We break down the top athleisure tops, bottoms and accessories in 2025 for women that have muscular or curvy bodies.
Finding athleisure that fits well, feels comfortable, and looks stylish shouldn't be a challenge—yet for women with muscular builds or curvy bodies, the search often feels endless. In 2025, the landscape has improved dramatically, with brands finally recognizing that the global plus-size clothing market was estimated at USD 311.44 billion in 2023, with women making up 49% of the market due to body positivity movement. After extensive testing and analyzing hundreds of customer reviews across Amazon, Target, and Walmart, we've identified the best athleisure pieces that truly deliver on comfort, support, and style for larger body types.
When it comes to the holy grail of plus-size leggings, Girlfriend Collective consistently tops the charts. These compressive leggings have earned cult-favorite status for good reason. The leggings feature buttery-soft fabric made of polyester-elastane blend with four-way stretch, a 5-inch high waist that flatters curves, and convenient pockets.
During testing, these leggings impressed with their ability to stay put during workouts. The pieces felt soft yet sturdy and compressive enough to be functional for workouts, with leggings that actually stayed at the waist when running instead of gradually falling down. The brand's commitment to sustainability is an added bonus—each pair is made from approximately 25 recycled water bottles.
What Buyers Say:
- "These are the only leggings I feel fully compress my mid section. My first pair lasted over 5 years!"
- "Perfect amount of compression and thickness. They seem perfect for all my active adventures."
- "I LOVE THESE LEGGINGS. They fit a little snug, but not at all uncomfortable, more like you feel very secure and slim."
Girlfriend Collective has the largest size range, with leggings going from XXS up to 6XL, with multiple inseam length options, making them truly inclusive for various body types and heights.
Designed specifically with plus-size bodies in mind, Superfit Hero's best plus size compression leggings with pockets feature a high waistband that stays put, flat lock seams that prevent chafing, and SuperHold compression fabric that is sweat-wicking, quick-drying and squat-proof.
What makes these particularly special is their inclusive sizing approach. Superfit Hero is a US-based, woman-founded small business established in 2015 that specializes in sustainable, premium activewear with inclusive sizing.
Amazon Reviewers Love:
- "These are keepers; best compressing leggings I've ever had!"
- "I have lipedema and lymphedema and these leggings have helped me to be able to move more comfortably and without pain."
- "The material is excellent—nice and firm but soft and comfortable."
For budget-conscious shoppers who refuse to compromise on quality, Baleaf leggings deliver exceptional value. These $29 high-waisted leggings are available up to size 3X, are stretchy, don't roll, and have pockets that are big enough for a phone and more.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- "I have struggled ALL my life to find comfortable pants that are long enough AND big enough since I'm plus size. I've bought 5 pairs so far!"
- "Not see-through, not hot, great for work! They are 100% true to size."
- Available in four inseam lengths and 16 colors
Fabletics plus-size leggings consistently received top ratings from testers, with reviewers calling them truly the best leggings they've ever tried on, noting they were the winner among all tested.
Buyer Testimonials:
- "I love the compression and feel of these leggings so much. I've worn them to the gym a few times and can't imagine a workout where these don't work."
- "They look so tiny before you put them on your body, but they stretch to fit you perfectly."
Designed exclusively for D to G cups, this high-tech bra uses unique WRAPA technology to offer maximum support without suppressing breasts, with testers noting unrivalled support and bounce reduction on the road and in the gym, loving the front-adjusting straps for scaling up support.
Key Features:
- Adjustable front straps for customized support
- Racerback style with contoured design
- Available in cup sizes D through G
SheFit is a woman-founded small business established in 2010 specializing in activewear, with customers praising the amazing quality fabric that feels like second skin, noting the leggings are squatproof, moisture-wicking, and move with your body.
Customer Reviews:
- "Amazing quality. I now own six pairs of these!"
- "Great deal for the price! I'll never go back to any other brand."
- Available in sizes XXS–6X
This viral TikTok favorite has earned its reputation as a budget-friendly option for larger busts. Reviews note these bras are perfect for curvy girls, with buyers stating the bra elastic doesn't cut right through the armpit/back fat, providing great length, coverage and support, and they've tried all the brands out there and this bra is up there if not better than some of them.
What Buyers Love:
- Available in 27 colors
- Longline design doubles as a tank top
- Under $20
- Over 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon
While Nike may not be a brand typically associated with plus-size clothing, they now stock everything from sports bras to yoga pants with sizes spanning all the way up to a UK 26, truly embracing catering for plus-size people.
Reviewer Feedback:
- "This Nike medium support sports bra has a simple design, high-quality fabric, and secure fit."
- "As a curvy woman, full coverage and excellent support are essential, and this sports bra delivers exactly that."
Beyond Yoga Spacedye collection features buttery, soft material on your skin, with bike shorts that are thick-thigh-friendly and don't roll up at all, and the tank is amazing because you can wear it sans bra.
