As someone working in apparel OEM development at
Fuki Gymwear, I often get questions from brands like:
“Does Athleta actually offer real plus-size activewear, and is it well-designed?”
Here is a clear breakdown based on product research, fit analysis, and manufacturing experience.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- 1. Does Athleta Offer True Plus-Size Activewear?
- 2. What Makes Athleta’s Plus-Size Fit Different?
- 3. Are Athleta Plus-Size Styles Comfortable?
- Athleta vs Other Activewear Brands
- Who Should Choose Athleta Plus-Size Activewear?
- OEM Insights from FukiGymwear
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Quick Answer

Yes — Athleta offers one of the most complete plus-size activewear collections in the market (sizes 1X–3X / 14–26).
Their fits are known for comfort, body-supportive fabrics, and inclusive design.
1. Does Athleta Offer True Plus-Size Activewear?
Unlike some brands that simply scale up regular sizes,
Athleta offers fully engineered plus-size patterns, including:
- redesigned waist heights
- adjusted rise proportions
- different hip and thigh grading
- reinforced seams for movement
- optimized fabric stretch for curves
This is not just “bigger sizes” — it is purpose-built plus-size activewear.
2. What Makes Athleta’s Plus-Size Fit Different?

Athleta focuses on function first, offering:
Fit benefits
- sculpting support without compression pain
- high-rise that stays in place
- soft interior seams to reduce chafing
- fabric recovery built for curves
Compared with
Lululemon (performance-focused)
and Fabletics (value-focused),
Athleta leans on comfort + inclusivity + stability.
3. Are Athleta Plus-Size Styles Comfortable?
Based on fabric analysis and user feedback, yes — Athleta builds for all-day comfort.
Key comfort features:
- breathable moisture-wicking blends
- strong stretch but smooth hand-feel
- wide waistbands for gentle support
- no-slip fit for yoga, training, or daily wear
If comfort is your top priority, Athleta scores highly.
Athleta vs Other Activewear Brands
| Brand | Size Range | Fit Quality | Comfort Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athleta | 1X–3X | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | All-day comfort, inclusivity |
| Lululemon | Limited extended sizes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Performance training |
| Fabletics | Good range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Value + trend |
| Aerie | Wide range | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Youth lifestyle |
Conclusion:
Athleta performs strongest in fit engineering and body-inclusive design.
Who Should Choose Athleta Plus-Size Activewear?
Choose Athleta if you want:
- comfortable, supportive everyday activewear
- inclusive sizing built on real body data
- soft yet durable fabrics
- minimalistic and clean designs
- clothing that works for both training and daily life
Choose another brand if you want:
- high-performance compression → Lululemon
- trend-driven sets → Fabletics
- budget-friendly options → Aerie
Athleta wins on comfort + inclusive engineering.
OEM Insights from FukiGymwear
At
Fuki Gymwear
we often develop plus-size collections for brands inspired by Athleta, focusing on:
OEM features brands request:
- extended waistband stability
- reinforced seams
- curve-friendly pattern grading
- multi-direction stretch fabrics
- soft brushed surfaces for comfort
Our experience shows that plus-size activewear grows faster than regular sizes — a major opportunity for new brands.
FAQs
Does Athleta truly design plus-size clothing?
Yes — they use separate grading, fit models, and sewing adjustments.
Is Athleta more comfortable than Lululemon?
For plus-size users, generally yes — Athleta is softer and more forgiving.
Do Athleta leggings roll down?
Less likely, thanks to high-rise stability engineering.
Does BlessDenim produce plus-size activewear?
Yes — we support full-size grading including curve-friendly designs.
Final Thoughts
Athleta offers one of the best plus-size activewear ranges in the market, thanks to inclusive design, genuine pattern engineering, and comfort-focused fabrics. It’s a strong choice for women seeking dependable performance and everyday wear.
For brands developing their own inclusive activewear lines,
Fuki Gymwear
provides high-quality OEM support for plus-size grading, fabric sourcing, and tailored fits.
