Plus Size
Womens Outdoor Clothing
For Hikers

by Diane Spicer

The best plus size womens outdoor clothing which fits and looks good (also called extended sizing) is hard to find.

Somehow, it's difficult for most outdoor gear companies to fathom that women hikers come in all ages, sizes, shapes and heights.

• What a frustrating experience for women who need high performance hiking clothing in plus sizes that actually fits!

If you're looking for ideas on what to wear hiking, like plus size convertible hiking pants or shorts, moisture wicking shirts and sports bra, and waterproof rain pants, you're on the right page.

The reality of plus size womens outdoor clothing shopping

Ever have this happen to you?

You go into an outdoor clothing retail shop and browse through the selections of hiking pants, hiking shirts, rain gear and other womens hiking apparel and active wear.

You search for your size.

Nada.

As in zip.

Nothing.

Frustration turns to anger.

• Big sigh, then a deep breath before you move on to the men's department, or leave the store.

Please don't take the lack of women's extended sizes in hiking clothes personally.

• You are not alone in your quest for the best plus size womens outdoor clothing that not only fits, but functions well on hiking trips and day hikes.

And someday, size inclusive hiking clothing will be a reality from every outdoor retailer.

Why do I make that prediction?

Because there are positive signs of improvement in some leading outdoor clothing brands, like REI Co-op and Columbia.

And there are women owned stores who know that a woman's curvature needs specific sizing and technical details to fit right.

Keep reading as we name some names.

Retailers who get it!

Don't waste any more time in frustration or anger as you shop for extended size outdoor clothing.

Instead, go straight to the outdoor gear companies who pay attention to women hikers who are not served by the size range that most hiking clothes are designed for in the U.S. (which seems to be up to size 14 or so).

Let them know that your needs exist.

And don't be shy about sending them feedback and posting reviews of their products.

Hitting the trail isn't a privilege for women "of a certain size", right?

• Hiking clothes for plus size women needs to become the norm, not the exception.
  

REI Co-op is expanding their offerings
for female hikers all the time

REI Co-op continues to add options every season, most in the 1X to 3X range, and you can get an overview of their selection here.

More to love about REI: When you become a member (one time $20 fee), you receive a 10% rebate on your annual qualifying purchases.

Plus:

• Free shipping on lots of items
• Excellent return and exchange policies
• Member only sales and coupons
  

Read more about the REI Co-op member rewards here.

SkirtSports
(woman owned and operated)

SkirtSports offers an exclusive line of clothing designed and tested by women who wear 1X, 2X and 3X.

They call it their Move Without Limits line!

• Check it out here

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Now, let's zoom in for a closer look at examples of plus size womens outdoor clothing that work well on the trail.

Best plus size
hiking pants

Options from a trusted name:
Columbia

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Columbia also has another option worth a look:

If you'd prefer knee length trail pants in this style, here they are!

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REI Co-op

REI also offers waterproof rain pants at various price points.

Here's a good pair for summer hiking:

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L.L. Bean
has been around a long time!

L.L. Bean makes these Comfort Trail Pants.

Great features to customize your fit, including:

• misses, petite and women's sizing
• variable inseams
• 18W to 26W sizes
• waist tabs
  

Worthy trail features include:

• fast drying nylon fabric with a bit of spandex stretchability
  
• moisture wicking mesh in the waistband
  
• gusseted crotch for freer movements
  
• and lots of pockets :)

These are also available in a cropped version, if you'd prefer your calves to be unencumbered in warmer hiking weather.

Trail tip:

• Be sure your underwear plays nicely with your hiking pants.

Get a few ideas for the best hiking underwear to wear under your pants and shorts here.

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More extended size
hiking clothing options
for leg coverage

Would you rather hike in shorts?

• Read this for ideas on how to size up, and locate, a great pair of womens hiking shorts in your size.

Here's a great example of a trailworthy pair of hiking shorts.

These Columbia Saturday Trail hiking shorts check all the boxes for a hiker:

• Omni-Shield™ water-resistant fabric
• Omni-Shade™ UPF 50+ sun protection shields you from harmful UV rays
• 96% nylon/4% elastane for comfort and free movement
  
• enough coverage for your hard working legs
  

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Best plus size
hiking shirts

Five color choices, so you can have one for every hiking season and then some.

This shirt is going to work hard for you on the trail, and look good, too.

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Another hiking shirt option

Columbia's extended sizing options to the rescue again!

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Base layer

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Warm weather hiking shirt choices
in plus size womens outdoor clothing

When warm weather hiking trails beckon you, you want to stay as cool and dry as possible while working up a sweat gaining that view point or campsite.

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Tank top options for you

For great choices in tank tops, check out these SkirtSports options.

This woman owned and operated company not only designs active clothing with the female body's curves in mind, they allow hikers and runners to test their styles.

The Breakaway tank offers a V neck and soft jersey fabric for moisture wicking freedom of movement, plus full back coverage to prevent chafing from your backpack.

The wide shoulder straps are compatible with a hiking backpack.

Here's another option for a tank top made for the trail. The Eclipse shirt features a v-neck and racerback style.

The wicking fabric, and longer length (prevents chafing from your backpack's hip belt) will also be appreciated on the trail.

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Hiking skirts

Not everyone is on board with hiking in a skirt.

• Read more here
  

If you are a fan of leg freedom, you have some mighty fine options for the trail.

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What lies beneath?

Need a supportive yet comfortable plus size sports bra under that shirt?

Of course you do!

Want more options for a great hiking sports bra?

• Read this.

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Plus size womens
outdoor clothing 
take aways

You deserve high performance technical hiking clothing that fits and looks great.

Hopefully the ideas on this page will help you find it.

Just a few more ideas before you go...

1. Don't be discouraged if your size and fit is hard to find in hiking attire.

• Your desire to hit the trail will motivate you to keep hunting for hiking clothing that works as hard as you do to get you to some great outdoor destinations.

2. Start by looking at the styles and companies mentioned here, because lots of other hiking women have recommended them.

3. Look at Juno for a full line of womens active wear in your size, too.

4. Send me your questions about plus size hiking, and I'll be happy to answer them.

• Just use this CONTACT link.

Lots more extended size hiking clothing options here, too.

Happy trails to you!

Home page > Best Hiking Gear >

Best Plus Size Womens Hiking Outfits

About the author

Would you like to support Hiking For Her's mission to get women of all ages, sizes and abilities onto hiking trails?

Purchase your outdoor clothing through the links on this page, and a small amount of money flows into HFH's coffers to keep the hiking tips flowing freely to you.

Best part? It costs you nothing extra :)

Thank you!

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