I know you don't have to be thin to run but...

[Saffi_L]

I wish sports shops would realise that too. I'm not massively overweight but today I came out of a sports shop feeling like an elephant. I'm normally a size 14/16 top. I tried on their size 16 shirt (the largest size they had!) and it fitted me like a second skin. Not flattering. Didn't buy it. To make myself feel better I treated myself to a nike armband for my iphone as the one I have is quite bulky. Got it home - it won't do up round my arm. I'm really not fat - honestly. Could do with losing about a stone and a half max. Is all running gear designed for stick insects or am I fatter than I think?

[Lovefood1984 Graduate]

Nope your not fat, I'm in the same boat, size 14/16 top, 16 bottom and could do with loosing 2 stone to get me into the 'normal' bmi range. Because sportswear runs tighter I prefer an 18 which some shops just don't do, doesn't exactly motivate larger people to want to slim shame because proper high wicking tops etc are so much more comfortable. Sports direct have bigger sizes in stock, as do primark but the big brands like nike and addidas don't always seem to go bigger than a 16. Hope this makes you feel a bit better, bigger people can run!

[Sunflower86 Graduate]

I couldn't get anything comfy in my size by Nike or Adidas... But managed in reebok, would normally go anywhere near them but the did the trick for my running gear. Might be worth a look.

[Clara29 Graduate]

It is ridiculous isn't it? Do more! Lose weight! Blah blah blah, but rubenesque women like me seem to be expected to do it all whilst wrapped in an old sheet.

I got a lovely grey size 18 long sleeved running top with a zip neck and thumb holes and a pocket for keys or MP3 on the sleeve from M&S on line of all places the other week. It washes up and dries in hours. My joggers came from Nike in the sale . They were the only pair of XL joggers in the whole shop and I didn't try them on in store and risk 'the stick assistants' ' disdain on the basis that they ( the jogging leggings not the stick assts!) are stretchy so they would have to do, and they do! Otherwise I would have stuck with my Asda leggings, hot tho they might be! I have only just after much searching (and even more discomfort and consequent discouragement) found a sports bra (I think the only one in the whole world) that can cope with 32K fit!

Wish manufacturers would get their act together. Perhaps that is a business idea for me! Good luck in your search, Clara

[Clara29 Graduate]

M&S COLLECTION

T513006

Active Performance half zip top

Tried to put in a picture here too but it won't work. This is a long sleeved shirt and is the one I have and I like it (£25) but they also have a similar short sleeve one:

M&S COLLECTION

Quick Dry Colour Block Active T-Shirt

T513031

(£15)

[Sunflower86 Graduate]

Bravissimo also dead good for sports bras for those of us with bigger boobs! Although pricey it's dead comfy and well worth every penny when running. Staff were really helpful. Good luck!!

[mancbird Graduate]

Thin does not always equal healthy and fit.

Over weight does not always equal unhealthy and unfit.

Beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes.

And I agree I want comfy, beautiful clothes whatever my size!!

Manufacturers and designers take note!!!

[MrsSparkle Graduate]

Try the supermarkets. I got my stuff in Sainsburys, in their little sports section. They had loads of sizes. I have a top and Capri leggings and both are a good fit and very comfy (and not very expensive!).

[LadyLaois]

Amazon also sell good sports bras. I bought the Shock Absorber which was £29.50. Expensive I know but defo does the job. They're not bouncing all over the place anymore

[Camperfan]

I buy mine from lessbounce.com they have good ranges and reasonable prices. I've been looking f or a running top too, so will try the M&S site, thanks Clara

[Sue_Reading]

Got my running tops and trousers from Sainsburys. Not so long ago they did some moisture management long bootlegs joggers that had a really long waistband which was FANTASTIC as it held my wobbly/bouncing midriff in place and prevented that 'muffin top' look that you can get with normal running trousers. They were a good price too.

Agree with the sizing issue. I'm an 18 normally, and I'll be lucky to find anything that hides my bulges without wearing a mans baggy t-shirt. Its not exactly confidence-boosting when you already feel like people are staring at the fat lady trying to run. Hmmm, there's a niche market! Gym clothes that are suitable for the wider waistband.

[beforefifty Graduate]

I completely agree! I recently wanted to treat myself to some running tights as I had been wearing my old tracky bottoms and they were getting past it. I finally managed to get a size 18 equivalent online which was a size XXXL. I almost didn't buy them as the XXXL bit was so depressing! Anyway when I tried them on they were a size 16 in 'normal' sizing. Why do these sports lines do this?

[tanyag_163 Graduate]

Reminds me of Dragon's Den - last week's episode sportwear for 'larger' people and the Dragons' said the idea was stupid ;-(

[Saffi_L Graduate in reply to tanyag_163]

Seriously? I didn't see that but that's crazy. There is definitely a need.

[tanyag_163 Graduate in reply to Saffi_L]

Agree. They were so short sighted.

[Nilzed in reply to tanyag_163]

We should a write in and complain! Of course its a need!

[tanyag_163 Graduate in reply to Nilzed]

I feel a petition on change.org coming along

[Mamma_Mia Graduate]

Hi Saffi - sorry I'm a bit behind with your post, but just back from hols. I'm an 18/20 up top and 18 bottoms and like someone else has said, M&S and Sainsburys do gym clothes that fit. I've also braved Decathlon (we have a store near us but not sure if they do mail order) and if you can suss out the continental sizing they do cheap wicking clothes. From memory, I got an XXL top and 48 in shorts (I agree it's not very confidence boosting when one's trying to lose weight/get fit) but they do the job very nicely and I got a little bit of change from £10!

Hope this helps!