Gymshark vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Gymshark offers trendy, social media-friendly activewear at an accessible mid-range price point, targeting younger consumers who prioritize style and a body-contouring fit. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium brand renowned for its high-performance technical fabrics, minimalist aesthetic, and superior durability, catering to serious athletes and wellness enthusiasts willing to invest in long-lasting quality gear.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your fitness goals and budget.

Gymshark: The Trend-Forward Fitness Apparel Brand

Gymshark is a British fitness apparel company that has built a direct-to-consumer empire by deeply understanding the millennial and Gen Z market. Their brand is built on a foundation of influencer marketing and trendy, form-fitting designs that look as good on social media as they do in the gym. Gymshark is the go-to brand for those who want stylish, modern workout clothes without a premium price tag.

• Product mix: A wide range of men's and women's activewear, including their popular seamless leggings, sports bras, crop tops, hoodies, and stringers. They also offer gym accessories like lifting belts and shaker bottles.
• Price point: Very accessible, with most items falling between $30 and $70. Leggings typically cost around $40-$60, making it easier to build a full workout wardrobe on a budget.
• Quality: The quality is solid for the price, featuring comfortable and stretchy materials suitable for casual to moderate workouts. While durable, the fabrics are generally not as technical or long-lasting as higher-priced alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: Their fit is famously snug and designed to flatter body contours. Sizing generally runs true to size, but some collections can fit tighter, so it's always good to check their specific size guides.
• Style: The aesthetic is youthful, bold, and fashion-forward. Expect vibrant colorways, cutouts, scrunch-bum details, and branding that makes a statement.
• Sales: Holds major sales events a few times a year, with significant discounts that draw huge online traffic. Regular promotions are also common.

Gymshark is ideal for the budget-conscious fitness enthusiast who wants modern, stylish gear and prioritizes aesthetic looks and trend-driven designs.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Performance Wear

Lululemon is a Canadian brand that defined the premium athleisure market and remains a leader in high-performance technical apparel. Known for its proprietary fabrics, meticulous construction, and incredible comfort, Lululemon targets customers who view wellness as a lifestyle and are willing to invest in gear that supports their practice, from intense runs to mindful yoga sessions. Their reputation is built on quality, innovation, and a versatile, minimalist style.

• Product mix: Extensive collection of gear for yoga, running, training, and everyday life. Known for their Align and Wunder Train leggings, they also offer high-support bras, jackets, running shorts, and lifestyle apparel. The brand has also expanded into personal care and accessories like bags and yoga mats.
• Price point: Positioned at the premium end of the market, with most products priced between $60 and $150. Their iconic leggings typically start at $98 and can go up from there.
• Quality: This is where Lululemon truly stands out. Proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™, sweat-wicking Luon™, and fast-drying Everlux™ offer exceptional performance, shape retention, and durability wash after wash.
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for having very consistent and precise sizing. The fit is tailored and designed for movement, offering options for compression, support, and a "naked" sensation feel.
• Style: The aesthetic is sleek, minimalist, and sophisticated. Lululemon favors a more timeless look with neutral color palettes and subtle branding, making their pieces highly versatile outside the gym.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent and typically limited to their "We Made Too Much" section online, which features items at a markdown. They rarely do site-wide sales.

Lululemon is the clear choice for anyone prioritizing technical performance, long-term durability, and a clean, versatile aesthetic for their athletic apparel.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Gymshark vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is one of the most significant distinctions between the two brands. Gymshark is considerably more affordable. You can often purchase an entire workout outfit from Gymshark for the price of a single pair of leggings from Lululemon. For example, a popular pair of Gymshark leggings might cost $50, while a classic pair of Lululemon Align leggings costs $98.

Gymshark regularly offers sales and promotions, allowing for even greater savings. Lululemon maintains its premium pricing throughout the year, with markdowns limited to a specific section of their site. If budget is your primary concern, Gymshark offers much better value and accessibility.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon has built its brand on superior quality and innovative materials, and it consistently wins in this category. Their patented fabrics like Nulu™ feel incredibly soft and weightless, Everlux™ wicks sweat in high-intensity sessions, and Luon™ offers supportive compression for training. These fabrics are engineered for longevity and hold their shape and performance features over years of use and washing.

