Outdoor Brands That Support Plus-Size Adventurers
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Hikers come in a variety of shapes and sizes; yet, the industry does not proportionately address this diverse community. From the slim models used in marketing campaigns to the limited sizing options available, the plus-size exclusion is widespread in the outdoor adventure scene. In the U.S., the average female wears a size 16, and the average male wears a size 16-18 However, most outdoor apparel companies only produce clothing up to these sizes, not beyond, leaving large numbers of the outdoor community without adequate access to outdoor apparel.
Luckily, there are companies that do meet this demand and support the diversity of sizes in the outdoor community. We’ve rounded up a few brands to be aware of, as well as activists to support!
Plus-size outdoor activists
In addition to brands, we want to acknowledge the organizations and individuals listed below for their effort in gaining recognition for the plus-size outdoor movement and amplifying the voices of their community. They are leading the way in the outdoor sector when it comes to plus-size representation and empowerment, and have worked hard to demonstrate to the public that people of all shapes and sizes belong outside. Together with their community and other activists, they have influenced hiking apparel businesses not just to create plus-size clothes, but also to represent plus-size people in their advertising efforts.
Jenny Bruso of Unlikely Hikers
In 2016, Jenny created an Instagram account for Unlikely Hikers, a diverse, anti-racist, body-liberating outdoor group that features underrepresented outdoor enthusiasts, they value people of color, queer, trans, and non-binary, as well plus-sized people.
Summer of Fat Girls Hiking
Summer established the Fat Girls Hiking in 2015 as a body-positive outdoor group dedicated to eradicating the stigma and guilt associated with the term "fat" and, reclaiming it as a source of empowerment through intersectional feminism, fat activism, and body liberation.
Sam Ortiz of Climb Big
Sam Ortiz is a Latinx climber, mountaineer, and photographer. After struggling to find a space in the outdoors herself, she founded Climb Big to make climbing more accessible. Sam believes that no matter your body size, you are worthy of taking up space in the outdoors.
Ultrarunner Mirna Valerio
Ultramarathon runner, author, and educator Mirna Valerio is an extremely talented athlete. She has run ten ultramarathons and nine marathons. She has become known due to her unwavering enthusiasm and continual push to create an all-inclusive sporting atmosphere in the running industry.
Mirna's story has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Runner's World, NBC Nightly News, CNN, the CW Network, and the viral REI documentary short, The Mirnavator. Women's Running Magazine, Self Magazine Online, Outside Online, and Runner's World Magazine have all published her work. She was recently named a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2018.
Outdoor Brands That Support Plus-Size Adventurers
As size inclusivity becomes increasingly relevant in the media, more companies that specialize in plus-sized outdoor apparel are gaining popularity, and many of the leading outdoor brands have begun to take positive measures. We've compiled a list of the outdoor brands that are making plus size outdoor wear
1. Columbia - Sizes: Up to 3X
2. Eddie Bauer - Sizes: Up to 3X
3. LL Bean - Sizes: Up to 3X
4. The North Face - Sizes: Up to 3X
5. Marmot - Sizes: Up to 3X
6. Superfit Hero - Sizes: Up to 5X
7. Plus Snow - Sizes: Up to 18-30
8. Alpine Parrot - Sizes: 14-24
9. REI - Sizes: Up to 3X
So there you have it: our top picks for plus-size outdoor apparel and championing activists to support.
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