Gymshark Adapt vs. Vital: Which one is better?

Compare Gymshark Adapt's high-performance style with Vital's eco-friendly focus. Discover which collection suits your workout and wellness priorities best.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The Gymshark Adapt collection is designed for high-performance workouts with technical fabrics and a trendy, modern aesthetic. In contrast, Vital focuses on eco-conscious activewear, using sustainable materials and a minimalist style for consumers who prioritize wellness and environmental impact. Gymshark offers a more athletic feel at a lower price point, while Vital provides premium, soft, and versatile pieces rooted in sustainability.

Here’s a detailed look at both brands to help you decide which activewear line is the right fit for your training and lifestyle.

Gymshark Adapt

The Gymshark Adapt collection is the brand's answer for anyone who needs functional, durable, and stylish gear for serious workouts. It's known for its sweat-wicking materials and seamless construction, all designed to move with you during high-intensity training sessions. The aesthetic is modern and youthful, with bold colors and flattering cuts that are popular among gym-goers and fitness influencers.

  • What it is: A performance-focused activewear line by Gymshark including leggings, shorts, and tops designed for intense training.
  • Key features: Moisture-wicking technical fabrics, seamless construction to reduce chafing, form-fitting and athletic cuts.
  • Price: $30 - $70, putting it in the affordable mid-range category.
  • Materials/Construction: Built with durable blends of nylon, polyester, and elastane that offer stretch, support, and sweat-wicking properties.
  • Style &, Aesthetic: Trendy, modern, and bold, with a clear focus on a gym-ready look that's often seen as performance-driven and fashion-forward.
  • Pros: Excellent value for the price, designed specifically for high-performance needs, consistent true-to-size athletic fit, and frequently available on sale.
  • Cons: The style can be very trendy and may not appeal to everyone, less focused on sustainability initiatives, and less versatile for wearing outside of the gym.

This collection is ideal for fitness enthusiasts looking for affordable, high-performance gear that combines modern style with a fit built for intense workouts.

Shop this product: gymshark.com

Vital Activewear

From the wellness brand known for its supplements, Vital's activewear line applies a holistic, health-conscious approach to apparel. It emphasizes sustainability, using eco-friendly materials to create soft, breathable, and versatile pieces. The aesthetic is clean and minimalist, designed to transition seamlessly from a morning yoga session to running errands or grabbing coffee.

  • What it is: A line of versatile, sustainable activewear from the wellness brand Vital.
  • Key features: Use of eco-friendly materials, a clean minimalist aesthetic, and versatile designs suitable for both exercise and casual wear.
  • Price: $40 - $80, positioning it as a slightly more premium option.
  • Materials/Construction: Utilizes sustainable materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and Tencel for a soft, breathable feel. Often holds certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX.
  • Style &, Aesthetic: Minimalist, natural, and clean, with neutral tones and simple silhouettes that create a timeless, versatile look.
  • Pros: Strong commitment to sustainability and ethical production, premium soft materials, highly versatile designs for gym-to-street wear, transparent sourcing.
  • Cons: A higher price point with fewer discounts, more focused on comfort than high-intensity performance features.

Choose Vital if you prioritize environmental responsibility and want minimalist, comfortable activewear that feels as good as it looks, both in and out of the studio.

Shop this product: vitalproteins.com

Gymshark Adapt vs. Vital Comparison

Quality & Materials

The primary difference is in the materials and their purpose. Gymshark Adapt uses technical blends of nylon, polyester, and elastane. These fabrics are engineered for durability, stretch, and moisture-wicking, making them excellent for intense, sweaty workouts where performance is key. The focus is on functionality and how the textiles support training.

Vital, on the other hand, builds its collection on a foundation of sustainability. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and Tencel. These fabrics are known for their incredibly soft feel and breathability. While durable, they prioritize comfort and environmental impact over the slick, compressive feel of traditional performance wear.

Style & Aesthetic

Gymshark Adapt’s aesthetic is built for the modern gym culture. It’s trendy, bold, and often features flattering contours and eye-catching branding. The colorways are current, and the designs are meant to be seen, making it a favorite among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts who appreciate a sculpted, athletic look.

Vital activewear is the opposite in its approach. It offers a clean, minimalist style with a natural, subdued color palette. The silhouettes are simple and timeless, created for versatility. The look is less about making a statement at the gym and more about understated elegance that fits into a wellness-focused lifestyle, easily pairing with casual daywear.

Price & Value

When it comes to price, Gymshark Adapt is more accessible, with pieces ranging from $30 to $70. The brand is also known for its frequent sales and promotions, making it a great value for anyone seeking high-performance gear on a budget. The value comes from getting technical features typically found in more expensive activewear lines for less.

Vital’s collection is priced slightly higher, typically between $40 and $80. There are fewer sales, and the value proposition is based on its sustainable mission. You’re paying a premium for eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, and durable construction that is designed for longevity and timeless style, making it a conscious investment piece.

Sustainability & Ethics

This is where the two brands differ the most. While Gymshark has started to introduce more sustainable practices, it isn't the core of its brand identity. The Adapt collection prioritizes performance first and foremost.

Vital places sustainability at the heart of its apparel line. By using recycled and organic fabrics, pursuing environmental certifications, and practicing transparent sourcing, it caters directly to consumers for whom ethical and eco-friendly standards are a top priority.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right activewear depends entirely on your priorities, from workout style to personal values.

Choose Gymshark Adapt if:

  • You need gear that can handle high-intensity, sweaty workouts.
  • You're on a budget and love finding great performance pieces on sale.
  • You prefer a trendy, modern aesthetic with fitted, athletic cuts.
  • Technical features like seamless construction and sweat-wicking fabric are important to you.

Choose Vital if:

  • Sustainability and eco-friendly materials are non-negotiable for you.
  • You want versatile, minimalist pieces that work for both the gym and everyday life.
  • You prefer a softer, more comfortable fabric feel over a slick, compressive one.
  • You're willing to invest a bit more in a brand that aligns with your environmental values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Gymshark Adapt and Vital activewear?

The main difference is their core focus. Gymshark Adapt prioritizes high-performance features, technical fabrics, and a trendy, gym-centric style for intense workouts. Vital prioritizes sustainability, comfort, and a versatile, minimalist aesthetic using eco-friendly materials.

Is Gymshark better than Vital for workouts?

Gymshark Adapt is generally better for high-intensity training like weightlifting and HIIT because its materials are designed for maximum sweat-wicking and durability. Vital is excellent for lower-impact activities like yoga, walking, and light gym work, where comfort and breathability are more important.

Which brand is more expensive?

Vital activewear is slightly more expensive, with items typically ranging from $40 to $80. Gymshark Adapt is more affordable at $30 to $70 and offers sales more frequently.

How does Gymshark Adapt sizing run?

Gymshark is known for being true to size with an athletic, often compressive fit. It’s designed to be form-fitting to support muscle movement, so for a more relaxed feel, some people size up.

What about the sizing for Vital activewear?

Vital's sizing is also true to size but is meant to offer a more comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. The focus is on ease of movement for everyday activities as well as workouts.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Vital is the clear winner in sustainability. Its commitment to recycled materials, organic fabrics, eco-certifications, and transparent sourcing makes it the more environmentally responsible choice.

Can I wear Vital activewear for everyday life?

Absolutely. Its minimalist designs and neutral color palette make it perfect for versatile, everyday wear. It's designed to transition from the yoga studio to casual errands seamlessly.

Does Gymshark offer sales on its Adapt collection?

Yes, Gymshark famously holds several major sales events throughout the year, where collections like Adapt are often available at a significant discount.