Try something that looks fun but makes you nervous. We dare you.
(image by Lori Greig)

This summer, I tried something that terrified me. And I loved it.

Something about surrendering my body to a dark, narrow tube, hurtling downward through twists and turns, only to be unceremoniously ejected and swiftly deposited into the chilly water below freaked me out. Go figure. “I’ll stick to the slower slide, thankyouverymuch,” became my mantra. But my desire for comfort made me uncomfortable; what was I modeling to my kids about trying new things, what would the 18-year-old me have done, and was I missing out on something I’d probably find thrilling? Knowing my battle with desire vs. hesitancy, my husband kept nudging me to try it, then the kids joined in (“If I can do it, you can, Mom!”). I climbed the two flights of stairs to the platform, waved to my family far below, then took a deep breath and pushed off into the darkness.

Was it scary? Yep. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I spent the rest of the afternoon hurrying up the stairs to hit that slide again and again. Nobody pointed and laughed at the big mama behaving like a kid; if anything, I think my joy was infectious. Maybe some other women watching were inspired. Or maybe nobody cared at all and my worries over what others might think were unfounded. (Nobody even noticed me surreptitiously correcting my massive, post-splashdown water wedgie.)

The comfort zone for us bigger girls (remaining indoors with the AC blasting, telling ourselves we can’t do certain activities or wear certain things) can start out as a sacred space where firm boundaries are drawn. But as that zone expands, it can also become an overstuffed cushion ready to absorb our every excuse, the well-worn collection of stories we tell ourselves, like “fat girls can’t ride a horse,” stories that hold us back from really living our lives to the fullest. Think back to the last time you successfully pushed beyond your comfort zone (tango lessons? speed dating? aqua aerobics?) and came out the other side perfectly okay. Sure, there may have been missteps or embarrassing moments, but you lived to tell the tale, right? This guide to summer fun offers suggestions for getting out and trying something new, and we encourage you to come back and tell us how your new experiences went – stumbles, triumphs, wedgies, and all.

Hiking–which is essentially walking in a more rugged, natural setting–is a great activity because it can be as easy or as challenging as you decide to make it and it’s a great beginner’s adventure. Our two-part guide to hot weather hiking (Part 1 here and Part 2 here), plus our guide to hiking in challenging conditions like sand dunes or muddy areas are great starting points. I know heat and humidity, combined with the need to expose more skin, can feel like insurmountable hurdles here. Look for plus-sized workout wear, carry plenty of water, expect to sweat (it’s okay; really!) and start small at first if you’re nervous–many city parks offer plenty of green space for beginners to test their trail legs, and plenty of park and recreation districts offer guided hikes geared toward beginners.

Speaking of city parks, I’ve been taking advantage of our sizable park to ride my bike either early in the morning or after dinner, when the sunlight isn’t as unforgiving (either way, I still wear sweatproof sunscreen). Our guide to cycling, mad love for cruiser bikes and tips on finding plus-size padded bike shorts are helpful starting points if you’ve been itching to travel on two wheels but not sure where to start. If you’re worried about deflating the tires on your bike, we’ve tackled this issue, too (you won’t).

If getting on the water is on your life list, our guides to kayaking, canoeing and surfing should prove tempting. Or maybe taking a cruise is more your speed; you can be as chill and comfortable as you wish, or you can embark on new adventures on board (rock climbing walls, dance lessons) or off (rainforest zipline tours, island exploration). Of course, if you’ve read the FGG About page, you know my suggestion will be to opt for at least one adventure. Perhaps being in the water is your goal but you’ve been avoiding swimsuit shopping; you’ll want to consult our guide to figure-flattering swimwear and best places to find a plus-sized sarong to wrap around your suit, and we recently helped a reader with some ideas on attending a poolside bachelorette party in Vegas (we also have some insights into the daunting prospect of socializing in swimwear).

