Gymshark Best Buys: What's Actually Worth Your Money and What to Skip

ACTIVEWEAR & GYM WEAR GUIDE

Gymshark is one of those brands that divides opinion sharply. Half the gym-going population swears by it; the other half thinks it's overpriced TikTok bait with more influencer reach than actual quality. Having worn quite a bit of it over the past few years — and having a drawer full of both wins and disappointments to prove it — I can tell you the truth is somewhere in the middle. Some of their pieces are genuinely excellent. Others are not worth the hype. Here's exactly what to buy, what to skip, and where the competition beats them.

First — Is Gymshark Actually Good Quality?

For a brand that started as a screenprinting operation in a Birmingham garage in 2012, Gymshark has come a remarkably long way in terms of fabric technology and construction. The core ranges — the ones they've been refining for years — use well-engineered technical fabrics that perform properly: moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, good compression retention after multiple washes. The problem is consistency. Their newer or more trend-led releases can feel underwhelming against the price tag, and some of the fashion-gym crossover pieces sacrifice performance for aesthetics in ways that aren't always obvious until you're actually in them at the gym.

The short answer: stick to their performance-focused core ranges and you'll be very well served. Stray into their lifestyle collections and you're paying for a logo on something that could be much cheaper elsewhere.

The Gymshark Pieces Worth Buying

Leggings

The Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings are, without question, the brand's best product. I bought my first pair sceptically after seeing them everywhere and was genuinely won over. The seamless construction means zero chafing, the fabric is thick enough for squats without any transparency issues — which is non-negotiable — and they wash and hold their shape better than most leggings I've tried at twice the price. They're also extraordinarily comfortable for all-day wear, which is why you see so many people living in them outside the gym too.

The Gymshark Flawless Knit Leggings are a newer addition and also worth the money — the texture is beautiful and the fit is flattering without being aggressively compressive. Good for both training and the café afterwards.

What to avoid in the leggings department: the lighter-weight styles in their lifestyle range. Thin fabric, visible seaming, and a cheaper feel that doesn't justify the £45–£55 price point when the Vital Seamless delivers so much more.

Sports Bras

The Gymshark Flex Sports Bra is a cult item for good reason. Medium support, flattering cut, and a fabric that sits beautifully without digging in or rolling up. Genuinely comfortable for yoga, pilates, cycling, and lighter training. If you need high-impact support for running or HIIT, step up to their Gymshark Speed Sports Bra — it's one of their better high-support options and the strapping is well-engineered rather than just decorative.

I made the mistake of buying one of their more fashion-forward cut-out sports bras for a HIIT class once. Reader, it did not hold. Learn from me.

Shorts and Cycling Shorts

The Gymshark Training Shorts are solid — good length, secure waistband, doesn't ride up during lunges which is truly the only metric that matters. Their cycling shorts are also well-reviewed for grip and comfort, though if cycling shorts are your thing, the competition at this price point is fierce.

Hoodies and Sweatshirts

This is where Gymshark really delivers for the lifestyle crossover. Their oversized hoodies and sweatshirts in the Gymshark Crest range are beautifully soft, wash well, and hold their shape far better than similarly priced high street alternatives. These are genuinely worth buying, especially in the classic colourways — the sage greens, dusty mauves and oatmeal tones that have become synonymous with the brand's aesthetic.

How Gymshark Compares to the Competition

It would be dishonest to talk about Gymshark without acknowledging that the activewear market is fiercely competitive right now, and there are brands doing specific things better:

Lululemon — the benchmark for premium activewear. Their Align leggings in Nulu fabric are arguably the most comfortable leggings in existence, and the quality and longevity is exceptional. They cost significantly more than Gymshark but the cost-per-wear over several years makes the comparison closer than it looks. Worth every penny if your budget allows.
Sweaty Betty — a brilliant British brand with outstanding technical leggings and a particularly strong running and yoga range. Their Zero Gravity leggings are superb, and the brand's commitment to inclusive sizing is admirable. Gymshark's equal in quality at a similar price point, with a slightly more grown-up aesthetic.
ASOS — for anyone who wants decent activewear without committing to a premium brand, ASOS's own-brand active range has improved significantly. Won't last as long as Gymshark's core ranges, but for occasional gym use, it's completely serviceable at a fraction of the price.
H&M Move — genuinely underrated. H&M's activewear sub-brand punches well above its price point, particularly for leggings and sports bras. If budget is a concern, start here before committing to Gymshark prices.
New Balance — particularly strong for running and high-impact training gear. Their technical fabrics are excellent and the brand has a credibility in performance wear that some pure-fashion gym brands can't match.

The Two Independent Brands Worth Knowing

I always love flagging smaller brands that deserve more attention. For activewear, Adanola is a UK-based brand that has quietly built one of the most devoted followings in the space — their Ultimate Leggings are frequently compared favourably to Lululemon Align at a significantly lower price point, and the minimal aesthetic is genuinely beautiful. The brand is growing fast but still feels considered and independent. And Tala — a sustainable British activewear brand founded on transparency about fabric sourcing and production. Their leggings and sports bras use recycled materials without compromising on performance, and the quality is remarkable for the price. If you want to feel good about where your gym kit comes from as well as how it performs, Tala is where I'd send you first.

The Gymshark Sizing Issue — and How to Solve It

One thing I hear constantly about Gymshark is confusion around sizing. They size small — consistently, across the board — and their sizing doesn't map neatly onto standard UK sizing. I've seen people go up two sizes from their usual and still find the fit tighter than expected, particularly in the leggings. This is not unusual in activewear generally, where compression and stretch mean standard sizing goes out of the window, but Gymshark's own size guide isn't always as helpful as it should be.

OVERALL VERDICT

The Vital Seamless Leggings, Flex Sports Bra, Crest Hoodie and Speed Sports Bra are genuine best buys and worth the Gymshark price tag. For everything else, compare carefully against Sweaty Betty, Lululemon, Adanola or Tala before committing — the competition is genuinely strong. And if budget is tight, H&M Move will surprise you.

Get Your Exact Gymshark Size Before You Order — Tellar Has You Covered

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