Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Nike finally launches its first plus-size range

The collection celebrates and advocates all athletes

Sarah Young
Friday 03 March 2017 13:27 GMT
Comments
The collection runs from sizes XL up to 3XL
The collection runs from sizes XL up to 3XL

In an overdue but nonetheless welcome move, Nike has launched its fist ever plus size range of sportswear.

The world of fitness, up until this point, has somewhat lagged behind when it comes to inclusivity but with a collection specifically designed for what Nike deem ‘curved athletes’, that looks set to change.

If you’re not a size small, chances are your gym-kit has comprised of a tatty oversized tee and cheap leggings because, for some reason, the majority of fitness brands think only slim people workout.

Thankfully, Nike is shunning this stereotype with a collection that celebrates and advocates all athletes, no matter their size.

In a statement, the sportswear brand said, “‘In today’s world, sport is no longer something that she does, it’s who she is. The days where we have to add ‘female’ before ‘athlete’ are over.

Nike are responding to a changing market (Nike)

“She is an athlete, period. And having helped fuel this cultural shift, we celebrate these athletes’ diversity, from ethnicity to body shape.”

Encompassing everything from t-shirts, running tights, high-tech hoodies and training shorts sizes range from an impressive Xl up to 3XL and 38E in sports bras.

But, Nike isn’t just sizing up their existing products. It’s actually adapting the science behind each piece to suit a plus size body.

“We know that body weights are distributed differently for everybody and as we look at plus size, there is more variance. A woman is often a different size at the top than on the bottom.

“When we design for plus size, we aren't just proportionately making our products larger. That doesn't work because as we know, everyone's weight distribution is different.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in