Aussies raving about Best&Less affordable new activewear range

A major retailer has released a new affordable activewear range intended to fit “everyone” – and Australians are raving about it.

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Finding activewear for a larger body can be difficult, particularly when many brands offer a limited sizing range.

But one store – Best&Less – released an activewear range called Elite in March, with the company claiming it was activewear “for everybody”.

The range features seamless tops, crop tops, leggings and a handful of other items.

Some items, like the seamless crop top and bike shorts, only go up to an XL size while other items, such as the colour block leggings, reach a size 26.

Best&Less recently released a new activewear range called Elite designed for ‘everyone’. Picture: Instagram

Some items in the range go up to a size 26. Picture: Instagram

Several influencers, including mid-size fashion influencer Amanda Shannon, Melbourne model Janeeta Steephen and TikTok star Xanthia Efthymiou, have been featured in paid advertisements to their social media followers wearing the Elite activewear, showcasing different body types in the range.

“Love these staple fits, gonna have to get myself some,” one social media user said of the activewear.

Another added: “Ohhh B&L coming through with the goods!”

One social media user added that they were surprised that the clothing was from Best&Less, while another commented they were “convinced” after seeing the influencers in the clothes.

Another social media user said that the colours of the clothing were “gorgeous”.

OI put some of the items in the range to the test – including this seamless top. Picture: News.com.au/Claudia Poposki

Testing the claims

To put the claims of the activewear to the test, I headed into my local store to try on a handful of items. I typically fall in that awkward space between straight and plus sizing, so I felt I would be a good point of reference to test it out.

First up was the V-neck crop top, which was seamless, and has a price tag of $14. The crop comes in a variety of colours such as a dusty pink and khaki green.

I tried on the XL, but found that I had so much room even with the fact I was wearing a sports bra underneath. I have a bit of a larger bust and wide back and found that the size I was wearing wasn’t giving the support I needed for sports such as netball, where there is a lot of jumping involved. I think if I was purchasing them, I definitely would have sized down in order to keep everything in place.

After that, I tried on two sets – one was the colour block tights with a matching crop top, while the other was a long sleeve ribbed seamless shirt with matching tights.

The colour block tights and matching crop top were probably my favourite, and the pair reach a size 26. It felt light and comfortable, and I feel like the design would be flattering on anyone.

This set is available up to a size 16. Picture: News.com.au/Claudia Poposki

I did a squat test with the tights, and was more than happy to see the material did not give anything away.

The seamless set, which came in a variety of colours such as hot pink and a deep sea green, could also double as loungewear as the material was thick yet soft and comfortable.

Again, the tights passed the squat test, but I feel like it wasn’t practical for high impact work outs due to just how thick and how much coverage the material gave.

But I can definitely picture going on a morning stroll and then heading to brunch in it after.

Best&Less isn’t the first brand to cater to different body types, however, it can be difficult to feel comfortable in these types of clothing.

There was also a seamless set. Picture: News.com.au/Claudia Poposki

“The collection has seen widespread social media attention and proven very popular within the Best&Less community in both stores and online, and has seen significant growth as a category,” a company spokesperson told news.com.au.

“The collection has driven current Best&Less customers as well as new customers into adopting the stylish, high quality and affordable offering.”

Some items in the range were initially offered in regular sizing only, however, a number of items are now available up to a size 26.

“We always listen to our valuable customers’ feedback (and) should we receive comments that the sizing needs to be extended, it is something we would definitely consider for the future,” the spokesperson said.

“The Best&Less activewear collection has some very exciting pieces coming into stores through Autumn/Winter 2023, with new designs and styles, vibrant colour palettes and an exciting new Women’s Active accessories capsule including Yoga Mats, Keep Cups and Active Gym Bags.”