I know we cover a lot of active ground here at FGG, but I also understand that rest and relaxation are an integral part of enjoying the summer season. I suggest striking a balance between stepping outside of your usual routine and rewarding yourself for doing so. Perhaps a girlfriend getaway is in order (you are TOO worth it!), or it’s time to finally find a hammock that feels comfy and supportive while you swing lazily reading some great fiction featuring plus-sized protagonists. Just remember: too much comfort can be as detrimental to mind, body, and spirit as too much stress. Use the rest of these summer days to push yourself a little bit and try something you think would be fun.

We’ve packed a ton of summer fun into this guide, but we’re always eager to hear your suggestions for guides to activities you’ve been longing to try but aren’t sure where to begin – share your “life list” ideas in comments. Similar Posts:

• Stuff We Love: Summer of Dresses
• FGG July 2010 Roundup
• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Cycling

I used to love wearing strappy summer dresses, with sorbet-colored skirts swaying just so as I walked. Once I’d gained enough weight to make thigh rub an issue, dresses gradually fell from my wardrobe, supplanted by Capri pants and Bermuda shorts. Add to it the belly I gained and never got around to losing after having three kids, and I sort of forgot how to wear dresses and had no idea what styles fit my new shape.

A year after co-founding FGG, I know better. I can still wear cute dresses, and thankfully, more styles seem to be available in plus sizes these days. A bit of research rendered thigh rub a moot issue, and I learned to look beyond my old standby dress styles and experiment with styles that could accommodate more fullness in the belly and chest areas without making me look pregnant (notes to self: no more Empire waists! A-lines are your friend!).

With this dress-friendly motivation in place, I was excited to discover A Summer of Dresses, an idea that’s as simple as it is clever: wear more dresses this summer, and post photos of yourself to the site. Anyone can participate (here’s how). That’s it. What’s not to love about this idea?

If you need inspiration, check out these plus-sized Etsy shops or these ideas for sundresses for busty girls (we’ll post our reader question on sundresses for less busty girls soon, too). I keep hearing great things about Old Navy’s plus-sized dresses, which are only available online, however. No excuses, girls! I’ll participate if you do; I already know which dress I’m going to wear.

Tell us, girls: do you wear summer dresses? Why–or why not? What’s your favorite style for your body type, or where do you find the best deals?
Similar Posts:

• Ask FGG: “Best Sundresses for Busty Girls?”
• Ask FGG: “Help me find stylish special-occasion dresses!”
• Ask FGG: Adding Sleeves to Summer Dresses?

The challenge: fitting a bra under this adorable dress (image via SWAKdesigns.com)

Hi, FGG! I love the comfort and ease of sundresses, but they always leave me feeling over-exposed in the bust. Do bra-friendly sundresses exist? I can’t spend the summer in sleeves!

Lightweight, airy and relatively inexpensive, sundresses are pure summertime comfort and can provide welcome relief from the heat. Equally appealing is the garment’s versatility, which makes it a great choice for a anything from running errands with the kids to meeting friends for brunch or drinks. But what happens when a full-figured woman has too much up top to feel comfortable with strappy, sometimes minimal coverage across her bust? Fortunately, no one needs to sweat all summer in sleeves if she doesn’t want to! Check out some of the styles we located and see if you don’t feel cool breezes hitting you already.

Wide-strap sundresses

Being a busty girl myself, I often find myself spending a summertime morning commute coveting the spaghetti-strap dresses worn by those around me. Unfortunately, wispy little dress ties don’t mesh well with the substantial, inch-wide bra straps required to secure my boobs — and those of many a well-endowed reader. While it’s sometimes a little trickier to find cute sundresses that incorporate wider straps without looking frumpy, the volume of plus-size offerings this season is impressive. From wrap-style tops to simple V-necks to straight-across necklines with tank straps, most retailers like Avenue, Ashley Stewart, JCPenney and Old Navy (plus sizes online only) include a handful of thicker-strapped options in their summer lines.