Gymshark’s materials are comfortable and functional for most gym workouts, with plenty of stretch and compression. However, they don’t match the technical performance or the luxurious feel of Lululemon's fabrics. Gymshark’s apparel is reliable for its price point but may show wear more quickly under intense, long-term use.

Product Selection & Style

The styles offered by each brand cater to different tastes. Gymshark’s aesthetic is distinctly young, modern, and bold. They lean heavily into current fitness fashion trends, featuring vibrant colors, high-contrast designs, scrunch seams, and prominent logos. It's a brand for those who want to be seen at the gym.

Lululemon offers a more timeless, minimalist, and versatile style. Their pieces often come in muted or neutral palettes with understated branding, making them easy to wear as everyday athleisure. The design is function-first and classic, appealing to a broader age demographic who prefers a more sophisticated look.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands offer quality fits, but they are designed with different goals in mind. Gymshark's collections are known for a very snug, body-hugging fit that accentuates curves. While largely true to size, the snug fit can mean some people prefer to size up, especially in their compression items.

Lululemon prides itself on a precise, consistent, and engineered fit that feels like a second skin. Their sizing is reliable across different collections, and they offer various lengths and fits to accommodate different body types and activities. Whether you want a compressive feel for running or a weightless one for yoga, Lululemon has a tailored option.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are taking steps towards better sustainability, but Lululemon is currently more advanced and transparent in its efforts. Lululemon has public commitments to reducing its carbon footprint, increasing the use of sustainable and recycled materials, and ensuring supply chain transparency. They publish detailed reports on their environmental and social impact goals.

Gymshark has started on this path by incorporating recycled polyester and more eco-friendly packaging. However, their sustainability initiatives are not as extensive or as publicly detailed as Lululemon’s at this time.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities: budget, style, and performance needs. Both brands make excellent activewear, but they serve different shoppers.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You're on a tight budget or want to buy multiple outfits without breaking the bank.
• You love a trendy, bold gym style with eye-catching colors and contouring designs.
• You primarily do weightlifting or moderate gym workouts and prioritize aesthetics.
• You are looking for a body-enhancing, snug fit.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are willing to invest in high-performance gear that will last for years.
• You need technical features like advanced sweat-wicking and shape retention for serious running, yoga, or high-intensity training.
• You prefer a timeless, minimalist aesthetic that works both in and out of the gym.
• You prioritize unparalleled comfort and a consistent, precision fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gymshark or Lululemon cheaper?

Gymshark is significantly cheaper. On average, Lululemon products cost about twice as much as comparable items from Gymshark. For example, leggings at Gymshark are around $40-$60, while Lululemon’s start at $98.

Which brand has better quality?

Lululemon is known for its superior quality. The brand invests heavily in proprietary performance fabrics that offer better durability, moisture management, and comfort over the long term compared to Gymshark.

Does Gymshark or Lululemon run small?

Gymshark is known for a very snug, body-contouring fit, which can feel small to some. It's often recommended to check size charts for each collection. Lululemon fitting is generally regarded as very consistent and true to size.

Which is better for weightlifting?

Many people prefer Gymshark for weightlifting due to its flattering, compressive fit and trendy styles that are popular in weight rooms. However, Lululemon's Wunder Train line is also excellent for lifting due to its durability and sweat-wicking fabric.

Which is better for yoga or running?

Lululemon is generally considered better for both yoga and running. Its buttery-soft Align collection is famous among yogis, while its technical fabrics and supportive designs in lines like Fast and Free are engineered specifically for high-impact running.

Do Gymshark and Lululemon have sales?

Yes, but their sale strategies are different. Gymshark has several major sale events each year with deep discounts. Lululemon rarely has site-wide sales, offering select markdowns in its "We Made Too Much" section instead.

What if I want a more youthful, trendy style?

Gymshark is the definitive winner for youthful and trendy styles. Their entire brand is built around current fitness fashion, vibrant colors, and social media-friendly looks.

Which brand is more durable?

Lululemon is known for making more durable products. Their premium fabrics and construction methods are designed to withstand years of washes and intense workouts without pilling, stretching out, or fading.