Activewear brands that are size-inclusive and easy to get your hands on in Australia

Activewear brands for every body and any body.

To put it simply, 68% of the fashion industry falls into the "plus-size" category. Yet a multitude of activewear brands do not cater to this reality.

The standard clothing size for women in Australia is size 14-16, but a quick scroll through my Instagram feed or many activewear sites proves that few brands represent this. The majority of clothing brands stock up to a size 16, excluding the vast majority of women.

While the conversation of size-inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry is nothing new or groundbreaking, there are a number of brands putting this issue at the forefront of their mission. These brands create inclusive activewear for every body and any body.

And to make the search for the perf activewear that little bit easier, we've rounded up a list of activewear brands that you can shop here in Australia that carry sizes 16 and above.

1. Cotton On

Cotton On is a household name in Australia and its activewear is a cult fave. Affordable pieces that don't sacrifice quality? Here for it.

The brand has a range of activewear styles – some even made of recycled materials – that come in sizes 2XS to 3XL. The range includes bright colours and fun patterns in contrast to the standard plus-size activewear from other brands that takes a more conservative approach and encourages women to blend in rather than stand out.

Image sources: Cotton On on Instagram

2. Mimi Kinis

Mimi Kinis was founded in 2018 by Perth partners Sid Pattni and Madalin Frodsham. It originated as a swimwear brand when the duo recognised a severe gap in the market for size-inclusive cossies.

In 2020 the brand expanded to create what is now known as Mimi Move. The activewear label caters to sizes XS to 6XL and is one of the most inclusive activewear brands on the market. Its pieces are also made from sustainably sourced materials, which is a big ol' tick in my book.

Quite importantly, the designs from Mimi Move are bold, bright and confident. A lot of the time, activewear in sizes 16+ has a lot more coverage (not a crop top in sight) and comes in darker colours like navy and black. Mimi Move has pastel, retro-inspired designs to make you feel good and want to move your body.

My personal favourite thing about this brand is that Mimi Move wants you to love your body as it is, not for what you want it to be. If that isn't a beautiful message then I don't know what is.

Image sources: Mimi Kinis on Instagram

3. PrettyLittleThing

You've likely heard of the giant UK retailer PrettyLittleThing. Activewear may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping this brand, but it does stock an incredibly impressive range of sizes across the site, including the activewear range PLT Sport.

PLT stocks pieces from size 4 all the way up to size 30, and that deserves a big ol' clap for inclusivity.

The brand launched its own movement called #everyBODYinPLT, which aims to encourage self-love, equality and acceptance.

Image sources: @pltlifestyle

4. STAX

Believe it or not, Stax has been around since 2015. However, in recent years, this brand has become a household name in the workout wear industry, and it now has over 244,000 followers on Instagram.

The brand stocks sizes from XXS to 4XL, which is one of the largest size ranges I've seen from an Australian activewear brand. STAX's goal is to create figure-flattering premium sports-luxe activewear for both women and men, designed for both performance and everyday wear. Its campaigns always have representation from multiple body types and ethnicities and we simply love to see it.

The STAX bike shorts sold out in just 30 minutes, and after trying these out myself, I can't say I'm surprised. The brand claims to offer quality activewear and I wholeheartedly agree.

Image sources: STAX on Instagram

5. Nike

Nike has always been a taste-maker in setting the standard for other activewear brands. Whether it's including more diverse models within campaigns or rolling out plus-size mannequins in store, Nike is an unapologetically size-inclusive brand.

Nike workout wear comes in sizes up to 3XL and the brand is "committed to inspiring and serving the female athlete," Nike's general manager Sarah Hannah has stated.

6. Exotica Athletica

Exotica Athletica was born and raised in Australia and caters to folk of all shapes and sizes. It offers sizes 4 to 26 and includes everything from your classic black leggings to head-turning animal prints.

Founded by Leilani Chandler, Exotica Athletica puts strength and confidence at the forefront of the brand. That means that the activewear is super practical, including heavy-duty sports bras with large bands for support, and drawstring high-waisted leggings that won't slip down while you're working up a sweat. With leggings starting at around $59.99, they're competitively priced too.

Image sources: Exotica Athletica on Instagram

7. Running Bare

Another Australian brand, Running Bare has been on a mission to empower women since its humble beginnings on Bondi Beach in 1983. Over the years, the activewear brand has garnered some pretty big hype and you've probably already seen it all over IG. And for good reason.

Its massive range spans sizes 8 to 22 and includes activewear for every occasion. Whether you're running, jumping, stretching or lounging on the couch, Running Bare has got the goods for ya.

Image sources: Running Bare on Instagram

8. Active Truth

Frustrated by see-through activewear and leggings that constantly roll up, Brisbane locals Stevie Angel and Nadia Tucker launched Active Truth five years ago. The collection includes sizes XS to 3XL as well as a petite range for shorties and maternity options for those expecting a bébé.

Active Truth threads are designed with functionality and style in mind. We're talking no-spillage sports bras and leggings that you'll never have to adjust mid-workout again. Whether you're into bold block colours, striking patterns or feminine florals, the designs are also super cute, which obviously gets a big gold star from me.

Image sources: Active Truth on Instagram

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