Finding the right bustline coverage

Wide straps don’t always provide a flattering fit on their own. Unless you’re planning to do some bra shopping, make sure you pick dresses that will fit your chest in a flattering way and mesh well with the bra silhouettes you prefer to wear. For example, if you have a drawer stuffed with full-coverage bras with teardrop-shaped cups, a boxy dress neckline probably won’t be a good fit. Instead, try a dress style with higher, fuller coverage on top (or pair the straight-across neckline with a balconette bra). Dresses with deep V-necks may require a plunge bra. And don’t forget to check the view from the back to make sure you’re covered, and choose a bra color that works with your dress whenever possible (i.e. don’t wear a red bra under a green dress unless you want it to be seen. Trust me.)

Beyond bra style, consider the shape and characteristics of your chest; a large bust does not always equal bodice-filling cleavage, something I can sadly verify from experience. Despite year after year of disappointing fitting room adventures, I refuse to learn my lesson and remain hopelessly obsessed with deeply V-necked wrap styles. Where scores of other women with my measurements would look like knockouts in the same dress, plunging vees like these only emphasize the separation between my boobs (not to mention their stubborn adherence to this thing called “gravity”). All in all, not the best look for me; I’ve learned that a scooped neckline like this one creates more natural-looking cleavage. But if you’re built like me and crave the vee, take heart–we just need an equally cute dress with a neckline that lands a little higher on our chest–Done.

Finally, if you’re still dying to wear a spaghetti-strap, halter or tube-style dress (Torrid has several, as does Old Navy), maybe now is the right time to experiment with strapless or convertible bras. Check out last week’s “Ask FGG” for suggestions on how to lose (or rearrange) the bra straps without compromising on support. Or if you simply must wear your favorite bra or feel too exposed in traditional sundresses, this recent Ask FGG on adding sleeves to summer dresses might help. Honestly, it’s a good thing I’m broke and cut off from shopping, or I’d be digging out the old, ill-fitting strapless bra to wear under this Lane Bryant tie-front dress. Will someone please order this dress in Andorra brown and give it a good home and the diva curves it deserves? Thanks in advance, readers!

Learn more about dressing to flatter a larger chest, or share your favorite sundress finds in the comments.

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Psst! Have you given the FGG team your two cents yet for a chance to win a $20 Walmart gift card? More here.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -Similar Posts:

• Stuff We Love: Summer of Dresses
• Ask FGG: Adding Sleeves to Summer Dresses?
• Ask FGG: “Help Me Find a Strapless Bra!”

Sacrifice for Beauty by JamieBates

Confidence comes from all different sources. Some girls draw strength from a personal mantra, a morning pep talk in the mirror, or a favorite song. Others feel their best when they know they’ve had a great cut and color, or when they’ve slipped on a favorite pair of shoes and a great lipstick color. And some of us find our confidence surging when our curves are shapely and smooth, letting our clothes drape perfectly.

In other words, some of us would like our fat to stay put when we move, so we’re free to focus on other things — like following all the steps in salsa dancing class or debating which World Cup team has the nicest-looking. . . uniforms. For our full-figured readers looking to keep the jiggle in check, this Guide’s for you.

Less body movement underneath your clothes

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the fact is that Spanx offers possibly the largest selection of body-shaping apparel out there. From shorts and panties in styles that cover varying portions of thigh and tummy to full-body slimming suits and a line of powerful compression gear, Spanx does a good job of offering something for almost everyone. And while nothing can sugarcoat the fact that Spanx = shapewear, plain and simple, there are things to love about them: The fat-girl-friendly sizing extends to 3X (equivalent of 26W-28W) on many of its clothing pieces and its hosiery is sized to accommodate heights of 6’0 and weights as high as 325. Plus, we love that locating plus-size products on the site is one-click easy.

