Plus-Size Fashion

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    I Tried Over 20 Pairs of Plus-Size Leggings—These 4 Made the Cut

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    Finding plus-size activewear is tough, to say the least. Everything is either too tight or too camel-toe-y or too loose or too ugly (sorry, not sorry). And honestly, having good workout clothes makes working out actually bearable for me. One of the most important parts of a good workout to me is having a good pair of leggings that don’t slip or slide and actually make me feel confident, but finding a good pair of plus-size leggings is equivalent to finding a needle in a very large haystack.
    While it’s not a one-and-done motivator, I’ve been on the hunt for activewear that makes waking up at 6am to do squats just a liiiiiittle more bearable. I’ve tried on dozens of pairs, but these are the ones that actually made the cut. TBH, some of these even make me want to book that yoga class I’ve been talking about for months. Flattering, comfortable, and cute? What more could a girl ask for.
    For reference, I usually wear a size XXL.

    Our Social Editor Keely wore these on a casual day in the office once, and I went to Nordstrom the next day to try them on. On her, they looked like the perfect black leggings: cute with an oversized sweatshirt, but also durable enough to actually work out in.
    These didn’t disappoint. Nike leggings are a little weird size-wise, so I had no idea what size to try on. I took both a 1X and 2X in the fitting room, and the 1X ended up being the perfect fit. I think these would be great for a yoga class (especially hot yoga) because the material is definitely sweat-wicking without being too compressive. I also would totally wear these on a normal day, so these work double-duty. On me, I didn’t feel like they were worth the price after I’d found leggings that did the same thing at a lower price point, but if these are in your price range, I would definitely go for them.

    For the price, these are incredible. I have another pair from this brand from a few years ago, and they have lasted so long without any pilling. I basically survived with these exclusively as my go-to workout pants for months, and they’ve still managed to keep their shape and style.
    So, I had to try another pair. I tried on an XXL in these leggings (because that’s all I found in store), and they were great. I wouldn’t call them my favorite leggings of all time, but if you’re working on a budget, these are a great option. I did a few squats in the dressing room to test, and they stayed in place well without having to hold them up or move around, and had a good amount of compression.
    I would wear these for all kinds of workouts without worrying about them not holding up. (The online sizing is definitely limited on these, however, as they only go up to an XXL).

    We’re huge fans of Girlfriend Collective here—their ethics and commitment to both diversity and sustainability makes supporting them feel good, and that’s without even going into how good their products are.
    I ordered these thinking I’d return them after I tried the magic that are the next leggings, but these are a VERY close second and will certainly not be leaving my closet anytime soon. I actually immediately went to work out once I put them on because I was excited to show them off. These are extra sweat-wicking, which makes working out in them extremely comfortable. It’s honestly kind of cooling on the skin (is that even possible lol?), so I’ll definitely wear these for my most intense workouts.

    Everyone I talked to said I had to try Fabletics plus-size leggings, and this adventure finally got me to order a couple pairs online. DING DING DING, we have a WINNER! These were truly the best leggings I’ve ever tried on. I got the leggings with the highest amount of compression because they had incredible reviews, but I was really nervous about the sizing. I went with what the size guide told me, and upon first receiving the leggings, I thought there was no way they’d fit. They look so tiny before you put them on your body, but they stretch to fit you perfectly.
    I love the compression and feel of these leggings so much. I’ve worn them to the gym a few times (tiny flex, yeah, I work out, what’s it to ya), and I can’t imagine a workout where these don’t work. I love them for weight-training, but when I went for a treadmill run (HUGE flex for me, but I should admit it was a five minute warm-up and was more of a light jog than a run but whatever), they stayed in place the entire time. Truth be told, I’ve had these for a few weeks now, and they haven’t begun to pill even though I’ve washed them a few times.
    Basically, I’d buy these over and over again. I’m planning to place a lot more Fabletics orders in the future; their sports bras are calling my name! I picked them up in red and black because I knew I’d wear them constantly.

     

    I Recreated Famous Pinterest Outfits on My Plus-Size Body

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      5 Things to Buy Before Spring Arrives

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      Despite what the weather might imply if you take a peek out of just about any window in the continental United States right now, February is coming to a chilly close, which means one thing: spring is on the way.Yes, we’ll probably be shivering and wearing our snowboots through March, but the time to stock up on winter gear has finally passed, and it’s time to look forward to brighter, happier days—and get our closets stocked too. (I don’t know about you, but after this quarantined winter, I don’t know that I’ve ever looked forward to spring this much.)
      Ready to strip off your layers of wool and down coats to reveal something lighter and brighter? Here are five places to start:

      1. Wide-Leg Pants

      Millennials, don’t get your panties in a bunch just yet. (It’s worth noting that I, albeit a young one, am also a millennial, so there’s no reason to panic here). Your skinny jeans can stay at the top of your stack of jeans if that’s your cup of tea, but if you’re looking to try something fun and new, a pair of wide-leg jeans or trousers were made for you (it also doesn’t hurt that they’re basically one step up from sweats). Think: full lengths, high waists, and legs just a bit wider than your straight jeans.

