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Running Clothes for Every Body Type!

Not a willowy size zero? Neither are we! Hot, new running apparel that fits and flatters every body shape…

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


When it comes to fashion and fitness, you need to feel comfy of course—but a girl wants to look good too. Amid a harrowing sea of midriff-baring tops and bottom busting shorts, we found the apparel that works for every sort of frame. Be you plus-sized, tall, petite, apple or pear, with these size-specific pieces, your lovely shape will shine. We called on real runners with real fit concerns (just like the rest of us!) and found the perfect apparel to let them strut their style with confidence.

PEAR

Problem? By the time clothes fit around the hips, they gape at the waist, while tops that work for the shoulders bind around the lower half—so annoying.

Solved! Empire or A-line shirts fit comfortably over your lower body, while compression bottoms hug your curves.

Thao Nguyen

I like my fitness fashion to be cute, comfortable and functional. If you’re going to train hard, look good doing it! I recently completed my first Ironman 70.3 and am aspiring to complete a full Ironman by 2015. I’m a marathoner who likes to cross-train at fitness boot camps and yoga classes.

Merrell Leelani Zip, $60

This super-comfy half-zip is soft with a forgiving, gentle stretch in an energizing print. merrell.com

Lululemon Groovy Run Short, $54

Thao says, “The length provides great coverage in the rear for those with a little junk in the trunk!” lululemon.com

Pearl Izumi EM Trail M2, $125  pearlizumi.com

(Not Pictured)  Lucy Victory Lap Top, $59

An adjustable hem lets this shirt land just so, while ruching at the neck draws eyes up to your gorgeous face! lucy.com

Old Navy Fold-Over Capris, $23

A slight fl are at the knee balances full hips; compression fabric ensures a snug fit at the waist. oldnavy.com

Saucony Kinvara TR Shoes, $100 saucony.com

TALL

Problem? Shirts that don’t cover your middle and shorts that are too short—what’s a tall girl to do?

Solved! Look for brands that offer tops with long cuts or drop tails and tights sized by length.

Chia Rowe

I’m 5-foot-11, so I often have sizing issues. I run 20 or 30 miles a week with some spinning mixed in, and I want clothes that fit so I don’t have to adjust them constantly while I’m working out.

(Pictured Left) Brooks Glycerin Print Support Tank II, $54

Enough fabric to cover your waistband and a built-in sports bra makes this a perfect throw-on-and-go look. brooksrunning.com

Nike Dash Solid Running Shorts, $28

A thick waistband stays where you want it to so you show just enough of those lovely, long gams. nike.com

Adidas Energy Boost Shoes, $150, adidas.com

(Pictured Right)  Adidas Techfit Long Sleeve Knit Top, $30

This cold-weather basic has length to cover and move freely on taller torsos. adidas.com

Athleta Revelation Tights, $79

Magic in tights form is the best description for these smoothing wonders that come in regular, tall, petite and plus. athleta.com

New Balance 1400, $90 newbalance.com

APPLE

Problem? The dreaded muffin top just isn’t comfortable, and what’s the deal with shirts that ride up?

Solved! Try a dress. Yes, really! Paired with your favorite bra and compression shorts, a dress lets you run without lots of layers meeting at your middle. Or pair cute shorts with full coverage tops in thick, hugging fabrics or skimming synched waists.

Bekah Holt

“As a new mom, I spend the majority of my training running behind a baby stroller and cringe at the thought of showing too much cleavage, waist or crack. I want generously cut tops that stay put and pants that don’t creep down when I’m focused on my workout.”

(Pictured Left)  Nuu Muu Pebbles Dress, $70

Look sassy without showing too much skin in an A-line running dress, complete with handy pocket. nuu-muu.com

Skora Phase-X Shoes, $125 skorarunning.com

(Pictured Right)  Moving Comfort Foxi Tank, $56

The gently fitted style in thick, wicking fabric skims right over lumps and bumps. movingcomfort.com

Under Armour Authentic Compression Shorts, $25

Compression fabric hugs thighs to prevent painful chaffing. Pictured here solo and under a dress, these bottoms are perfect for layering. underarmour.com

Pearl Izumi EM Trail M2, $125 pearlizumi.com

PLUS-SIZED

Problem? You need cute clothes that fit(!), function and look hot—no more baggy T-shirts or boxy cuts. Plus, chaffing has got to go.

Solved! Brands listed here feature a variety of great styles in plus sizes. Capris will help stave off thigh rub; skirts with no-ride shorts are another fresh option.

Laurel Sharp

I have a long torso, big ribs and broad shoulders, so lots of tops fit like baby tees—not exactly the look I’m going for! I like longer cuts that hit at the hip. Plus, details like ruching or drawstring hems are flattering.

(Pictured Left)  Moving Comfort Sprint Sleeveless, $40

With feminine fit and gathered fabric, this shows off killer curves. movingcomfort.com

Sparkle Skirts SparkleTech Skirt, $65

Sized up to 3X, this skirt comes with shorts, double stitched at the thigh for durability. sparkleskirts.com

Nike Free 5.0+, $80 nike.com

(Pictured Right)  Run Pretty Far Just Run Tee, $30

Made of soft performance fabric with a relaxed fi t, this shirt is pure fun. runprettyfar.com

Old Navy Cropped Compression Pants, $23

Laurel says, “The lines make your legs look killer!” oldnavy.com

Skechers GoBionic Trail, $80 skechers.com

PETITE

Problem? How can you run when you are swimming in your clothes?

Solution! Look for brands with XS and petite sizing so tights don’t drag on the ground, consider a running tank with a built-in bra top and rock some short shorts!

Keli Kadota

I usually wear looser clothes when I head to the gym or go for a run, so I don’t feel constricted— but I still want them to fit!

Lorna Jane Elevate Jacket, $96

Three-quarter sleeves work for short arms. Gathered elastic at wrists and waist adds stay-put fit and fun flair. lornajane.com

Nike Legend 2.0 Poly Tight, $68

No hemming necessary! The “short” size option lends a custom fit. nike.com

(Not Pictured)  Skechers Digital Glitch Cami, $46

A close, moisture-wicking fit lets the real you shine in comfortable support. bealls.com

Under Armour Compression Shorts, $25

Baggy shorts can bunch and sag, but tighter options prevent extra fabric from getting in your way as you run. underarmour.com

Puma Mobium Elite v2 Shoe, $110 puma.com

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