Despite Spanx’s saturation in the shapewear marketplace, there are a ton of other options for all-over body compression or targeted support. Girls looking to minimize belly bounce might consider a waist cincher like this Rago Waist Nipper (available at HerRoom.com in sizes up to 8X), or a high-waisted, plus-size panty (available in sizes 1X-3X from SeamlessBody.com). All-over torso control can be found via a full-length bodysuit (you’ll want to shop around for the right fit in the torso, chest and butt) or by layering over a shaping camisole or tank.

If you’re a DD-cup or under, consider giving the Unbelievabra a whirl — and then report back immediately! Users (and Oprah) have raved about the all-over smoothing effect of this one-piece, band-less bra/shaping garment. The only downsides seem to be the unorthodox sizing procedure (though the site includes helpful videos), and the fact that larger girls in our readership might fall outside the size ranges offered.

Slimmer silhouettes in “problem” areas

While there are seemingly endless shapewear options for the belly, butt, hips and thighs, it’s a little trickier to find solutions that give a firmer appearance to upper arms or a smoother look to the sides and back. Because “back fat” and side rolls are often pinched and emphasized by regular bras, some women may feel more sleek in a bra that covers more of these areas, even if they aren’t into full-torso shapewear. Several lines now offer “smoothing” bras that claim to eliminate visible bra lines while smoothing back fat: Slimpressions’ Comfy Bralette comes in sizes up to 4X, the Lycra®-enhanced Back Smoothing Bra (of Lane Bryant’s Cacique collection) is available in sizes 36C-46DDD, and Woman Within offers a Comfort Choice® model that comes in a whopping size range of 36B-54G.

When it comes to arm jiggle, the options are usually embrace it (let your bat wings fly), hide it (under baggy sleeves or by avoiding sleeveless tops even in the hottest weather), or work like mad to tone it. Personally, I bought into the shame of waggly upper arms for many years — something I’m sure my mother’s well-intentioned “let’s cover those up” admonitions only reinforced. At some point, it clicked with me that sleeves can be cumbersome and too hot in the dead of a muggy Chicago summer, and that I was tired of confining my shopping choices even further than by size; waggly, oddly creased or not, my arms were going to see the light of day (and night)!

My route isn’t for everyone. I know plenty of girls who don’t feel comfortable even with many short-sleeved shirts because of where the sleeves hits their arms. If you’re not down with the “eh, whatever” approach and are looking for ways to tighten the appearance of those upper arms, try wearing a sleeve that extends well past the areas where you feel the least confidence — and see what you think about a tighter sleeve than you might ordinarily choose, and in a material a little thicker (i.e. nothing floaty or wispy). Before you panic, remember: a little tighter, not circulation threatening. You may be surprised to see the thicker material and closer fit working together to reign in errant ripples or jiggling. If you want more arm control and are willing to dress to accommodate, shapewear for arms (said to “reduce arm circumference by 1″-3″) does exist, in both short- and long-sleeve formats.

Physical activity: shake it without shaking everything

Whether you’re working it on the dance floor or breaking a sweat on the gym’s elliptical machine, the first rule of “less jiggle” when you’re on the move is a good sports bra. Our fitness experts and readers have all raved about the support and comfort provided by Enell bras, but readers have also championed the bounce prevention provided by the Maia bra from Moving Comfort and The Last Resort Bra from Title Nine. Glamorise® also offers a wireless, moisture-wicking sports bra that is designed to eliminate strap bounce and ride-up in back.

For the bottom half of your workout gear, consider skipping the loose-fitting shorts/capris and instead choosing more form-fitting bottoms like plus-size bike shorts. They help reduce the jiggle factor as you move, and you can always layer them under your favorite sweats (or buy pre-layered garments) if the idea of spandex makes you twitchy.

