"The average woman now wears between a size 16 and 18."

So why don't stores like Forever 21, Victoria Secret, or even Nike represent that? This weekend I decided to detour into North Bend to go to the Nike Outlet. After trying on three things that were XL and having to put them all back I began to think. Why is it that people size 16 and up are considered overweight, yet, we aren't given any options for clothing to exercise in? It seems minimal, but for anyone who has tried to get off the couch to go workout, many of us have already felt insecure while going to the gym, at least give us cute clothes to wear.

Victoria Secrets in-store clothing doesn't exceed a size large. This also includes their activewear as well. The online store carries up to an extra large in their sports line, but no one likes to order something online only to return it later once they realize it doesn't fit. Victoria Secret is such an empire, imagine how much better they would do and how much business they would get if they just offered us bigger clothes.

No, I don't mean offer these larger clothes and never allow them to go on sale, I mean treat us bigger girls the way skinnier, more athletic girls are, with cute clothes and good deals.

Forever 21, only offers up to a large in bottoms both online and an XL store as well. Forever 21, does, however, have a plus size section, none of which has activewear on the racks beside maybe an outfit or two.

Upon researching this topic, I found that Nike does, in fact, offer plus-size clothing for women online but not in the store. Whereas in the stores and even the outlet in North Bend, they offer larger sizes for men and even a "Big and Tall" section. While this is better than not having a plus sized section at all, there is still the anxiety that comes with purchasing clothing online — but props to Nike for thinking about us.

In so many instances, people are "fat-shamed," but where is our encouragement to work out? We are expected to workout in baggy sweats and a big t-shirt, but that's not comfortable for us and definitely does not build our own self-esteem. It is hard just to find the courage to get to the gym whether it is your first time, or you haven't been in a while.

I know personally, my confidence is boosted if I look good in what I'm wearing. If we plan on lowering a woman's average body type/size, we should also be focusing on the clothes, as unimportant as they seem. They boost confidence, they can boost self-esteem, and it gives something comfortable to work in as well.