Perfect For:
- Yoga and low-impact workouts
- Layering under jackets
- All-day comfort
- Available in sizes 1X–3X
The CloudMotion Tank Top is praised for its effortless fit, with owners buying versions in nearly every size because it's comfortable enough to workout in and run errands after, perfect for those who hate the feel of a tight sports bra and tight top.
Why It Works:
- Budget-friendly price point
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Sizes XS–4X
- Made from 47% recycled polyester
The Conscious Crop is Athleta's most worn item and best-selling top, with comfortable fabric and a cropped halter-neck cut, working best for low- to medium-intensity workouts if you have larger breasts.
Customer Praise:
- "Best low impact/everyday bra top EVER! So comfy and flattering."
- "Even works over another bra if you want more support for high-impact workouts."
- Available in sizes XXS–3X
Target's All In Motion top receives praise for being super comfortable and not clinging like some tops in similar materials, with the length being just right so it doesn't ride up your back if you bend over.
Best Features:
- Only $14
- No tag to rub against neck
- Very true to size
- Available in sizes 1X–4X
These shorts are a go-to for runners, with an inner snug lining that helps alleviate chafing issues, featuring inner shorts with a phone pocket, and Nike's signature moisture-wicking Dri-FIT fabric.
Why They're Essential:
- Anti-chafe design
- Available in sizes XXS–4X
- Phone pocket in inner shorts
- 88% polyester, 12% spandex
For tennis or pickleball enthusiasts, this skort is made from Athleta's slick SwiftLite fabric and has shorts underneath with pockets for holding balls or your phone.
Perfect For:
- Tennis and pickleball
- Court sports
- Sizes XXS–3X
Look for High-Waist Designs: Plus size workout leggings designed with performance technology features like squat proof material, bum shaping panels, and high waistbands for tummy support are must-haves in your collection.
Check Fabric Content: Look for fabric that contains a high percentage of elastane or spandex—the more stretch in a fabric, the better chance it has of fitting, and look for items that are breathable or moisture-wicking with nylon being your friend.
Don't Skip Reviews: It's always good to see what other shoppers' experiences are to ensure an item will fit or isn't see through, a particular issue with many poorer quality leggings.
Size Inclusivity Matters: 2025 fashion trends focus on fashion-forward sportswear for curvy women, with high-waisted leggings, crop tops, and oversized sweatshirts in vibrant colours and breathable fabrics, as brands are offering extended size ranges in sportswear.
Consider Compression Levels: Not all compression is created equal. Some women with curvy bodies prefer light compression for yoga and walking, while others need maximum compression for high-impact activities like running or HIIT workouts.
Invest in Quality: While budget options exist, investing in higher-quality pieces from brands like Athleta, Girlfriend Collective, or Lululemon often pays off with durability. Many reviewers report their premium leggings lasting 5+ years with regular wear.
Over 24,000 Amazon reviewers gave these racerback tanks a positive rating, saying they're the perfect fit and cover your stomach without being too long, coming in a set of three and keeping you cooler in the heat.
These leggings are praised for walking and yoga workouts with thicker fabric that means you can squat in them without worrying about showing off your underwear, while still being very breathable, not rolling during workouts, going up to size 3X, and being super affordable.
Budget-Friendly Highlights:
- Often on sale for under $25
- Multiple inseam lengths
- Available in sizes XS–4X
- Durable enough for regular gym use
For eco-conscious shoppers, several brands stand out for their commitment to sustainability while maintaining size inclusivity:
Girlfriend Collective: Compressive High-Rise Leggings are made mostly with recycled plastic that was once destined for landfills, with leggings that have serious mainstream appeal with the added benefit of being good for the environment.
Athleta: Athleta makes very high-quality products from extensive fit-testing with utmost focus on fabric feel, thickness, softness, and functionality, and is officially recognized as a B-Corp for its intentional efforts to integrate sustainability and community.
After extensive testing and reviewing hundreds of customer testimonials, our top overall picks for women with muscular or curvy bodies are:
Best Overall Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Pocket Leggings—unbeatable combination of comfort, compression, sustainability, and size inclusivity (XXS–6XL)
Best Premium Option: Athleta Salutation Stash Leggings—investment-worthy quality with superior fabric and fit that lasts for years
Best Sports Bra: Panache Wired Sports Bra—designed specifically for D-G cups with adjustable support
Best Budget Pick: Baleaf High-Waisted Leggings—under $30 with features that rival premium brands
Best Top: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Cropped Tank—buttery soft fabric that works for multiple activities
The athleisure landscape in 2025 offers more options than ever for women with larger body types. Whether you're seeking compression for high-impact workouts, comfortable fabrics for yoga, or versatile pieces that transition from gym to errands, these tested and reviewed options deliver on quality, comfort, and style. Remember to check size charts carefully, read customer reviews for fit insights, and don't be afraid to invest in pieces that will support your active lifestyle for years to come.
