What Is Sizing Like at Gymshark?

Gymshark generally comes up true to size, but the fit swings more than almost any brand I style with — your normal size will usually be right for leggings, tees and hoodies, while shorts, tanks and the heavily compressive ranges nearly always want you to go up a size. So if you take one thing from this, it's that "my Gymshark size" isn't a single number. It shifts depending on the collection, the fabric and how snug you actually like to feel.

I learnt this the hard way. The first time I ordered a pair of their seamless leggings I went with my usual size, did the obligatory mirror squat, and watched them turn completely see-through. Lesson well and truly learnt. These days I know exactly where Gymshark behaves itself and where it doesn't — so here's the honest, unsponsored version.

Does Gymshark run true to size?

For the bulk of the range, yes. Their own design team describes most pieces as true to size, and customer reviews broadly back that up — the size charts are reliable if you actually measure yourself rather than guessing. Where it gets interesting is the compressive and the cropped styles, which are cut deliberately tight. That's a design choice, not a mistake, but it does mean you need to know what you're buying before you click.

Leggings — where most people get it wrong

Leggings are the Gymshark cornerstone, and they're the piece I get asked about most. The seamless ranges (Vital, Adapt and the like) are engineered to be very stretchy, so they hug. Here's how I'd approach them:

Go by your hip measurement, not your waist — especially if you've a smaller waist and fuller glutes. It's the single best way to avoid the dreaded sheerness.
Want second-skin compression? Stick to your true size for that locked-in, supportive feel that's brilliant for running or HIIT.
Want comfort and full coverage? Size up. You'll get more give, less squeeze and no riding down mid-session.
Never size down to "tone up." It's the fastest route to see-through fabric and a waistband that rolls.
Check the inseam. If you're petite, certain styles bunch at the ankle; if you're tall, some come up short.

Tops, tanks and hoodies

Fitted tees and training tops: true to size. They're cut athletically to skim the body and wick sweat, so your normal size is spot on.
Oversized tees: consider sizing down one. The relaxed cut already builds in room, so your usual size can swamp you.
Hoodies and joggers: true to size with a comfortable, roomy feel. Only size up if you specifically want that baggy, off-duty look.
Tanks: these run small. If you live in tanks at the gym, order up a size to avoid them feeling like a corset.

Shorts and sports bras

Shorts are the other place to be careful — they're often made in thin, skin-clinging fabrics and tend to run small through the thigh, so I'd size up and always do a squat test before you commit. For sports bras, work to your chest and underbust measurements and pay attention to the fabric notes, because the more compressive materials offer a very different fit to the lighter, adjustable styles. If you're fuller-busted, reviews are genuinely your friend here.

My quick stylist checklist before you order

Measure your waist, hips and inside leg first — don't trust memory.
Read the product page fit note. Gymshark flags "true to size," "relaxed" or "compressive" and it's usually accurate.
Scan the most recent reviews for your exact style — fits drift year to year.
Remember the range currently tops out around XXL, so check the chart if you're at either end.
Use the 30-day returns. Order two sizes if you're genuinely on the fence — it's what I do.

Where else I'd shop for activewear

Gymshark is excellent, but it isn't the only name worth your money. Here's where I send clients depending on budget.

High street

M&S (Goodmove) — quietly one of the best-value active lines in the UK, with genuinely supportive, squat-proof leggings.
H&M (Move) — strong on colour and trend pieces at a price that won't sting if you're trying a new style.
Uniqlo — the AIRism and sport basics are superb for layering and breathable everyday training tops.
Next (Active) — reliable, well-sized staples and easy returns if you're size-hopping.
Superdry (Sport) — good for sweatshirts, joggers and cosy off-gym layers.

Premium

Sweaty Betty — the British gold standard for fit and flattering cuts; their Power leggings are a perennial client favourite.
Lululemon — buttery Align fabric and a fit that stays put; pricey, but the cost-per-wear adds up.
Alo Yoga — sculpting, fashion-forward sets that work as easily for brunch as for barre.

Luxury / designer

Max Mara (Leisure) — elevated athleisure in beautiful fabrics for when "gym" really means coffee and errands.
Ralph Lauren (RLX) — polished, technical performance pieces with that unmistakable preppy finish.

Two independents worth knowing

TALA — Grace Beverley's sustainable label, with sculpting, supportive sets that genuinely rival Gymshark for a similar price.
Adanola — the cult British independent everyone's wearing right now; minimalist, beautifully cut and brilliant for that clean off-duty look.

Never look at a size guide again

This is exactly why I built Tellar — the UK's leading sizing tool, matching your body to over 1,500 brands instantly so you never have to second-guess a chart again.

Measure once, using your bust, waist, hip — or simply your existing size in a brand you already own.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more.
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And there's the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free. Style advice, top picks and the best brands, with no sponsored fluff.

Find your exact Gymshark size in seconds

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