range starts at XS and goes all the way up to 3XL.
Shop Mountain Warehouse »
Final thoughts on representation
It was great to research this feature and see the wider range of sizes offered by some outdoor and activewear brands, as well as the racial variety of models used. What impressed me, however, is the continued reluctance to show average size, let alone larger models in clothes.
Nike is doing a great job of showing standard styles (usually size 8-10) as well as plus sizes in the same garments, and Decathlon plans to show a greater variety on its website very soon.
The use of larger models does not “enchant” or encourage curvy or overweight behavior, but rather offers a more realistic representation and shows us how clothes fit and look on a larger frame, whereby we no longer feel so excluded and alienated.
Greater diversity can only be good.
Over to you …
Have you come across a great active clothing or outdoor clothing brand that I didn’t mention? If so, we’d like to know what other brands make for more different body shapes.
Let us know in the comments below or on our social networks.
Where to go next
Shell loves all things travel and the outdoors, and is a nature-loving, comfortable camping girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident that left her with a broken back. Even so, she used the outdoors and nature’s healing powers to recover, and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.
From swimming in the open water, snowboarding and kayaking to mountain hiking and meditation, Shell shares their travels and micro-adventures here on the blog. In various publications she has written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting the well-being and the many benefits of natural therapy.
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