The Ultimate Old Navy Plus Size Activewear Review

Old Navy’s new activewear line is *super cute* but what about functionality? Are the pieces squat-proof? Chase-my-toddler-through-the-park-proof? Read my comprehensive Old Navy plus size activewear review to get the answers to these questions and more!

DISCLOSURE: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Read more about it HERE.

Are Old Navy Powersoft Leggings Any Good?

For now, let me just say I was *very* impressed with the Powersoft leggings. They smoothed my midsection out (without feeling uncomfortably restrictive!). Plus, I loooved this season’s colors and prints.

Not only does Old Navy’s Powersoft activewear line include leggings, but there are also biker shorts, athletic dresses, and tops as well. Many of which I’m reviewing in this blog post, so keep scrolling!

Does The Plus Size Old Navy Activewear Line Run Small?

With the exception of certain bra styles and one of the newer athletic dresses, I feel like Old Navy’s activewear line runs true to size.

I am an XL, 1X, or 16 in most brands and I was able to wear an XL in most of the pieces I tried. We’ll get into the specific pieces that required sizing up in just a second.

What Happened To Old Navy’s Elevate Leggings?

Yes, I miss them too! As far as I can tell from Old Navy’s current activewear offering, the Powersoft and Powersoft Sculpt lines are most similar to the Elevate leggings from a few years ago.

I didn’t order any of the Powersoft Sculpt line (primarily dark, solid colors, which I wanted to avoid for Summer), but if I do, I’ll be sure to update this post!

Old Navy Activewear Review — From A Plus Size Mom of 5

PowerSoft Athletic Dress

• Light compression, smooth, soft moisture-wicking material
• Sizes XS-4X, also available in Petite & Tall
• Available in 4 colors
• Attached shorts w/ pocket

WHAT I LOVED: I LOVE the punchy, bright, red, especially for Summer. The white piping throughout added a nice, elevated touch.

NOT SO MUCH: The “light compression” felt more restrictive than some of the other athletic dresses I tried on. This dress was also harder than the others to pull up over my bottom half, probably because of the narrower racerback.

Also, while I appreciated the attached shorts, they fit more like “booty shorts” and didn’t quite offer the extra coverage I was looking for.

FINAL VERDICT: I left it at the store. Between the higher compression and less coverage in the bum area, this dress didn’t feel like something I could comfortably wear while working out or hanging out with my kids (lots of crawling, bending down, and running!).

Extra High-Waisted StudioSmooth Skort

• Higher waist than standard
• Smooth, moisture-wicking fabric
• No compression
• Built-in 3.25″ inseam shorts

WHAT I LOVED: This insanely soft skort felt more like loungewear than activewear. Plus, I loved the color! It’s not technically designed for high-impact activities, but I tested out some moves anyway.

Didn’t ride up or require readjustment!

NOT FOR ME: While the skirt was super flattering, I would have preferred more compression. Plus, it was on the shorter side, so not something I would feel comfortable wearing while chasing the kiddos around.

FINAL VERDICT: Returned. The skirt was super cute, but more for lounging and low-impact activities, AKA the opposite of Mom life!

If you’re loving this post so far, I recommend checking out my recent guide to getting dressed and looking put-together *quickly*.

PowerSoft Athletic Dress

• Light compression
• Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric
• Built-in shorts w/ pocket
• Shelf bra & removable pads
• Sizes XS-4X, also in Petite & Tall
• Available in 7 colors

WHAT I LOVED: Old Navy doesn’t specify the inseam of the built-in shorts, but I felt they were an inch or two longer than some of the other pieces I tried out for this haul. Most definitely full coverage.

Loved the double-v neck and loved that it was bra-friendly in the front and back!

NOT FOR ME: If I had to pick something, I would say the cool purple. I usually go for warmer colors, and I don’t usually do purple at all. This particular shade was a first for me, but I definitely wasn’t mad at it.

FINAL VERDICT: Kept! I loved how supportive and flattering this athletic dress is. Functional enough for Zumba, yet cute enough to wear when you’re just running errands or taking the kids to the zoo.

Plus, the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is a MUST in this Texas heat!

Light Support PowerSoft Longline Sports Bra

• Verrry light compression
• Sizes XS-4X
• Available in 4 colors
• Shelf bra w/ removable pads

WHAT I LOVED: The color and the piping were beautiful! I also loved the straps though they did look busy when paired with my sports bra.

NOT SO MUCH: Light compression = not a ton of support if you’re a larger bust girlie. I tried this one on in-store and sized up based on how some of the other sports bras fit.