Finally, for a night out, and possibly some dancing, why not add some “WOW!” to your look while also keeping your midriff area from shaking every time you do? A dramatic, high-voltage corset (with either steel boning or plastic) will not only play to your sexy strengths from beneath an over-shirt or on its own, it will also help create a more defined waist and ensure that your midsection stays put while you move. For more examples of fun, sexy corsets, check out our recent Fat Girl’s Guide to Lingerie.

As with any apparel you purchase, be sure to check sizing carefully, as it almost always varies by retailer. And don’t hesitate to mix and match  different shapewear options until you find the combination of freedom and form that works for you. Because whether you choose to rein in the flesh or let it move au natural, the most important thing to remember about your skin is that you need to feel comfortable in it.

Have any feedback on these suggestions or other tips we couldn’t squeeze in here? Or experiences with shaping techniques you’d like to share? We’re all ears for your thoughts and theories on body jiggle — to tame or not to tame.

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Psst! Give the FGG team your two cents for a chance to win a $20 Walmart gift card! More here.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -Similar Posts:

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Sometimes, a traditional bra silhouette simply won’t do (Satin and Velvet by ktpupp)

It’s simple math, really. Warm temperatures + sleeveless tops and dresses + wedding season + an ongoing need for chest support = this timely question, which FGG editorial spotted in the wild on FatChic:

OK, we all can tell right away that this top needs a proper bra. While I’m certainly using my own resources to find one, if you know of a great strapless bra for a 46/48C, by all means let me know. I’d really like to own one that doesn’t require copious use of Hollywood tape.

Because every woman’s body carries a different combination of chest circumference, cup size and breast characteristics (shape, separation, and, er. . . deference to gravity), it would be impossible for FGG to identify The One Perfect Strapless Bra, Amen, and call it a day. What we have done to tackle this issue, however, is round up a variety of retailers that offer strapless bras with larger band sizes or larger cup sizes — as well as offer some reminders about how to choose a bra that fits.

Strapless bra fitting basics

For starters, the ideal game plan is to shop for your strapless or convertible bra in person, rather than ordering online. If possible, select a store that offers professional bra fittings. It’s important to not only try on the bra to ensure it fits without being visible under the dress or top you plan to wear, but also to make sure it stays invisible and provides complete support as you twist, turn, bend, reach, dance, and go through other event-appropriate motions. The band should fit snugly so it doesn’t slide or slip down while you wear it; any gaps between the material and your body mean you should be re-sized. Additionally, for women with large busts, molded cups and an underwire are going to provide the best possible support.

If you have the time and financial resources available to order several bra styles and sizes in search of The One, then your selection opens up considerably. Many online retailers offer sizes, styles and colors that might be more difficult to track down at in-person retailers. Additionally, sites like Big Girls’ Bras, BraExperience.com, and Linda The Bra Lady aggregate dozens of fat-girl-friendly brands into a searchable (by size, brand, style, color, etc.) hub for easy comparison and ordering.

Locating a strapless/convertible bra in your size

While strapless bras are definitely daunting to the more endowed among us, bra shopping can be just as challenging for women whose stature combines a larger chest circumference (42, 44, 46. . .) with a modest B- or C-cup size. For these ladies, finding bras that fit is often tricky for the same reason some dresses or low-cut tops are unwearable — designs for full-figured women frequently assume that plus-size = large breasts. And while that’s more than true for some of us, I have several friends who exemplify the pear or apple shapes and who don’t need their 46″ band size to come with a double-D cup.

The good news for plus-size girls of chests large and small is that options do exist, if you know where to find them. In addition to the sites listed above, possible online hunting grounds include Hips & Curves (which offers a four-way convertible style that extends to sizes 50B and 48DDD) and Bare Necessities® (this Goddess bra comes in sizes up to 46H or 48B-DDD). The usual plus-size fashion suspects carry some promising options as well, although in a less extensive size range: Torrid’s strapless options stop at sizes 44D-DDD, neither Lane Bryant’s regular strapless nor its plunge style bras extend beyond 44DD, and Avenue offers just one convertible bra, in sizes topping out at 44B-D or 46DD. (Avenue’s sister store, Jessica London, does offer a Glamorise style available in sizes that include 46C and 46F.)

