It’s a problem that is prevalent in just about every retailer nationwide: plus-size clothing options are few and far between. Recently, there has been a lot of chatter surrounding this topic in the outdoor industry—particularly with women’s apparel. “Above average” women are finding it difficult to find activewear that fits properly and even running into trouble fitting into basic outdoor supplies like sleeping bags. When it comes to clothing and accessories, it isn’t a secret that one size definitely does not fit all.
A serious issue lies in the limited sizing in women’s activewear. I must admit, I’m a fan of Lululemon’s workout pants for hiking however I was appalled when the company publicly stated they do not offer plus-sized clothing because “focusing on sizes 12 and below is an integral part of its business strategy”—one that is based on “design, capacity, and operation perspective.” The company even went so far as to write on their Facebook page, ”While we know that doesn’t work for everyone and recognize fitness and health come in all shapes and sizes, we’ve built our business, brand and relationship with our guests on this formula.” While it is true the famous fitness retailer can’t focus on everybody when trying to create innovative women’s workout designs, it is a transparent example of plus-sizes being blatantly unaccounted for in the outdoor industry.
There are many women who fall below this size 12 threshold but there are also many that are above it. In fact, the average woman is a size 14 or 16. While browsing online for yoga and hiking pants at a number of different retailers, I found that most companies don’t offer options above a size 14. That means half of the women around the world can’t find workout pants that will fit them comfortably.
A Huffington Post article detailed one woman’s struggle of feeling different from the hikers she sees plastered across outdoor retailer ads. She recognized she didn’t look like society’s definition of a “normal hiker” but still enjoys getting outdoors. She had a number of inspirational thoughts such as, “Hiking is a universal sport anyone who wants to connect with themselves and nature can do, no matter what your body size or ability.” This statement alone is golden seeing as there are trails suitable for even those that are handicapped.
So to all fitness companies out there manufacturing women’s clothing here are a few things I would recommend.
1. Consider Different Builds
This applies to everyone, plus-sized and petite. I consider myself to be petite, however, I also have problems with outdoor apparel. I work out at the gym most days of the week and therefor have a more muscular build. Tiny tops designed for stick-thin women don’t work for me and more importantly, don’t make me feel beautiful. While muscular is not necessarily the “ideal” female body form in society, I’d still like to be able to wear tops that are flattering on me too or that my arms can actually fit into.
2. “Barbie Pink” Isn’t My Thing
Don’t get me wrong. I do love pink, purple and teal. In fact teal is one of my favorite colors but I’d also like to wear clothing that doesn’t make me stick out like a sore thumb. Bright, boisterous colors make me feel like I’m in an 80’s workout video rather than a serious hiker. I understand some women want to wear bright colors which is totally fine, but women who want to fit into nature also need some options too. Isn’t the point of camouflage to blend in with the environment? There is nothing that screams eat me to a mountain lion than a Barbie-pink workout top.
3. Make Me Feel Feminine!
I can’t tell you how many outdoor retailers market baggy pants that are supposedly for women. A little extra searching and you find an eerily similar style in the men’s section. If this is going to be the case, at least offer these “women’s” styles in an appropriate size to fit both below and above “average weight” women! On the opposite end of the spectrum, workout short should probably cover our butts. We aren’t going to the club, we are trying to hike outdoors and the last thing I want is to worry about dirt flying up my shorts.
I realize that not all companies can focus on my qualms above, however we can’t ignore half the women population. When people have trouble fitting into sleeping bags because they are designed too small, a true problem exists. While we can embrace and love our bodies, we can’t fit into outdoor apparel that is far too small.
I’ve seen REI has a whole plus-sized section and read that Columbia also offers plus-sized options. Where else do you ladies shop for plus-sized outdoor apparel?
End of rant and thanks for tuning in folks!
Photo Credit: Carolyn Coles, Dave Rosenblum, Janebelindasmith