The XXL bunched in weird places and kind of messed with the piping. Probably could have gone with my normal size.

FINAL VERDICT: Left it at the store. While I wasn’t surprised at the lack of support, (I have yet to find a non-underwire sports bra that keeps the girls in place) that meant I would need to wear my sports bra underneath.

Unfortunately, this piece wasn’t exactly compatible with my sports bra, as I mentioned above.

High-Waisted PowerSoft Skort

• Light compression, high waist
• Attached 3″ inseam shorts w/ pocket
• Sizes XS-4X
• Available in 10 colors

WHAT I LOVED: The tiered ruffle in the back was a cute touch, albeit a confusing one. When I initially saw the product picture from the back, I assumed it went all the way around (my mistake).

The compression was high enough to smooth out my midsection, but also comfortable enough for all day wear. I did some squats and jumping around in the dressing room and the skirt definitely stayed put!

NOT SO MUCH: Already mentioned the ruffle issue. Also wasn’t a fan of how short the shorts were. As a plus size girlie with thick thighs and a booty, I usually like a 4″ inseam or higher, for the sake of coverage.

FINAL VERDICT: Left it at the store. While I loved the design of this skirt and certainly would have gotten used to the ruffle, the short shorts underneath ultimately made my decision for me. Gotta have coverage as a plus size girlie.

Fluid Seamless Fitted T-Shirt

• Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
• No compression
• Sizes XS-4X & Petite and Tall sizes
• Available in 7 colors

WHAT I LOVED: Super stretchy and comfortable; felt like I wasn’t even wearing a top! Also loved the color!

NOT FOR ME: I mean, it’s a solid top. I took it for a spin during Zumba and it performed well! Nothing but good things to say about this top.

FINAL VERDICT: Kept! As you can probably tell! This will be a great one to layer under a sweatshirt or jacket come Winter as well!

Light Support StudioSmooth Crop Top

• Verrry light compression
• Buttery soft, moisture-wicking material
• Available in XS-4X
• Available in 4 colors

WHAT I LOVED: The only time I’ve ever thought of an activewear piece as sexy! Loved the cinched center and V-neck to show off just a hint of cleavage.

The material was incredibly soft and felt almost like I was wearing a regular top.

NOT FOR ME: While the lack of compression was *awesome* in terms of comfort levels, it’s certainly not adequate for high-energy workouts or other activities. Which, to be fair, Old Navy makes very clear in the product description.

FINAL VERDICT: Left it at the store. But only because I was looking specifically for activewear pieces, and I felt like this top would work more as a cute lounge top (or even a cute daytime top with a great skirt!).

It did ride up when I did a few practice moves and the last thing I want to have to do when I’m out with my kiddos is stop to adjust my outfit.

High-Waisted PowerSoft Rib Pocket Leggings

• Light compression, newly designed more supportive waist band
• Soft, moisture-wicking material
• Pockets on both sides
• Available in XS-4X, also available in Petite & Tall sizes
• Available in 8 colors

WHAT I LOVED: That new waist band really made a difference! These were the most supportive leggings I’ve ever tried on. Loved that there were pockets on *both sides* and the fact that they DID NOT MOVE no matter what ninja moves I tried.

NOT FOT ME: With my brown skin, this particular color, Cherry Birch, most definitely gave “naked from the waist down” when paired with the black top. Not exactly the effect I was going for!

FINAL VERDICT: Left them at the store. While they were certainly thoughtfully designed, I usually go for a crop legging or biker short during the warmer months here in western Texas.

I’ll definitely circle back to this style come October; it’s the perfect length to pair with comfy socks!

StudioSmooth Athletic Dress

• Lightweight, soft, moisture-wicking fabric
• No compression
• Built-in shelf bra & removable pads
• Attached shorts w/ pocket

WHAT I LOVED: The high neck in the front and deep scoop in the back felt fresh and on-trend AND provided enough coverage for my sports bra underneath.

Plus, the throwback “Millennial pink” shade was sooo gorgeous against my skin. The shorts also provided real coverage.

NOT FOR ME: Nothing!

FINAL VERDICT: Kept! I actually wore this skirt the day after filming the haul video to run errands and film more content. I got a couple of compliments, but more importantly, it was comfy and cool all day long.

Extra High-Waisted StretchTech Pleated Skort

• No compression
• 1″ higher waist than standard high waist
• Attached shorts w/ pocket
• Sizes XS-4X
• Available in 4 colors

WHAT I LOVED: The side pleats were a nice touch. Stayed put through all my Zumba moves and squats. As a plus size Mom, I appreciated the extra coverage provided by the “extra high waist”.