In 34 years, I’ve owned one convertible bra (via Lane Bryant), which I wore with clear straps multiple times and as a strapless garment only once — under a spaghetti-strapped bridesmaid’s dress. To be honest, it was the completely wrong size for me at the time of the wedding, but I wore it extra tight on my ribcage because I was terrified my girls might come tumbling onto my dinner plate. Fortunately, everything remained contained for the duration of the festivities (even during a particularly spirited play-acting of “Paradise By the Dashboard Lights”). But if I had it to do over again, I’d love to try out this model from Elila, which claims to “hold even the heaviest busts while shaping beautifully.” Sounds like my DDD-cup of tea.

That’s your cue, readers: Share the secret of your magical strapless bra, including why it’s the best fit for your shape. Or tell us about the shenanigans that ensued the time you bought the bra that didn’t fit.Similar Posts:

• Ask FGG: “Best Sundresses for Busty Girls?”
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Finding your summer clothing comfort zone takes practice Image by hartman045

Nobody should have to make a first impression while wearing a swimsuit. This isn’t just a fat girl problem – it’s intimidating for every single person. The unstoppable weekend machine of warm weather activities is running on all cylinders right now. To complicate things, these barbecues, trips to the lake, and afternoons at the pool are frequently an open invitation to friends of friends. They’re a great way to introduce new people into your group or get to know someone better, and you’re likely to notice that some of these new-to-you friends are single. If you’re as lucky as I am, they seem to crop up, unannounced, on that one weekend where you’ve finally worked up the courage to shed your sarong.

While I love and look forward to most of these activities, they all carry with them a kernel of anxiety that just won’t go away. Why? Because they mean choosing between wearing what I know looks good on me but leaves me totally overheated, uncomfortable and stuck on the sidelines and joining the fun while wearing skin-baring things like bathing suits and shorts that expose some of my least favorite parts of me. In reality, those single new people either think you look hot (check out those curves!) or they don’t care about what you look like, so we might as well (un)dress for the weather.

If I could tell you how to have unshakable confidence and feel secure in your beauty while running around mostly naked in public, I would. I’d also be fantastically wealthy. We worry about being too big. Other girls worry about not having curves. Guys worry about their man-boobs or hairy backs. It’s a universal problem whose cure is mental, not at the gym or the surgeon’s table. We have to realize that everyone sees us, all the time, and they already know what our bodies are like. You know what? That’s okay. Get a swimsuit that flatters your good points, a pair of board shorts or sarong, and get out there! Find a compromise between comfort and being covered up that you can feel good about, because life is too short to put off having fun and enjoying the world around us.

I thought I had these unfounded fears beaten after spending every weekend last summer at the lake, until the guy I’m dating said I should get a bikini because, “Babe, you’d be so hot in one.” I tried to tell him that they don’t come in my size. He sent me a picture of someone much bigger than me in a white bikini. I told him I’d think about it but didn’t want to go out in public in one. He said he wants to go to a water park for his birthday. I told him to get his head examined. And then the idea of having one – my first bikini ever – wouldn’t leave me alone. That’s how I found myself in line at Walmart late last night, a green string bikini – in my size – in hand. I couldn’t try it on since the dressing rooms were closed, but at $15, I didn’t really have an excuse not to try one. He loves it. I refuse to wear the bottoms where anyone other than him will see me. We’re compromising: I’m going to be brave by wearing my modest tankini bottom with the bikini top at the apartment pool, but I’m wearing whatever I want to the water park because my comfort is more important to him than his eye candy. I still can’t reconcile myself to the idea of me in a bikini as a desirable thing, but hey, that’s part of why I’m dating him, and I appreciate that he’s helping me see myself through new, appreciative eyes.

