REI Has Quality, Extended Size Activewear And I Approve
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of REI. All opinions are 100% mine.
Before my dramatic weight loss in 2015, I hated the outdoors. I never wanted to hike, I got all fussy when my friends wanted to walk long distances across New York City, and I hated the way I looked in any type of activewear.
I always wore t-shirts so big in hopes of hiding my body. I wore leggings that were always too tight on the waistband and felt more painful that practical. And finding a sports bra that could fit my back width made me feel defeated.
When I dropped all the weight and several sizes, things became the exact opposite. I wanted to work out six days a week, I always wanted to go on adventures, I ran more than my bone spur could handle, and I was finally happy I could walk into a store and fit into any activewear I wanted.
Well, if you’ve been following my journey (which majority of you have), then you know that my weight loss became a dangerous endeavor for me. I couldn’t sustain a life of deprivation and self-loathing. After lots of recovery, I gained some weight back, and found a balance. I love walking outside, but I’m not obsessed with counting my steps. I’m always down for a hike, as long as it fits my fitness level and doesn’t push me beyond my limits. I aspire to travel the world and share my favorite hidden gems, all while capturing the most beautiful views and appreciating the outdoors.
One of my biggest fears of gaining weight back was the lack of clothing options. There’s just no worse feeling than feeling underrepresented. As if you are abnormal, and your body size does not belong in a store.
I am absolutely STOKED to partner with REI and show you some of their extended size activewear! They have items that go up to a size 3X, and it’s nice to have options beyond just a plus size store. We are people too, no matter our weight.
REI Co-op On The Trail Run Tights
These are SO comfy. I love that there’s pickets on the sides to store your phone or keys, maybe even credit cards. They didn’t feel overly tight in the waistband and overall they stretched really well. I am wearing a size XL, which is usually a bit too tight for me—aka, these are great! A+
Buy them at REI for $75 (on sale for $53 until 11/25)
REI Co-op Wallace Lake Flannel Shirt
This flannel shirt underneath has nice, calm tones and pretty much defines the outdoor vibe. I didn’t know if it would mesh well with my blue rain jacket, but I kind of love it? It feels so nice and warm too. I’m wearing a size XL and it surprisingly fit around my hips (which isn’t normal).
Buy the plaid shirt at REI for $60 (on sale for $42 until 11/25)
REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket
Now THIS is the knockout. The Berry Blue is GORGEOUS and I love that I’m wearing a color other than black. I wore it on a windy, rainy day and it totally held up. It dried really quickly once I got inside, it has pockets and zippers in a couple areas (like the arm), and it also has a hood. This is perfect for hiking on a misty day or just walking to work. Highly recommend! I’m wearing a 2X because I wanted a better fit around my hips.
Buy the rain jacket at REI for $125
Anyway, I love the quality and fit of the REI plus and extended sizes activewear, and I hope you do too. If nothing else, that rain jacket is AMAZING.
Check out all the Plus and Extended sizes in Activewear from REI.
