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Top Plus Size Cool Weather Walking Shirts and Outerwear

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 26, 2012

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Layering is essential to stay both warm and dry, but not hot and sweaty, when walking in cooler weather. From the base, you need a shirt that will draw away any moisture, a jacket or vest to insulate and cut the wind, and a waterproof layer if you are in a wet climate.

1. L. L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket

L. L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket© Pricegrabber

This waterproof shell jacket is what I like to wear most of year as my outer layer. Wear it over a fleece vest in colder weather. It is lightweight and breathable. Comes Misses' sizes XS-XL and Womens' sizes 1X to 3X.

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2. Columbia Arcadia Plus Size Rain Jacket

Columbia Sportswear Arcadia Plus Size Rain JacketCourtesy of Pricegrabber

A waterproof, breathable jacket is a walking essential for cooler, wetter times of the year. This Columbia jacket is good for layering. On colder days, add a microfleece vest under it. It comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.

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3. L.L. Bean Fitness Fleece Quarter Zip

L.L. Bean Comfort Fleece Quarter ZipPhoto courtesy of Pricegrabber

I love a fleece quarter-zip pullover to add a perfect layer under my waterproof jacket on cold days. And then I love just lounging around in one all day and evening! This lightweight fleece is easy to use for layering, and comfy to wear all by itself. It wicks away sweat so you won't end up cold and clammy after your winter exercise. Comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.

4. Lands' End ThermaCheck 200 Fleece Jacket

Land's End Thermacheck Women's Fleece JacketCourtesy of Pricegrabber

This performance fleece jacket is a great design for fitness walking and nordic walking in cooler weather. It provides an insulating layer that also wicks away sweat. It comes over the hip but has a tailored profile so it won't get in your way when you move your arms or use fitness walking poles, and is easier to layer under a waterproof jacket. It has two zip pockets. Wear this over a base layer shirt on cool and dry days, or wear as the insulating layer beneath a waterproof/windproof jacket and over a base layer shirt on cold and wet days. It comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.

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5. Qwikwik Lite-Mesh Portrait Neck Top

Junonia Portrait-Neck Mesh TopCourtesy of Junonia

This technical shirt in contrasting colors will help you feel like the athlete you are. Wear it by itself or layer under a jacket and/or a fleece layer. It is also made of technical fabric that will keep you dry on a vigorous walk. It comes in plus sizes XL to 6X.

6. Reversible PerfecTemp Fleece Vest

Junonia Fleece VestCourtesy of Junonia

A performance fleece vest is perfect by itself on dry days or layered under a rain jacket or shell on wet or colder days. This reversible vest has a hood, pockets, and 2-way front zipper. Available in plus sizes XL-6X. Buy Direct

7. Supplex Bra Top

Supplex Bra TopWendy Bumgardner ©

Underneath it all you need a sports bra that can help support and wick away moisture. This double layer sports bra can do double duty. Plus sizes 0X-6X.

8. Cuddl Duds Climatesmart Plus Size Crew Neck Long Sleeved Top

Cuddleduds Base Layer ShirtCourtesy of Pricegrabber

This top is made with Coolmax Extreme fabric, which provides a great base layer to transport moisture away from your skin to the outer surface of the garment where it can quickly evaporate. Available in 1X and 2X sizes.

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9. REI Ultra Light Rain Jacket

REI Ultra Light JacketCourtesy of Pricegrabber

I learned at the start of my walking career in the rainy Northwest that you need a waterproof, windproof shell jacket for walking and hiking. Underneath that, you can wear a fleece vest or fleece jacket on colder days, over a sweat-wicking shirt. This trail jacket is lightweight, breathable and packable. It's a great jacket for walkers who don't want to come in out of the rain. It comes in plus sizes 1X-3X.

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