       

      2. Minimalist Knitwear

      For the perfect transition from winter to spring wear, invest in the minimalist knitwear trend. Rather than the chunky, oversized sweaters and cardigans we’ve been bundled up in for six months, these are thinner, lighter, and tighter. Bonus points if you wear a matching knit bra-top layered underneath.

       

      3. Bridgerton-esque Prints

      Yes, I know, “florals for spring,” and what not, but really, what is spring without some floral wardrobe pieces? This spring’s are more in your face than years past, with dreamy floral prints that will take us back to our favorite Netflix binge.

       

      4. Eyelet Lace

      In a move that feels like the polar opposite of our loungewear, feminine, dreamy eyelet lace is making its way onto the spring scene. The detailed, larger cutouts make just about any piece they adorn look a little more interesting, and could be in the running for your first non-winter walk around the block.

       
      5. Something Pink

      After a long, dark winter, nothing sounds better than the bright, chilly colors that spring is offering us this year, and at the top of that list is bubblegum pink. If you’re still hanging onto your sweats, trade out a grey pair for one in the hue; or if you’re ready to wear real clothes again, opt for a top or dress that you’ll reach for all spring and summer long.

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      The Best Places to Shop for Plus-Size Underwear

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      The year is 2008. You’ve just arrived at the mall with your best friend, lip gloss poppin’, bangs straight as paper, with just a hint of glitter lining your cheekbones. You and your bestie know that you have one destination in mind: Victoria’s Secret. It’s their semi-annual sale and you’ve both planned to pick out six cute pairs of panties for $25 (which is kind of expensive if you also want to get Auntie Anne’s, but you’ll make it work). You walk into VS, your best friend makes a beeline for the undies section, and you follow closely behind. The two of you exchange knowing looks and then dive into the madness of the busy store. Noticing that the shelves are organized by sizes—extra-small on the top—you squat to search through what’s on the bottom row, and then realize the sizes stop at extra-large, and the extra-large looks like a medium. To curb your disappointment of yet another store not selling your size, you grab a “Strawberries and Champagne” body cream and check out.For some of us, the aforementioned feeling of disappointment is all too familiar. It’s the feeling of walking into a store with high hopes and walking out empty-handed because they don’t sell our sizes. As used to this feeling as I am, it always puzzles me when I notice that companies don’t prioritize inclusive sizing in underwear—it’s essential for Pete’s sake! Just like any other woman, plus-size women don’t want to have an underwear drawer full of only baggy, full-coverage panties. We want sexy, versatile, fun undies, too! Here’s a list of companies that make that possible:

      If you’re looking for comfortable undies

      Editor’s Choice:

      Play Cheeky

      Prior to my first time trying Parade Underwear, I would always see people talking about them on Instagram. Let me be the first to say it: they live up to the hype. I also love how inclusive their site models are. I feel seen, heard, and supported by these undies! 

       

      If you’re looking for sexy matching sets

      Editor’s Choice:

      Savage X Fenty
      Savage Not Sorry Half Cup Bra with Lace

      Do you remember where you were when Rihanna first dropped Savage X Fenty? I was in my best friend’s dorm room, huddled over her computer, counting down the minutes until we’d be let into the site. Since that day, Savage X Fenty has consistently created for the curvy girls—and for that, we thank Queen Rihanna.

       

      Editor’s Choice:

      Kaia Contour Plus

      Similar to Savage X Fenty, Adore Me makes cute and sensible undies for plus sizes. Before brands like these, I just assumed that people like me (over a size 12) weren’t meant to wear sexy lingerie. Turns out, we looked great in it! All we needed was a little extra fabric and a community that was encouraging. 

       

      If you’re looking for different style options

      Editor’s Choice:

      Third Love
      Petal Lace High Rise Brief

      Here’s the thing, I’ve never been a thong-lover, but this company has converted me. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all of your underwear drawer needs, you might want to check out Thirdlove. They have high-quality, cute, and affordable options for your favorite styles. Whether you’re a boyshort fan or a brief kind of girl, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

       

      If you’re looking for something different

      Editor’s Choice:

      Feel Free Boy Short

      Sometimes we want to wear undies and just undies. These are the type of underwear you want for lazy days, lounging around the house, and binge-watching Bridgerton (for the fourth time). 

       

      Editor’s Choice: 

      First Line Leakproof Bikini LC

      Not only are these super comfy, but they have built-in leak protection for light period days (plus they’re antibacterial and odor-repellent).

       

      As a person who would rather be pantless on all occasions, I recommend you give yourself a gift and show your underwear drawer some love by trying out the companies listed above. Moreover, from one plus-size girl to another, no matter your race, size, identity, or age, you deserve underwear that makes you feel beautiful and prioritized. More