+Size Activewear For Summer Sports

Sometimes it can seem easier to get front row One Direction tickets than plus size activewear that's actually cute and also adequately functional — and this seems to compound when you're looking for anything beyond shorts or pants and a top. Trying to find a plus size rash guard for surfing and paddle boarding, plus size tennis gear, or plus size golf clothes can make joining an outdoor workout or trying something new feel extra inaccessible.

To be honest, I feel like there still exists certain stigma around my participating in certain activities because of my size, and am sometimes nervous to try new things like paddle boarding — feeling like every eye will be on the fat girl, waiting for me to screw up. The actions, habits, or appearance of one plus size babe taken as representative of all plus size women is something that's slowly decreasing, but I often feel the pressure to perform astoundingly well when participating visibly in activities to "help" the image of all plus size babes.

Until there is less shaming around body size and a more universal acceptance of all body types, I wouldn't blame anyone for feeling that pressure — although we definitely shouldn't have to. The lack of cute, affordable, accessible activewear can definitely be the deciding factor on whether we decide to feel comfortable picking up that paddle or getting on that tennis court. You can and you should, girl!

Here are three outfits for your active summer:

1. Standup Paddle Boarding Or Surfing

To be out on the water, in the waves and under the sun, you're going to want support and coverage to protect from UV. A rash guard is a given and a supportive, halter-style swim top is going to work the closest to a bra. High rise bottoms will keep you from pulling your top down, or you can add board shorts on top for extra coverage and protection.

You can totally wear just a bikini or one-piece as well, but make sure you're liberal with the sunscreen application.

Clockwise, from top left:Floral Rash Guard, $30, landsend.comHibiscus Stripe Rash Guard, $48, limericki.comShort Sleeve Rash Guard, $13, landsend.comHalter Swim Top, $55, torrid.comBoard Shorts, $50, lanebryant.comMagic Swim Bottoms, $60, nettlestale.com

2. Tennis

Serena and Venus set the bar pretty high when it comes to on court style, but you can look just as cute in Wimbledon whites as when embracing patterns and color. Be sure to wear a serious sports bra to keep your boobs in place while running and jumping. Also, start practicing your badass grunt now.

Clockwise, from top left:Sofibella Women's Plus Size Sleeveless Shirt, $70, tenniswarehouse.comStella McCartney Barricade Tennis Shoe, $100, adidas.comWicking Dip Dye Tank, $45, lanebryant.comNola Zip-Front Sports Bra, $70, additionelle.comKangqifen Patterned Skort, $18, amazon.comSofibella Women's Plus Size Skirt, $73, tenniswarehouse.com

3. Golf

Golf is a nice way to have a beer and also work those tricep and core muscles while wearing a skirt. This sounds like most of the things that I like. While golf clothing can have a reputation for being stuffy or frumpy, I love these cute options that even include a trendy windowpane print. I think I'm gonna take up golf.

Clockwise, from top left:Tennis Polo, $90, sportiveplus.comNike Lunar Summer Lite, $80, nike.comCut Away Sleeveless Top, $78, pinksandgreens.comWomen's Plus Size Short, $84, pinksandgreens.comNancy Lopez Class Skort, $70, pinksandgreens.com

Images: Courtesy Brands; Giphy