ApparelGear

Spring Summer 2026: Outdoor gear that actually fits

For too long, women above a UK size 16 looking for outdoor clothing have faced the same frustrating reality – if you want technical gear, you’re often told to try the men’s section. The result? Jackets that are too wide in the shoulders, restrictive across the hips, and rarely designed with women’s bodies in mind.

Many brands still stop at size 18 or 20 – and when extended sizing does appear, it’s often limited to entry-level products rather than high-performance kit. Vampire Outdoors is changing that.

The specialist retailer focuses entirely on size-inclusive outdoor clothing and equipment, designed for women who hike, bike, run, climb, paddle and train — without compromising on quality or technical performance. With carefully curated brands, detailed size charts and clear fit guidance, Vampire Outdoors removes the guesswork so customers can focus on the adventure ahead.

Below are some standout pieces for plus-size adventurers the new Spring/Summer 2026 collection from Vampire Outdoors – imagery can be accessed here.

Here’s our top picks for plus sized adventurers: 

Outdoor Research Echo T-shirt

The Outdoor Research Echo Plus Size T-Shirt is a high performance t-shirt made from ultralight, bluesign®-approved recycled fabric, designed for activities ranging from running and hiking to fitness classes and everyday wear. The lightweight material is breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, with excellent stretch for ease of movement, while AirVent™ construction improves airflow and ActiveFresh™ treatment helps control odour when you’re working up a sweat. It also offers modest sun protection (UPF 15–20 depending on colour), flat seams for comfort against the skin, and reflective detailing for nighttime visibility, positioning it as a versatile, year-round essential.

Sizes: 1x to 4X (18 to 30 UK equivalent)

Colours: Skyline (pictured) and Cherry Blossom

Maier Sports Petra Vest

The Maier Sports Petra sleeveless vest top (plus size) is made for warm-weather adventures, holidays, and everyday active use, combining comfort, freedom of movement and flattering style. Cut to fit and move with curves, the Petra vest offers a confident, easy fit whether you’re on a long walk, at the gym, travelling, or spending active days outdoors. The lightweight piqué fabric feels soft and airy against the skin, wicks moisture, and dries quickly after activity, so you won’t be left feeling damp or chilled when you stop moving. Easy-care and practical for regular wear, the Petra is an ideal choice for an active summer, helping you stay comfortable even in higher temperatures. A reliable go-to top you’ll reach for again and again throughout the season.

Sizes: EU 46 – 54 (18 to 26 UK equivalent)

Colours: Night Sky, Bruised Boysenberry (pictured), Green Foam

Maier Sports Waltraud T-Shirt

The Maier Sports Waltraud technical T-shirt is a versatile active essential designed to work effortlessly at the gym, on a sunny walk, and for everyday wear. Made from lightweight piqué fabric with a clean, classic round-neck style, it pairs easily with any outdoor or fitness outfit while staying comfortable during high exertion activity. The integrated DRYPROTEC technology wicks moisture and dries quickly after sweat or sudden showers, helping regulate body temperature and preventing that damp, chilled feeling when you slow down. Easy-care, breathable and reliable, it’s a practical go-to top for running, hiking, climbing, fitness classes or simply staying comfortable day to day.

Sizes: EU 46 – 54 (18 to 26 UK equivalent)

Colours: Night Sky, Bruised Boysenberry, Green Foam (pictured)

Maier Sports Lulaka Summer Walking trousers

The Maier Sports best selling Lulaka women’s hiking trousers are a summer must-have for outdoor adventures. Lightweight, four-way stretch material is breathable, water-repellent and quick-drying. The elastic flex zone waistband also contributes to a comfortable fit, allowing for fluctuations in body shape and bloating over the month. Three three spacious pockets with zip closures and an inside security pocket for keys and money for ice cream!On hot days the bottom of the trousers can be rolled up via the integrated Rollup function to become three-quarter length. Environmentally-friendly, water-repellent, PFC-free finish means even summer showers aren’t a problem, with moisture beading off.

Sizes: EU 46 – 56 (18 to 28/30 UK equivalent)

Colours: Night Sky, Graphite

Maier Sports Lawa Shorts

The Maier Sports Lawa Bermuda shorts bring the proven comfort and performance of the brand’s classic Lulaka hiking trousers into a lightweight summer design. Made from mSTRETCH Pro 4 four-way stretch fabric, they provide excellent freedom of movement and a secure, comfortable fit, helped by an adjustable waistband with flex zone and integrated belt. The breathable material wicks moisture and dries quickly thanks to Dryprotec technology, while an environmentally friendly PFC-free finish adds water-repellent protection. Practical for days outdoors, the shorts feature two spacious zip pockets plus a discreet internal security pocket for valuables, making them a reliable choice for warm-weather walking, travel and everyday outdoor activity.

Sizes: EU 46 – 56 (18 to 28/30 UK equivalent)

Colours: Black, Graphite (pictured), Bruised Boysenberry

Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch Rain Jacket

Now available in plus sizes for the first time, the Stratoburst Stretch Rain Jacket delivers lightweight, packable wet-weather protection using 100% recycled materials. Built with breathable 2.5-layer Ventia™ fabric, fully taped seams and mechanical stretch, it blocks wind and rain while moving comfortably with the body, making it well suited to walking, climbing and everyday outdoor use in changeable conditions. An eco-friendly DWR treatment adds reliable water resistance without harmful chemicals, while practical details — including an adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation, zippered hand pockets and a YKK® Aquaguard front zip — enhance comfort on the move. The jacket also packs neatly into its own pocket for easy carrying, combining sustainable construction with technical performance on the trail and beyond.

Sizes: 1X to 4X (18 to 30 UK equivalent)

Colours: Skyline (pictured) and Black

Maier Sports Brocken Long Rain Jacket

Designed with plus-size comfort and coverage in mind, the Maier Sports Brocken Long  is a women’s outdoor jacket built for reliable protection in changeable UK weather. The durable two-layer construction uses tear-resistant ripstop fabric to cope with rough paths, branches and everyday wear, while the breathable mTEX 10,000 membrane keeps wind and rain out without feeling clammy. A PFC-free water-repellent finish adds extra defence in showers, and adjustable hood, cuffs and hem help you tailor the fit to sit comfortably over layers and seal out draughts. The extended cut offers added coverage across the hips and bum, and the Silverplus® mesh lining helps maintain freshness during longer walks. Practical details include two zipped hand pockets and an internal pocket, making it a dependable option for walking, travel and daily outdoor use.

Sizes: EU 46 – 58 (18 to 32 UK equivalent)

Colours: Yellow Finch, Green Goose

Maier Sports Denise Jacket (Fleece)

The Denise zip-up fleece jacket from Maier Sports is a warm and comfortable midlayer designed to provide warmth in chilly spring and autumn days, or protect from chills after hard workouts. Made from soft, insulating fleece, it provides reliable warmth while remaining easy to care for and quick-drying thanks to Dryprotec technology. Flat seams and a protective chin guard improve next-to-skin comfort when layering, and two zipped pockets offer secure storage for small essentials. Developed with sustainability in mind, the jacket is constructed from homogeneous materials as part of a LOOP product concept, allowing it to be fully recycled at the end of its life.

Sizes: EU 46 – 58 (18 to 32 UK equivalent)

Colours: Bruised Boysenberry, Green Goose

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