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. Basic Quikwik Bike Shorts
Wendy 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.
2. Dual-Layer Shorts
Wendy 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.
3. Brooks 26.2 Walker Short
Wendy Bumgardner © 2008
These shorts have a great design, including a zippered back pocket for your MP3 player, cell phone or keys, plus side pockets. It has a two-layer design with a fitted liner to keep you comfortable and wick away sweat, and the outer shorts of nylon/spandex. The fit is relaxed and they promise the design prevents the shorts from riding up. Your mileage may vary, but that's a nice feature. Comes in 1X and 2X plus sizes.
4. Moving Comfort Journey Shorts
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.5. Microfiber Walking Shorts
Great for when you want to look good, stay cool and keep moving. The pleated full-cut shorts have a front zip and pockets. The microfiber fabic stays wrinkle-free and wicks away moisture to keep you cool. Great for travel. 8.5" inseam. Poly Microfiber 100%. Sizes 16-30.6. Moving Comfort Peak Fitness Shorts
These snug-fitting polyester/lycra fitness shorts will help reduce thigh chafing and wick away sweat. They come in an 11 1/2 in inseam and have an inside key pocket. They come in plus sizes 1X-3X.7. Ultra Light Running Shorts
These featherweight shorts wick away sweat and are wonderfully light and cool. They have reflective piping at the sides for night visibility, and a small pocket for essentials. Made of Poly 84%/Spandex 16%. Inseam 9 inches, available in sizes 1x-4X.8. 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.9. QuikWik Power Play Skirt
Wendy 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.
