Finding the Perfect Oversized Gym Shirt
Oversized t-shirts have become a staple athletic wear choice for women hitting the gym. Going up a few sizes provides comfort and coverage while allowing your body to breathe and move during vigorous workouts. But not all oversized gym shirts are created equal when it comes to performance and style.
Benefits of Oversized Gym Shirts
Choosing a roomy gym shirt over form-fitting activewear tops offers many advantages:
- More airflow and cooling effect during sweaty workouts
- Allows free range of motion without restriction
- Prevents embarrassment from revealing clingy fabrics
- Provides increased modesty and privacy
- Easy to layer over sports bras and tanks
- Trendy, streetwear inspired oversized aesthetic
Keep in mind that oversized shirts work best for low intensity strength training, yoga, pilates and other workouts where your top won't fly up. For running and high intensity exercise, choose a more fitted shirt.
Choosing the Best Fabrics
While you want your gym shirt to be spacious, it should still be constructed from performance fabrics engineered for fitness. Look for oversized shirts made with moisture-wicking technology especially under the arms to prevent wet spots.
Natural fibers like cotton absorb sweat rather than wicking it away. Great high tech fabrics include:
- Polyester - Lightweight and quick drying
- Nylon - Powerfully wicks away sweat
- Spandex/Lycra - Adds stretch and shape retention
- Microfibers - Ultra breathable during workouts
Style Considerations
Oversized gym shirts come in endless trendy styles these days. Most feature loose boxy shaping with extended arms, a roomy chest and slightly cropped hem. Some popular features include:
- Dropped arm holes for increased airflow
- Raw edge sleeveless cuts
- Knotted and twisted back detailing
- Asymmetrical high-low hemlines
- Cute graphics, sayings and motifs
- Sheer mesh panel accents
Look for updated necklines like off shoulder and crossover that reveal you have a sporty style. Many oversized shirt styles are now made from recycled polyester interwoven with spandex.
Fit Considerations for Plus Size Gym Shirts
When shopping for oversized plus size gym shirts for women, getting the proper loose fit is key. Pay attention to these fit factors:
Get the Right Size
Don't get an shirt that's overly massive. An oversized large or XL is ideal for most average height plus size women for gym wear. Keep arms loose without completely dwarfing your frame. Adjust sizing up or down based on your height.
Length is Crucial
Look for oversized shirts withextended arm length for max comfort, but aren't radically longer than your hips. Super long shirts can restrict range of motion. Cropped hem lengths also provide enhanced mobility.
Aim for the Right Silhouette
Choose shapely oversized styles made from fabrics with stretch rather than boxy shirts that swallow you up. Look for curved side seam detailing and draping that flatters fuller figures.
Focus on Upper Body Roominess
Pay special attention to chest, torso and arm roominess when selecting plus size oversized gym shirts. Well fitted waists with a subtly flared shaping flatter fuller midsections.
Mixing Fashion and Function
Oversized gym shirts occupy the sweet spot intersecting fitness performance requirements and cute street style appeal. Keep these fashionable functionality tips in mind when selecting shirts to workout in:
Incorporate On Trend Accents
Choose oversized gym shirts featuring of the moment details like graphic prints, raw edge hems, uneven Shirttails and knotted cut outs. Don't shy away from eye catching colors and bold patterns.
Layer Over Tanks and Sports Bras
Maximize versatility and customization of your gym outfits by layering oversized tees over close fitting tanks and sports bras. This allows you change up looks while keeping base layers sweat wicking.
Compliment Your Leggings
Leggings remain a mainstay for yoga, pilates and low impact training. Select an oversized gym shirt in harmonizing or contrasting shades to polish off the complete workout ensemble.
Mix Up Your Shoe Pairings
The beauty of oversized gym shirts is they work with virtually any athletic shoe style. Elevate the look by pairing with fashion forward sneakers, sleek training shoes or flirty slide sandals.
Caring for Oversized Gym Shirts
Follow these care tactics to keep oversized workout shirts looking and performing their best:
- Always air dry oversized shirts to avoid damaging fabrics
- Use gentle, perfume and dye free detergents
- Wash similar fabric colors together on cold water settings
- Avoid heat from dryers and irons to retain stretch
- Check care label instructions before attempting to bleach
With proper fabric selections and sizing considerations, oversized gym shirts provide the ideal combination of comfort, functionality and style. Their roomy silhouettes keep you cool during demanding workouts while delivering of the moment sporty fashion.
FAQs
Why are oversized t-shirts good for working out?
Oversized gym shirts provide more airflow, range of motion, and modesty versus tight workout tops. The loose silhouettes wick moisture better while allowing your body to cool itself more efficiently during intense exercise.
What fabrics are best for oversized gym shirts?
Look for oversized activewear shirts made from moisture wicking technical fabrics like polyester, nylon, lycra spandex blends, and microfibers. Avoid 100% cotton as it absorbs sweat rather than drying quickly.
How should oversized shirts fit plus size bodies?
Choose the right oversized shirt size for your height and aim for a flattering silhouette. Seek details like curved side seams, draping, and stretch fabrics that complement fuller figures. Focus on upper body roominess.
Can you wear oversized gym shirts for running?
Oversized t-shirts are great for yoga, pilates, and weight training. But avoid hugely baggy shirts for high intensity cardio like running where excess fabric can fly up. Opt for a slimmer performance fit top instead.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Related Coverage
Running cooling vests keep your body temp regulated to improve performance. Learn about the benefits, types of vests, and factors to consider when buying....
Relieve lower back pain and enhance your well-being with 10 effective exercises designed to strengthen your lower back and improve stability....
Exercising in the rain builds mental grit and physical fitness but requires precautions. Learn the benefits of rain workouts plus tips for safe running, cycling, yoga....
Learn how to effectively complete the 3-step Bright On Pro whitening system. Follow proper usage instructions for maximum stain removal and a brighter smile....
Learn how age, muscle mass, activity level, and other factors impact the daily calories a man burns. Get tips to increase your calorie burn for better health....
Wondering if honey in tea will break your intermittent fasting results? Find out how even small amounts of honey can inhibit fat burning, ketosis, and autophagy during a fast....
Looking for the ideal first marathon? Choose a race with a flat course, great crowd support, convenient logistics and beginner perks. Here are top picks for newbies....
Avoid dehydration, stabilize blood sugar, supplement electrolytes, and make other adjustments to help minimize lightheadedness, dizziness and faintness while fasting....
Complete novice swim guide covering how to get started, beginner swim gear, pool etiquette, basic strokes, 4-week training plan, top drills, dryland exercises, nutrition and safety....
Assess your unique somatotype based on bone structure, muscle gain, fat storage and metabolism to tailor nutrition and workout plans for optimal health....