Overview of Gymshark
Gymshark is an athletic apparel and lifestyle brand that has developed a cult-like following, especially among fitness influencers and enthusiasts. Founded in 2012 by teenager Ben Francis in Birmingham, UK, Gymshark has grown rapidly into one of the most recognizable activewear brands.
While Gymshark started by selling bodybuilding clothes for men, it has since expanded into women‘s apparel and offers a wide selection of high-performance workout clothes. Today Gymshark is favored by both casual fitness buffs and hardcore athletes for its fashionable yet functional designs. The brand brings innovations in fabric and fit to create flexible, comfortable and sweat-wicking clothes that transition seamlessly from gym to street.
Gymshark Product Lines
Gymshark now offers workout apparel across six different collections:
- Adapt: Features sexy, sleek designs perfect for yoga, pilates and low-impact training
- Essentials: Includes basic tees, tanks, shorts and leggings for everyday wear
- Flex: Offers stretchy, contoured outfits designed for weight training, HIIT and boxing
- Seamless: Provides fitted yet flexible pieces crafted for gym, dance and athleisure wear
- Seamless Fit: Specialized seamless range made with Sensation fabric that feels like a second skin
- Vital: Showcases vivid colors and statement styles ready for high-performance fitness
Within each collection you‘ll discover an array of bottoms, tops, shorts, leggings, bras and other activewear essentials to fill your workout wardrobe.
Signature Gymshark Features
So what exactly has fueled the rise of Gymshark to prominence in the world of sports fashion? Several key features make Gymshark apparel stand out:
Innovative Fabrics
Gymshark utilizes proprietary fabric technologies to enhance comfort, stretch and performance. Key examples include:
- Seamless Sensation: An ultra-soft, flexible fabric that molds perfectly to your body
- Vital Seamless: Lightweight material with 4-way stretch for ultimate movement
- Adapt Camo Seamless: Made with a compression hold and sweat-wicking properties
Flattering Fit
Gymshark designs its clothes to contour and support your body during exercise. Strategically placed seams, ruched detailing and cinching create a curve-hugging silhouette.
Squat-Proof
Gymshark leggings deliver ample coverage and opacity so you can squat, lunge and stretch without worry. The signature Vital Seamless Leggings remain completely squat-proof even after years of wear.
Stay-Put Waistbands
From elastic to drawcord, Gymshark incorporates waistbands that grip your body in all the right places. This prevents uncomfortable rolling or sliding mid-workout.
Moisture-Wicking
Innovative fabrics like Seamless Sensation and Adapt Camo draw sweat away from your skin so you stay cool and dry even during hardcore training.
Gymshark Product Reviews: Leggings, Bras, Shorts & More
Now let‘s take a deep dive into some of Gymshark‘s most popular pieces. Here‘s an in-depth look at key items people rave about:
Vital Seamless High Waisted Leggings
Gymshark‘s #1 bestselling leggings deliver durable four-way stretch and ultra-breathability. With a high waist, contouring fit and discreet seam detailing, these leggings sculpt your shape while wicking sweat. Available in a vivid array of colors and styles, they work just as well for yoga as HIIT training.
I own three pairs of the Vital Seamless Leggings and reach for them constantly when hitting the gym. The fabric feels like butter against my skin while the fit through the waist, hips and derriere proves flattering on my petite frame. After intense cycling sessions I stayed completely dry thanks to the sweat-wicking features. While a bit pricey at $55, you get serious quality and performance for the cost.
Flex High Waisted Leggings
For those wanting a little extra dazzle during their workouts, Gymshark‘s Flex Leggings bring subtle sparkle. Covered in an eye-catching digital print, these leggings contain metallic threading for a glam fitness look. Made of a polyester-elastane blend, they deliver stretchy support mile after mile while contouring your silhouette.
I grabbed the Flex Leggings during a rare Gymshark sale and love the way they make my legs look toned. The thicker waistband feels secure during jumping jacks and sprints. My one annoyance comes from the jacquard waistband which starts to dig into my stomach after awhile. But for $40 I find these leggings a steal!
Seamless Sports Bras
Finding a supportive sports bra proves no easy feat, but Gymshark delivers. Both the Vital Seamless Sports Bra and Adapt Camo Seamless Bra receive rave reviews for all-day comfort. Constructed from soft yet durable fabrics, they provide light compression without restricting movement.
As a 32C I struggle to contain the girls during high-impact activity. But Gymshark‘s Crossback Camo Seamless Bra keeps everything in place even during double unders and mountain climbers! I like the cross-back detail and the fact it comes padded or non-padded based on personal preference. At $38 it provides good bang for your buck.
Resistance Bands
Want to amp up your at-home workouts? Grab Gymshark‘s Resistance Bands for added intensity and burn. This 5-pack set features bands of varying resistance levels so you can progress from light to extremely challenging. Compact and portable, they slip easily into a bag.
While most know Gymshark for apparel, they make quality fitness accessories too. I like the range of resistance levels offered in this set. The bands feel thick and durable. I use them 3x a week to add extra glute burn to leg day. For $25 they make a useful addition to your home gym.
Gymshark Sizing, Fit & Feel
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Gymshark: how is the sizing and fit? From fabrics to construction I break it all down here:
Size Range
Gymshark caters to both men and women but offers a wider selection of choices for the ladies. Women‘s sizes span XS-XL or US sizes 0-14. The sizing charts provide detailed garment measurements so you can compare against clothes already in your closet.
Many reviewers highlight the limited size range as a drawback given the average American woman wears a size 16-18. Gymshark should consider extending sizes in future collections.
