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Top Women's Plus Size Fitness Shorts

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 12, 2013

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Plus size walkers need plus-size shorts that will move with them and won't bind or ride up. Chafing is often a concern in summer, which can be prevented by wearing bike-style shorts either by themselves or layered under looser shorts. Useful cargo shorts and comfortable yoga capris are also available for plus-size walkers.

1. Nike Dri-FIT Tempo (Size 1X-3X) Women's Track Shorts

Nike Tempo Track Short© Pricegrabber

Nike has realized that active gals come in all sizes. These track shorts have a built-in brief and a short cut for maximum freedom of movement. The fabric wicks away sweat and they are lightweight for maximum breathability. They come in sizes 1X to 3X.

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2. REI Sahara Shorts

REI Sahara ShortsCourtesy of REI

These cargo shorts are great for enjoying walks and hikes, especially for those of us who like lots of pockets. They have two hand pockets, two zippered thigh pockets and two back pockets. That's lots of choices for where to carry your essentials! The quick-drying nylon fabric also has a water-repellent finish in case you encounter some drizzle. If you like to wear a belt, these shorts have belt loops. They come in women's sizes 16 to 24.

3. Sweet Spot Skirts

Sweet Spot SkirtWendy Bumgardner © 2012

If you wear spandex shorts to prevent chafing, but you prefer to keep something to the imagination, these fun skirts are a great solution. Sweet Spot skirts snap on over your shorts, tights or running pants. They secure with a row of snaps, so you can adjust them to fit. They come in sizes that should fit most women up to size 26. Feel feminine and stylish while you enjoy your active life.

4. Dual-Layer Shorts

Dual Layer ShortsWendy Bumgardner © 2007

If you want the chafing-prevention and support of a bike short but want to hide your lumps and bumps, these double layer shorts are ideal. The inner short is a QwikWik compression short, the outer short is quick-drying Supplex. They come together at the inner leg where the outer short is stitched to the inner short, and you only have the inner short right between your legs, and as a result the outer short never rides up. The inner short is black, the outer short comes in four colors. They have generous side slash pockets and a comfortable elastic waist. Comes in sizes 0X to 6X. From Junonia.

5. Champion Plus Women's Mesh Shorts

Champion Plus Mesh ShortsCourtesy of Pricegrabber

These shorts in super-breathable mesh will wick away moisture. The mesh is lined with soft tricot fabric. If you like a lower rise, you can roll down the waistband. They come in a variety of colors and sizes 1X to 3X.

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6. Qwikwik Fitted Capris

I love capri pants for walking in spring and fall. Qwikwik fabric wicks away moisture and provides light compression, it is a blend of polyester and spandex. Now Junonia includes an anti-microbial finish to keep odors from setting in. Inseam 17 inches. Sizes XL-6X.

7. QuikWik Power Play Skirt

Junonia Sport SkirtWendy Bumgardner © 2007

This is a fun trend - sport skirts. This combo will prevent chafing with an inner bike short and an outer tennis skirt. Feel feminine and fresh as the fabric wicks away moisture and prevents chafing. The skirt is slit at each side for easy motion. I found the skirt fabric in front to be annoying - I prefer shorts. On the other hand, the skirt helps hide your lumps and bulges, so it may give you more confidence when exercising in public. Each leg has an inner pocket intended for tennis balls. Since they face downwards, I don't know what else you could use them for. Skirt length 17 inches, short inseam 5.5 inches. Sizes XL-6X.

8. Moving Comfort Journey Shorts

Moving Comfort Journey Short© Pricegrabber

These featherweight polyester/lycra shorts are the kind I like. They are looser in fit and have front pockets for carrying small essentials. They have a liner, so you may not need to wear other underwear. The drawback is that the loose fit means you may experience thigh chafing. Comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.

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9. Nike Border Skort

Nike Border Skort© Pricegrabber

Feel feminine with this skort that has built-in compression shorts, which will help minimize chafing. The fabric wicks away moisture. It has a side slit for freedom of movement. It comes in sizes 1X to 3X.

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10. Basic Quikwik Bike Shorts

Qwikwik Bike ShortsWendy Bumgardner © 2007

Junonia's bike-style shorts in fast-drying Quikwik fabric will help prevent chafing. New for 2008, they also have an anti-microbial finish which will prevent odor from setting in. They provide light compression and support. With their 8" length, they help prevent chafing and are suitable for layering under baggier shorts. They come in sizes 0X-6X. The fabric is 90% micropolyester and 10% spandex.

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