My relationship with Nike is similar to dating the popular boy in high school. You know the guy, the captain of the football team or the center on the basketball team.
Nike is the largest activewear seller in the world. Not by a few sales, but by millions of sales for shoes, and both branded and off branded apparel. They dominate the global market, which means they have a lot of people to please. Which also means that I don’t get the recognition I want or feel that I deserve. Like the popular high school boy’s girlfriend, my boyfriend consistently disappoints me. When I find something that I like and that fits, I am elated! Finally Nike has made something for me!
It’s like my high school boyfriend remembering our 4 month dating anniversary after forgetting months 2 and 3.
This week I checked out Nike’s Georgetown location in Washington, D.C. The Georgetown shopping district is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of both popular and high-end brand shopping. The store is beautiful, almost museum like. I went in optimistic; Nike is my old flame after all. In 2017 Nike finally introduced plus sizes, so maybe I was finally back on their radar.
Nike isn’t hurting for sales. Fans are fiercely dedicated to the brand. Unfortunately, they are still missing the plus size community. I went into Nike hoping to buy the great new styles I saw in the front of the store. What I found was a very scattered sizing system and an overwhelming lack of consistency. Some garments run up to 2XL, others only to L. Plus size garments are a separate line, meaning that the plus size garments (1X – 3X) are unique offerings and do not have corresponding garments in traditional sizes.
After a frustrating hour in the fitting room, I had identified a few new styles available in 2X. Additional on-line searches led me to some more trending plus size pieces. Here are my recommendations and reviews, but to be honest, I am still hoping my old boyfriend will get it right in the future.
Nike Element Women’s Texture Running Hoodie
This top is beautiful. Fun texture and fall color offerings. Ideal to layer for an outdoor workout and fashionable enough for athleisure. Sizes run XS – XL (14/16). There was no XL available in the store to try out.
Nike Epic Lux Women’s Texture Mid-Rise Running Tights
The tights to match the top! Like the Women’s Texture Running Hoodie, great textures and color offering. The high waist works best on triangle, hourglass and oval shapes. Sizes run XS – XL
Nike Sportswear Gym Vintage Women’s Full-Zip Hoodie (Plus Size)
A plus size alternative to the Women’s Texture Running Hoodie and is classically cute updated with the soft fall colors. Sweatshirts are something Nike does well in all sizes. Perfect for outdoor activities or athleisure. Sizes run 1X – 3X.
Nike Sportswear Shield Windrunner.
A fanstatic fall/transition outdoor jacket. What I love about this jacket is the length and the weather-repellent fabric. If you live in a place that gets a lot of windy and rainy weather, this is a first rate jacket. Sizes run XS – 2XL (20/22).
Nike Mid-Rise Training Power Tights
The perfect running tights for the dedicated Nike fan. Nike labeling on the lower left leg adds flair. The high waist and Nike Power fabric provides compression and support. These tights are ideal for triangle, hourglass and oval shapes. Sizes run XS – XL (16/18).
Women’s Long Sleeve Training Wrap
A fabulous athleisure piece. Whether you are running errands or just want to stay warm post workout, this fleece wrap is a great addition to your athleisure collection and works for all body types. Sizes run XS – 2XL (20/22).
Nike Sportswear Leg-A-See Women’s Metallic Leggings
The only Metallic leggings offered in plus sizes. It was not available for me to try, but the design is consistent with other plus size legging styles available. This means you should expect easy movement and full coverage. Sizes run 1X – 3X.
Nike Sportswear Rally Women’s Metallic Crew (Plus Size)
One of the only plus size pieces offered in the Women’s Metallic design. This sweatshirt comes in three colors: white, black and Guava Ice. Another must have piece for the dedicated Nike fan. Sizes run 1X – 3X.
Nike Dri-FIT Lux Flow Women’s Mid-Rise Training Pants
This one of the items available in my size that I was able to try on. They are super soft and comfortable and are very roomy in the hips and thighs, with a harem style design. Note that these pants work best for women with inverted triangle or rectangle shape. Sizes run XS – 2XL (20/22).
Nike Flex Bliss Women’s Mid-Rise Training Pants
The only item reviewed that is offered in both regular and plus size And it is by far the best item I found. I haven’t purchased it yet, as the store did not carry my size, but a great all around pair of pants. They are roomy without being baggy, and the fabric is light and soft. These are ideal for going to and from your workout, as a laying piece, or just lounging around the house. Not only were these pants were made for me, Nike made them for everyone.
Did I miss something? What are your favorite Nike Pieces?