The message that women should be more covered up the bigger and older their bodies get is a strong one in American culture. We are highly critical of ourselves, even when there’s nothing to criticize, and I’m tired of that holding me back from having fun. The beaches I’ve been to in other countries have women of all ages and sizes running around topless and unashamed. I try to think of them because it helps me remember that my body is something to be enjoyed and appreciated — at every phase of life. If grandmas can walk around wearing only bikini bottoms in Spain and Italy, surely I can relax around strangers at the water park in my tankini. When you go meet people for a backyard pool party this summer, I encourage you to chat up at least one person you haven’t met before. Hold your head high and project the confidence you feel when you’re wearing your favorite outfit. I think you’ll find yourself feeling graceful and bold, no matter what you’re wearing when you make a first impression. If you don’t feel that way, at you can feel lucky that you’re not sitting in a hot tub in your first bikini, praying that your boobs stay contained within those little green triangles.Similar Posts:

• Ask FGG: “I Want Sexy and Stylish Swimwear, Too!”
• Sex and the Single Fat Girl: What I learned during the great man-break experiment
• Sex and the Single Fat Girl: Cracking it Open

Skip the frills — give us inexpensive tennis apparel that fits
(image by Hannahblu59)

Hi, do you have any advice on plus-size tennis apparel?  I’ve looked at Junonia but their selection is very limited — and expensive!

It’s true that while Junonia offers a good selection of active apparel designed for plus-sized women — including a collection of QuikWik® tennis gear — their pieces don’t come cheap. My thoughts on Junonia are twofold: First, some of the pricing reflects the old “fat-girl clothes cost more” method that keeps us muttering under our breath every time we whip out our Visa. Second, I have to give it to Junonia: their clothes are well-made and long-lasting. I’m not a tennis player (unless you count Wii Sports, and even then . . . I’m not a tennis player), but all of the active wear I’ve purchased and worn from the company held up long enough for me to wear it to death. While overpricing plus-sized clothes still makes me angry, my experience with Junonia apparel tends to follow the “you get what you pay for” adage.

Turns out, the high cost/few options tennis clothing dilemma doesn’t just exist at Junonia. Plus-size pickings are slim when it comes to tennis shirts, skirts, dresses and shorties, and locating low-cost, plus-size tennis clothes is even more challenging. We found a decent selection of items in extended sizes (up to 3X/24W) at Tennis Hut, and we like the wide array of color choices they provide for most items. Overall, most of their prices came in 25-40% less than comparable Junonia pieces (their shorts and panty collection, in particular, was slightly larger and more reasonably priced). That said, we’re talking about skirts and tanks priced at $42 and $44 (on sale), respectively, as compared to their $59.95 counterparts. Tennis isn’t a cheap sport, but at least these prices are a bit lower.

Lower still: the prices at Ad In Tennis Apparel. We love that this online retailer not only offers active wear (including tennis tops and bottoms) in sizes up to 3X/24W, but they also offer free customization of inseam lengths, sleeve types and fabric choices. What a boon for us girls with longer- or shorter-than-average limbs! Be sure to measure carefully and double check your work before purchasing — custom orders are non-refundable.

Try to shop for sales; many online retailers (like MyTennisStore.com and Junonia’s own clearance section) will offer markdowns as seasons change or when only a few sizes remain in a particular style. Keep your eyes peeled and you might score deals like $51 skirts on sale for $29.99 (size 2X only). And whatever source you choose, make sure you’re still getting the proper fit and moisture protection you need to feel and perform at your best on the court.

Tennis-savvy readers: Help your fellow girls out and tell us which brands and retailers serve LOVE. (Sorry — couldn’t resist!) Similar Posts:

• Ask FGG: “Where can I find plus-size fencing gear?”
• Ask FGG: Where can I find afforable workout wear?
• Ask FGG: “Help Me Find a Strapless Bra!”