While some people are grumbling about globalization and outsourcing, I'm happily searching for worldwide brands that fit the plus-size lady. Many visitors to this site are from the U.S., but there is a portion who aren't, and it can be hard to find items online. This review is dedicated to the Canadians out there, as well as shoppers from the States.
I discovered MiO while checking out our forum posts, and I decided to learn more about them as soon as I could: they specialize in plus-size workout gear, which is incredibly difficult to find. Read on to learn how this brand measures up in this exclusive review!
Quality
Upon first glance, MiO offers impressive color in terms of vibrancy and depth. As someone who hates a faded black/brown pair of stretch pants, I was pleased to learn that both trousers and tops are sewn from a unique fabric that can take a lot of washing without worry. It reminds me of an Adidas Climalite fabric, because it is particularly stretchy, strong, and bright, without the worrisome tendency to pill.Fit and Style
Items are cut and finished with the plus-size body in mind. The tank top has wide straps that conceal all but the most unusual sports bras (my double layers plus supportive tank underneath didn't show a bit), and the capri exercise pants have a generous, wide waistband that can be folded over for a trendier look while doing squats or weights. The calf width on the trousers will not cut off calf circulation, which is extremely important for the larger-legged plus women out there.
Jackets fit closer to the body, but are endowed with substantial stretch, while trousers appear to run slightly on the larger size. I recommend purchasing your usual sizes with these suggestions in mind. Apple shapes may want to size up in the top and size down in the bottoms, but hourglass and athletic shapes should order true-to-size.
My most exciting discovery, style-wise, was that MiO employs slimming panels in their zip-up coat. Black panels are found at the side of the midsection, which allow your mid section to look curvier and (yes!) even smaller. Piping is located at the waistband in separate stripes, which makes your torso look longer as well.
Performance
Superior sweat-wicking qualities allow to feel less sweaty than usual while working out. As you continue to exercise, you don't feel any “wetter” as you begin to perspire more, and you don't feel as overheated as you would in a heavy cotton t-shirt. Since items are constructed from a performance fabric, they are easily washed and dried for the next workout.
The top also skims the stomach area to keep sweat from pooling during crunches and other floor exercises.