That extra inch would also help my longer torso besties.

NOT SO MUCH: While moisture-wicking, the StretchTech material wasn’t as soft as some of the other pieces (the Power Soft line spoiled me!)

The 3.5″ inseam built-in shorts didn’t offer much in the way of coverage. Also, while very pretty, the Magenta Lacquer color I tried on was much darker than it appears online.

FINAL VERDICT: Left it at the store. While I didn’t feel like the skirt itself was unflattering, I mostly prefer at least light compression when it comes to activewear.

And while that extra inch did offer more coverage in the midsection, it didn’t make up for the lack thereof in the booty with the short-shorts underneath.

Light Support PowerSoft Longline Sports Bra

• Light compression, moisture-wicking fabric
• Size up if you have a larger bust
• Shelf bra & removable cups
• Sizes XS-4X
• Available in 10 solid colors & 2 prints

WHAT I LOVED: It was a longer crop that stopped *right* at the top of my skirt. Still cute and trendy, but also full coverage. Loved the scoop neck and bra-friendly straps.

NOT FOR ME: I sized up to the 2X and probably could have gone braless, but it wouldn’t have offered much in the way of support.

FINAL VERDICT: Left it at the store. But I might go back for it once the budget allows! I didn’t mind sizing up and appreciated that I could wear my own supportive sports bra underneath and still look cute.

Fluid Seamless Fitted Crop Tank Top

• Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric
• Racerback
• Sizes XS-4X, also in Petite & Tall
• Available in 4 colors

WHAT I LOVED: Old Navy calls it Magnolia White, but it’s not a true white, more of very light cream. Soo pretty! Cropped length hit where it was supposed to, so definitely short girl friendly!

NOT FOR ME: Perhaps because of the color, this top was not quite as opaque as the others. We weren’t in full-on see-through territory, but we were fairly close! It did ride up a tiny bit, compared to the tops I tried on.

FINAL VERDICT: Kept! I’m a sucker for off-white, cream etc. This top goes with all of the shorts I kept from this haul and the ones I already own, so it was a no-brainer.

CloudMotion T-Shirt

• Vented sides
• Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
• Sizes XS-4X
• Available in 7 colors

WHAT I LOVED: This top was sooo comfy! The fabric was so soft and cool against my skin. Definitely a great choice if you’re not comfortable in some of the more form-fitting activewear tops.

The cropped length was also short torso friendly; it stopped right above my hips.

NOT FOR ME: Nothing! I loved everything about this activewear tee.

FINAL VERDICT: Left it at the store. Unfortunately! While I loved this top, there just wasn’t room in the budget for it. It’s definitely on my must-have list for next time, though!

CloudComfy High-Neck Longline Sports Bra

• Shelf bra & removable cups
• Moisture-wicking fabric
• Runs small, IMO
• Sizes XS-4X
• Available in 7 colors

WHAT I LOVED: The high neckline was super flattering and chic. And the cropped length was short-girl friendly. Didn’t ride up when I bent over and did my practice Zumba moves.

NOT FOR ME: As a plus size gal with a larger bust, I can say it definitely ran a size small. Even so, still not enough support to go braless (for me).

FINAL VERDICT: Returned. I originally intended to exchange for a larger size, but I fell in love with a few other tops in this haul and decided to go with those instead.

High-Waisted PowerSoft Biker Shorts — 8-inch inseam

• Super supportive w/ moisture-wicking fabric
• Full coverage
• Pockets on both sides

WHAT I LOVED: Well, the PowerSoft line stole my heart this haul, can you tell? I believe the 8″ inseam is the longest biker short Old Navy offers. They were soo soft and comfy and most-definitely squat proof!

NOT FOR ME: None! Cannot say enough good things about these shorts!

FINAL VERDICT: Kept! I loved these biker shorts so much, I ordered them in two colors (Crayon Blue & Sanguine).

Final Thoughts on Old Navy’s Plus Size Activewear Line

Old Navy did a good job of combining trendier elements like interesting necklines, flouncy skirts, and fun colors with realistic must-haves like adequate coverage and bra-friendly pieces for those of us who need a little extra support.

In other words, thoughtful design meets functionality for workouts and Mom life, in general. Speaking of functionality, each piece was super low maintenance: machine washable and didn’t fade or shrink in the wash.

As far as I’m concerned, Old Navy knocked it out of the park with this season’s plus size activewear!

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