We have all been frustrated in our search for quality plus size ready-to-wear. However, plus size activewear is even more difficult to find. Recently, I began playing pickle ball, a sport that is–essentially–the baby of tennis and badminton. It is played with a lightweight plastic ball, slightly bigger than a tennis ball, and requires a free range of movement. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything to suit my needs. What little existed was poorly sewn, made in sticky, unbreathable polyester fabrics, and exorbitantly expensive. What was an active plus size woman to do?
After my fruitless search for comfortable pieces to wear while playing, I had an idea. Why not sew the perfect activewear garment? I went through my patterns and examined my TNT dress pattern, McCall’s 5232, which is now sadly out-of-print. This dress is versatile, with princess seams running the full length of the dress, a back zipper, and several neckline variations. As a pear shape, I find the princess seams extra flattering and have made this dress over a dozen times! While I love the plain square-necked version, I’ve also color-blocked it with a print in the middle and solids on the sides. I even made the v-neck version in denim with denim print godets in all seams! One of my favorite versions is in a green and black print, which looks great worn with black cardigan. Obviously, this dress works for me and my shape. 
The big question, though: Could this tried-and-true pattern be used for pickle ball? Well, yes, it could. It already had a swingy shape and simple design lines, ideal for a tennis dress. After several muslins, sorting out a sporty fit and design variations, I made a final version in medium-weight navy blue cotton, with a white neckline binding as an accent. To better suit hours of pickle ball, I also shortened the hem and switched out the full length zipper for a 9-inch zip at the center back.
On the back of the dress, I even inserted a pocket into the seams! Using a piece of white mesh, I crafted a large rectangle, then folded its top down by 1/2 inch to create a casing. Then, I threaded the casing with two strands of elastic thread and sewed the ends right into the back princess seams. This back pocket is not only lightweight, but it’s the perfect size to hold pickle balls. It’s such a useful little design feature.
For the hem of the dress, I sewed two lines of topstitching, for extra security. Unfortunately, the hem is now rippling a bit. Once I get a bit of time, I intend to redo it with some added reinforcement from interfacing.
With my easy alterations, this dress is perfect for activewear. It’s comfortable, allows me a large range of movement, and–best of all!–there’s no polyester in sight. Hooray for tried-and-true patterns, right? Such a dress would work equally well for golf, tennis, running, or even biking. Throw on some leggings or bicycle shorts underneath and you’re ready for action. This altered pattern would also work well in medium weight cotton spandex knit, which I might make next…as soon as I perfect my pickle ball serve.
With a simple change of fabric and design, there’s no limit to what a good base pattern can make. If you’ve had trouble finding plus size activewear, I encourage you to re-consult your own stock of tried-and-true patterns. There might be a gem hiding in your stash, waiting to become the perfect pattern for your everyday, active lifestyle.
Super cute dress! The only thing I would say is that cotton is not always an ideal fabric for sportswear- it absorbs the sweat which can lead to chafing and hypothermia in cold weather! (If you train outside!) there’s a really good article on activewear fabrics here: https://www.seamwork.com/issues/2015/01/a-guide-to-activewear-fabrics
I used to be a huge polyester snob, but actually have found some really nice feeling good-quality stuff recently. It’s worth looking for!
There is only one thing wrong with this post- no photos of the dresses you mentioned! Especially want to see the denim one! And a wholehearted “Hurray” for zero polyester!
Thanks for the reminder to think outside the box in relation to what we expect to wear for specific events and to reconsider what we want to wear! The pocket is great- I’m always in need of pockets.
Wonderful reworking and an excellent example of thinking outside the box! If retail RTW ignores us, then we’ll just put on our thinking caps and come up with our own solutions!
Wonderful ideas and instructions. Love the finished item. Attractive and functional… the best of both worlds.
I love your pickle ball dress! You’re absolutely right about revisiting patterns that are already perfect – with just a couple of modifications here and there it could very well make the perfect active wear. I have that problem with RTW Tees and have made a couple that are ALMOST right but they can still use some improvement for my pilates classes. That pocket you put in the back is just so perfect for birdies for badminton, ping pong balls, all sorts of articles that you want to have handy. LOVE it 🙂
I love your dress and design ideas. I used to love Pickle Ball. Back in the Mid-80’s, Pickle Ball was a PE requirement for Freshmen and Sophomores. We weren’t able to fashion stylish dresses, we had to wear ill fitting PE uniforms.
Thank you for this post!
Hi I’d love to see the other versions of this dress u made. The rear pocket is a great idea x
I will now have to Google pickleball to see what that is, and why you would need a back pocket for them while you play!
I think the dress you made is lovely and would suit any sport like tennis, volleyball etc. It’s not only practical, it’s really glam.
I would wear it as a beach dress if we ever had that kind of weather here. 🙂
LOVE it! What a great idea 🙂
With the right material and some shorts under, this could be a good swimdress too. 🙂