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I tested 5 curvy-friendly activewear brands
Including the best style for value, support and comfort.
For many of us, the new year brings new energy, and that can often include the desire to change habits like drinking, the way we deal with stress and anxiety, and even the way we perceive and talk to our bodies. Of course, the new year looks different for everybody, but for myself, 2022 welcomes the chance to become the best version of me and part of that includes getting fitter.
As a workout novice however, the gym can be an intimidating place but there are ways around this. As science suggests, looking good can have the power to make us feel more confident so investing in some new workout kit is exactly where I'm starting. Being Cosmo's Curve Editor, naturally I had to see what was available to those of us above a size 16 and the good news is, there's plenty.
From my favourite Instagram brand based in the States to an indie brand based in Ireland, there's a style for everybody, no matter your budget or needs.
Pros
- True to size
- Squat-proof
Cons
- Additional charge for taxes and duties
After discovering Girlfriend Collective on Instagram last year, I quickly became a fan. Impressed by its array of colours and size inclusivity - catering to XXS to 6XL - I was excited to road-test the brand's activewear in the gym.
A newbie to all things fitness, I needed a pair of leggings that would offer enough support and comfort to boost my confidence, and the Daydream set provided precisely that. Forget the days of pulling up your leggings after each exercise or wondering if every lunge reveals your underwear. Being squat-proof, compressive and stylish, these leggings delivered exactly what I needed.
Despite the brand being based in the States, you can find limited styles in stores like John Lewis, Sancho's and Matches. While they don't offer the full collection available in the U.S, it allows the opportunity to shop without paying extra taxes and duties. Oh, happy days!
Pros
- Elasticated waistband
Cons
- Not very size inclusive
Gymshark has been a firm favourite of many fitness enthusiasts for a while so I knew I had to put the brand to the test. Offering activewear in sizes XS to XXL, the brand isn't hailed as the most inclusive, but for those who can fit it, it offers impeccable quality at a great cost.
These leggings weren't as compressive as the others but offered a lightweight fit that felt very breathable and comfortable to wear. In addition, the elasticated waistband offered great support that ensured the leggings didn't roll down - which is essential when jumping around in a HIIT class.
While I was impressed by the fit and quality of this set however I would love to see Gym Shark extend its sizing to cater to all.
Peachylean Magenta High Waisted Full Length Leggings with Pockets
Pros
- Bum sculpting
- Pockets
After discovering Peachylean some months ago, I was excited to see what this brand had to offer. Catering to sizes XS to 4XL, Peachylean ranks impressively on the size inclusivity scale. And the high-waisted leggings didn't disappoint. As someone who likes to listen to music while working out, I was happy to see the leggings include side pockets.
While I didn't find the leggings as compressive as Girlfriend Collective, Good American or Gym Shark, I definitely felt supported. And if you are like me and love some bum sculpting action, Peachylean is definitely true to its name - the high waist paired with the bum sculpting detail really enhances and shows off that tush.
Ultimately, Peachylean delivers stylish leggings for great value.
Pros
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
Cons
- Not very size inclusive
Despite not being as snug as the other leggings I trialled, I was pleasantly impressed by the fit and comfortability of these Sweaty Betty leggings. Offering sizes XS to XXL, Sweaty Betty doesn't rank as the most inclusive brand but it's a good option for those who fit up to a size 20.
These leggings also stood out for their handy slip pocket feature, which is perfect for keeping your essentials safe. And yet, despite how handy this feature is, I've found myself turning to these leggings less when I'm working out and more when I want something comfortable to wear.
As much as I love how lightweight they are, I enjoy wearing a pair of leggings that make you feel held-in - especially when I'm in a HIIT class. So, while the All Day High-Waisted leggings aren't my first choice when it comes to fitness, they are by far my favourite when it comes to everyday wear.
Pros
- Really stylish pieces
- Size inclusive
Cons
- Bras could be more supportive for busty girls
When it comes to getting the perfect fit and support, Khloe Kardashian's brand Good American serve the goods. It delivers excellent style, high compression and fuss-free activewear that made me feel confident throughout my workout.
Impressed by the vast sizing, I opted for the halter bra and leggings in a size 2xl. While the leggings were a perfect fit, the halter bra could offer a little more support and coverage for my 38J bust. If you are busty like me, you may want to try the brand's Active Essential Icon Bra rather than the halter style. It has a racer-style back and triple-layered fabric for maximum support.
Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed by the quality of Good American and how inclusive the brand is (catering to sizes XS to 5xl). It's a thumbs up from me.
Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell is the Contributing Curve Editor of Cosmopolitan UK. The former curve model and digital content creator has worked in the fashion industry, specialising in plus-size fashion content, for six years. Known for her excellent eye for style, captivating imagery and witty sense of humour to match, Lauren Nicole continues to inspire women to live boldly through their clothes.
Find her on TikTok
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