Crest vs. Arrival Gymshark: What's the difference?

While one helps perfect your smile and the other outfits your workouts, Crest and the Gymshark Arrival collection represent top-tier brands in entirely different domains. Crest is a heritage oral care brand focused on science-backed, accessible hygiene products, whereas Gymshark dominates the modern activewear space with its performance-driven and style-conscious apparel.

Here’s everything you need to know about how these household and gym-staple brands compare to help you decide which is right for your goals.

Crest Oral Care

Crest is a leader in the oral hygiene industry, known for its extensive range of toothpaste, mouthwashes, and whitening treatments. For decades, the brand has built a reputation on scientifically formulated products that are both effective and highly accessible, making it a fixture in bathrooms across the country. Crest focuses on addressing specific dental concerns, from cavity prevention to enamel repair and teeth whitening.

• What it is: A consumer oral health brand offering a wide array of products designed to maintain and improve dental hygiene.
• Key features: Clinically proven ingredients like stannous fluoride, whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide, and various formulas tailored for sensitivity, cavities, and gum health.
• Price: Highly affordable, with most products priced between $3 and $8.
• Materials/Construction: Formulations are based on decades of dental research and development to ensure safety and effectiveness for daily use.
• Pros: Trusted and recommended by dentists, widely available in most supermarkets and drugstores, proven effectiveness for various dental needs, and very budget-friendly.
• Cons: Packaging is functional but not design-focused, and a large product lineup can sometimes be overwhelming for new customers.

This brand is the reliable choice for individuals and families seeking proven oral care solutions at an accessible price point.

Shop this brand: crest.com/en-us

Gymshark Arrival Collection

The Gymshark Arrival collection is one of the brand's foundational lines, designed to be essential, high-performance training gear. Stripped back to the essentials, Arrival features a minimalist aesthetic with lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics that are perfect for any type of workout. It embodies Gymshark’s ethos of creating functional fitness apparel that performs under pressure while maintaining a clean, modern look.

• What it is: A collection of minimalist, performance-focused activewear including t-shirts, tanks, shorts, and joggers.
• Key features: Lightweight and breathable materials, sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry, a slim and athletic fit, and subtle branding.
• Price: Positioned in the mid-range activewear market, items typically cost between $30 and $80.
• Materials/Construction: Made from durable and stretchy technical fabrics like polyester and elastane to support a full range of motion.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size with a slim, athletic cut. Size guides on the website are detailed and helpful for finding the right fit.
• Pros: Versatile and stylish enough for both gym and casual wear, excellent moisture management, durable construction, and a flattering, modern fit.
• Cons: Sells out quickly during new releases, premium pricing compared to budget activewear, and primary sales channel is online only.

The Arrival collection is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want reliable, no-fuss performance wear with a simple and timeless aesthetic.

Shop this product: gymshark.com/collections/arrival

Crest vs. Gymshark Arrival Comparison

Price & Value

The price difference between these two brands reflects their completely different product categories. Crest offers everyday necessities at a low cost, typically under $10 per item. The value is found in its contribution to long-term health and hygiene, making it a small but essential recurring purchase. It delivers immense value through disease prevention and personal care on a daily basis.

Gymshark Arrival pieces are an investment in a fitness lifestyle, with prices ranging from $30 to $80. The value here is in performance, durability, and style. While a higher initial cost, quality activewear can last for years of workouts, providing comfort and confidence that supports an active life.

Quality & Materials

Both brands prioritize quality, but from very different perspectives. Crest's quality is rooted in chemical and biological science. Its formulations use clinically tested ingredients like fluoride and other active compounds designed to enhance oral health safely and effectively. The consistency and reliability of these formulations are its key markers of quality.

Gymshark Arrival's quality comes from material engineering and construction. The collection utilizes technical fabrics like polyester and elastane blends selected for their stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities, and durability. Seams and cuts are designed to withstand intense physical activity without restricting movement.

Style & Aesthetic

Crest’s aesthetic is clinical, clean, and trustworthy. Its packaging often uses whites, blues, and greens to communicate freshness, health, and scientific reliability. The focus is on function over form, designed to look credible and effective on a store shelf.

The Gymshark Arrival aesthetic is minimalist, modern, and athletic. Dominated by solid, muted colors and simple logo placement, the style is clean and functional. It appeals to a youthful audience that prefers understated activewear that looks good both in and out of the gym.

Shopping Experience

Crest products are ubiquitous. You can easily purchase them at any major drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer like Amazon or Target. The shopping experience is designed for convenience and accessibility as part of a routine grocery run or pharmacy stop.

Gymshark operates almost exclusively as a direct-to-consumer online brand. Their website offers a streamlined, content-rich shopping experience with detailed size guides, customer reviews, and influencer imagery. This model allows them to control their brand image and build a direct relationship with their community.

Which One Should You Choose?

While you'll likely need both brands in your life, your choice depends entirely on your immediate needs and priorities.

Choose Crest if:

• You are focused on maintaining or improving your daily personal health and hygiene.
• You need an affordable, proven, and easily accessible solution for oral care.
• You value clinically-backed products trusted by professionals.
• You're shopping for essential items for you or your family's routine.

Choose the Gymshark Arrival collection if:

• You are investing in your fitness lifestyle and need high-performance apparel.
• You want stylish, minimalist activewear that is comfortable and durable.
• You prefer an athletic fit designed for movement and performance.
• You are looking for versatile pieces that work for intense training and casual wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Crest and Gymshark?

The main difference is their product category and purpose. Crest is an oral healthcare brand that makes products like toothpaste and mouthwash to promote dental hygiene. Gymshark is an activewear brand that designs clothing and accessories for fitness and training.

Which brand is more expensive?

Gymshark is significantly more expensive on a per-item basis, with apparel costing between $30 and $80. Crest products are commodity household goods, typically priced under $8.

Who is the target audience for each brand?

Crest targets a broad consumer demographic, including individuals and families of all ages who prioritize oral health. Gymshark primarily targets young adults (Millennials and Gen Z) who are active in the fitness community and value both performance and style.

What is the Gymshark Arrival collection known for?

The Arrival collection is one of Gymshark's signature lines, known for its minimalist design, lightweight and sweat-wicking fabric, and competitive price point within the brand's lineup. It's considered an essential, all-around performance line.

Where can I buy Crest vs. Gymshark Arrival products?

Crest is sold widely in physical retail stores like Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, and most supermarkets, as well as online. Gymshark products, including the Arrival collection, are sold almost exclusively through their official website, gymshark.com.

How does the quality compare?

Both brands are known for high quality within their respective fields. Crest's quality is based on scientific formulation and proven results for health. Gymshark's quality is based on high-performance materials, durable construction, and thoughtful design for athletic activities.

How sustainable are these brands?

Both Crest and Gymshark have made public commitments to improving sustainability. Crest focuses on recyclable packaging and responsible sourcing of ingredients. Gymshark works on using more sustainable materials, reducing waste in its supply chain, and ensuring ethical manufacturing practices.

Is Gymshark clothing true to size?

Yes, most customers find that Gymshark apparel, including the Arrival collection, fits true to size. However, the fit is designed to be slim and athletic, so consulting the detailed size guide on their product pages is always a good idea.