Fit
In terms of fit, Gymshark clothes contour close to the body but contain substantial stretch for ease of movement. Leggings and bike shorts prove popular for their tight yet flexible feel that moves with you. Tops like sports bras and tank tops fit more compressively for security during activity.
As someone who fluctuates between a women‘s size S and M, I appreciate Gymshark‘s mix of fitted yet forgiving stretch fabrics. The leggings and shorts fit snugly without feeling restrictive.
Feel
When reading Gymshark reviews, the word "buttery" gets thrown around a lot in reference to their fabrics. Items like the Seamless Sensation Leggings feel silky smooth against skin. Gymshark incorporates soft, breathable fabrics that feel barely there when worn.
Between the loungewear-like feel and flattering fit, Gymshark apparel makes you feel confident and supported no matter your workout. The sensation of the fabrics against your skin proves almost addictively cozy.
How Gymshark Compares to Lululemon
Any Gymshark review warrants comparisons to leading leggings brand Lululemon. As heavy hitters in athletic apparel, how do the two brands stack up?
Price
Without question Gymshark wins when it comes to price and affordability. Gymshark leggings cost $55 while Lululemon‘s Align Pants fetch anywhere from $98-$118. Across the board Gymshark clothes ring in around 40% cheaper than Lulu‘s.
Durability
When comparing construction and longevity, Lululemon edges out Gymshark but not by much. Both utilize high-quality fabrics designed to endure friction and pressure during demanding workouts. Reviews praise Gymshark‘s Vital Seamless Leggings for retaining elasticity and compression season after season. But Lulu‘s Align fabric tends to pill less over time.
Style
For trend-focused fashionistas, Gymshark takes the lead. This brand churns out athletic apparel in line with current aesthetics from neutrals to eye-catching prints. Lululemon sticks to more timeless, muted palettes by comparison. Those wanting of-the-moment looks will gravitate to Gymshark.
Performance & Comfort
When rating activewear‘s ability to move with you mile after mile, Lululemon and Gymshark tie for gold. Both incorporate stretchy fabrics with breathable finishes that wick moisture during sweaty training sessions. Reviewers can‘t seem to determine a clear winner in terms of pure performance and comfort.
What Do Customers Really Think About Gymshark?
Scour customer reviews across the web and one thing becomes clear: people positively obsess over Gymshark activewear! Here‘s a sampling of the endless love this brand receives:
"These leggings fit like a dream and even survived getting scraped on the sidewalk when I ate it rollerblading. Totally squat-proof too!"
"I never knew sports bras could be this cute AND comfortable! Major support that looks freaking adorable…Gymshark for the win!"
"Every time I wear my Gymshark Flex shorts to the gym I get compliments. So flattering while giving me full range of motion."
"Honestly didn‘t expect clothes this affordable to hold up so well during Crossfit but my Gymshark tops are still going strong."
On TrustPilot, Gymshark earns a "Great" rating with 4 out of 5 stars based on 30,000+ customer reviews. 79% of buyers rate them as Excellent.
The main complaints seem to center around shipping delays and Sold Out notices, likely stemming from overwhelming demand mixed with pandemic-related supply chain issues.
Is Gymshark Worth the Money?
Given the clear devotion people demonstrate for this brand, Gymshark activewear proves well worth the investment. The clothes deliver on key promises:
✅ Flattering fit that accentuates your best assets
✅ Soft, stretch fabrics that move with your body
✅ Sweat-wicking technology to keep you cool and dry
✅ Durability to withstand demanding workouts
✅ Support exactly where you need it via compression fabrics
✅ Performance features ideal for running, yoga, weights or HIIT
When factoring in the reasonable prices that undercut competitors by 20-40%, Gymshark comes out looking like an even better value.
Where to Buy Gymshark & Current Discounts
Gymshark operates mainly through its own website, gymshark.com. Sometimes they run sales around holidays offering 20-25% off sitewide or discounted prices on select items. But snagging deals proves challenging due to limited quantities that sell out fast!
You can also purchase Gymshark activewear through third-party retailers like:
- Zappos
- Revolve
- ASOS
- Nordstrom (online only)
But sizes tend to move quickly so shop directly from the main Gymshark site when possible. Make sure to sign up for email notifications so you catch wind of any sales or restocks on coveted products.
Gymshark Alternatives
While Gymshark sits securely at the peak of athleisure hype, plenty rival brands aim for its spotlight. Here are some alternative labels to consider that offer similar looks and quality:
Girlfriend Collective: Eco-friendly brand specializing in bold basics for yoga and lounging
Outdoor Voices: Known for eye-catching color-blocking and lightweight recreational apparel
PE Nation: Australian label that brings ‘sport luxe’ edge to activewear
Spiritual Gangster: Boasts an athleisure range with chic cut-outs, textured fabrics and spiritual vibes
But devotees argue nothing quite compares to Gymshark’s body-loving bounce. Once you feel that buttery embrace of their fabrics, all other brands pale in comparison.
The Last Word
When assessing this leading activewear brand, Gymshark definitely proves itself worthy of applause. The company manages to achieve that optimal balance of fashion and function at reasonable prices to boot.
While sizing limitations and stock shortages persist, the overall consensus remains highly favorable. So whether you‘re hitting the weights, the trails or just brunch, Gymshark apparel performs beautifully in any arena.
Just brace yourself as their curve-flaunting, comfy styles might earn you a few double takes! Once you start building that Gymshark collection it becomes truly hard to stop.
