Stylish Plus-Size Activewear

Comfort Is Key

Danskin Bike Short, available
at alwaysforme.com

It's hard to muster up the motivation to go to the gym -- even harder if your only gymwear options are frumpy and unflattering. But luckily, these days plus-size women are no longer condemned to wearing baggy T-shirts and bulky sweatpants pants while working out. Women's retailers are now offering more attractive and higher performance choices for all shapes and sizes.

"Wear workout clothes that make you look and feel good," says Lloyd Boston, style guru and author of Before You Put That On. "The idea is that when you look good, you feel better about doing anything - even if it's an activity you dread. High style can inspire you to high performance and results that stick."

When you're working up a sweat, you should be comfortable. Avoid wearing pieces that are 100 percent cotton. "The cotton/Lycra blend (spandex) is the most popular with our plus-sized customer," says Susan Wexler, Vice President of Design for Danskin. Stretchable garments offer a close, comfortable second-skin fit, and increased flexibility.