Gymshark Crest vs. Arrival Shirt: Which one should you buy?
The Gymshark Crest T-Shirt and the Arrival T-Shirt target two very different gym-goers, with the main differences being fabric and fit. The Crest is a cotton-based, regular-fit tee designed for comfort, lifting, and everyday wear with a prominent logo, while the Arrival is a polyester-based, slim-fit performance shirt built to wick sweat during intense training with minimal branding.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Gymshark shirt for your training style and wardrobe.
Gymshark Crest T-Shirt
The Gymshark Crest T-Shirt is a classic lifestyle and lifting staple. Made from a soft cotton-elastane blend and featuring a regular fit, it prioritizes comfort and everyday style over high-intensity performance. Its defining feature is the small, embroidered Crest logo on the chest, giving it a more timeless and casual look compared to Gymshark's more technical offerings.
- What it is: A comfortable, regular-fit t-shirt made from a cotton blend, intended for lifting, light workouts, and casual daily wear.
- Key features: Embroidered Gymshark Crest logo, crew neck, straight hem, flattering regular fit that offers more room through the chest and waist.
- Price: Around $30 - $35
- Materials/Construction: Typically a 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane blend that provides softness, breathability, and a bit of stretch for movement.
- Sizing/Fit: A classic "regular fit" that isn't too tight or too baggy. It runs true to size for a standard t-shirt fit.
- Pros: Extremely comfortable and soft due to its cotton fabric. Versatile enough for the gym floor and as a casual tee. Durable embroidered logo. Classic styling that never looks out of place.
- Cons: Not ideal for intense, sweaty workouts as it absorbs moisture rather than wicking it. Can feel heavy and stretch out when wet. Not as quick-drying as performance fabrics.
This shirt is an excellent choice for lifters who want a reliable, comfortable tee for strength training sessions or anyone looking for a versatile piece with classic branding to wear daily.
Shop this product: gymshark.com/products/gymshark-crest-t-shirt-mens
Gymshark Arrival T-Shirt
The Gymshark Arrival T-Shirt is a straightforward performance piece built for the most demanding workouts. Crafted from lightweight, breathable polyester, it’s designed to manage sweat and heat, keeping you comfortable during high-intensity training. Its minimalist design, slim fit, and sweat-wicking technology make it a functional and modern gym essential.
- What it is: A lightweight, high-performance t-shirt with sweat-wicking properties and a slim, athletic fit.
- Key features: Moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from the body. Minimalist heat-sealed logo on the chest. Crew neck and a physique-enhancing slim cut.
- Price: Around $30 - $40
- Materials/Construction: Made from a 100% Polyester blend famous for its durability, quick-drying capabilities, and superior sweat management.
- Sizing/Fit: It has a slim, athletic fit that contours the body without being restrictive. Runs true to size for a fitted look, consider sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer a looser fit.
- Pros: Excellent at wicking away sweat and keeping you cool. Very lightweight and breathable. Dries quickly. Stretchy fabric allows for a full range of motion. Minimalist design ideal for pairing with any workout gear.
- Cons: The synthetic polyester feel isn't as soft as cotton for casual lounging. The slim fit can be less forgiving for some body types. Can retain odors more than natural fibers if not washed promptly.
This is the go-to shirt for anyone doing HIIT, running, or any workout where managing sweat and staying cool is a top priority.
Shop this product: gymshark.com/products/gymshark-arrival-t-shirt-mens
Gymshark Crest vs. Arrival: Side-by-Side Comparison
Materials & Performance
This is the most significant difference between the two shirts. The Crest T-Shirt is made from a soft cotton-elastane blend. This makes it feel great against the skin for general wear and lifting, but it performs poorly when you start sweating heavily. Cotton absorbs moisture, causing the shirt to become heavy, clingy, and slow to dry.
In contrast, the Arrival T-Shirt uses a 100% polyester fabric. This material is designed for performance - it pulls sweat from your skin to the fabric's surface where it can evaporate quickly. For cardio, HIIT, or any intense training session, the Arrival's material will keep you far more comfortable and dry.
Fit & Sizing
The Crest offers a "regular fit," which is a classic t-shirt silhouette. It provides more room in the chest, shoulders, and waist for a comfortable, relaxed feel that's great for both training and everyday activities. It's a forgiving fit that suits almost all body types.
The Arrival has a defined "slim fit." It's cut closer to the body to follow your physique, accentuating the chest and shoulders without being a compression shirt. This modern, athletic cut is designed to feel unobtrusive during movement but offers less room than the Crest.
Design & Aesthetics
From a style perspective, the Crest has a more timeless, classic look thanks to its small, embroidered logo and traditional fit. It feels more like a high-quality lifestyle tee you happen to wear to the gym. It easily transitions to wearing out with jeans or joggers.
The Arrival is unapologetically performance-focused in its aesthetic. The branding is a minimal, heat-sealed logo, and the slim cut screams "gym-ready." While it's stylish in an athletic context, its polyester sheen and close fit make it look more like dedicated activewear.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both shirts are solid choices within the Gymshark lineup, but they serve completely different needs.
Choose the Gymshark Crest T-Shirt if:
- Your workouts primarily consist of weightlifting, powerlifting, or low-intensity training.
- You prefer the soft, natural feel of a premium cotton shirt.
- You want a highly versatile shirt that looks just as good outside the gym as it does inside.
- You favor a classic, relaxed fit over a body-hugging athletic cut.
Choose the Gymshark Arrival T-Shirt if:
- Your training involves intense cardio, HIIT, CrossFit, or any activity that makes you sweat a lot.
- You prioritize performance features like moisture-wicking and breathability above all else.
- You prefer a modern, slim fit that accentuates your physique.
- You want a dedicated, lightweight workout shirt with a minimalist aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Crest and Arrival shirts?
The main difference is the material and intended use. The Crest is a cotton-blend, regular-fit shirt made for comfort, lifting, and casual wear. The Arrival is a polyester, slim-fit shirt made for high-intensity performance and sweat-wicking.
Is the Gymshark Crest T-Shirt good for working out?
It's excellent for weightlifting, hypertrophy training, and general lifting sessions. However, it's not recommended for intense cardio or HIIT because the cotton fabric will absorb sweat and become heavy.
Does the Gymshark Arrival T-Shirt shrink in the wash?
No, the 100% polyester fabric of the Arrival shirt is highly resistant to shrinking. The Crest, being mostly cotton, is more likely to shrink slightly if washed or dried in high heat.
How do the Crest and Arrival shirts fit?
The Crest T-Shirt has a "regular fit," with a more relaxed and traditional T-shirt shape. The Arrival T-Shirt has a "slim fit" that is cut closer to the body for an athletic silhouette.
Which shirt is more comfortable for all-day wear?
For casual, all-day wear and lounging, most people will find the soft cotton of the Crest T-shirt more comfortable against the skin.
Which one is better for running?
The Arrival shirt is unequivocally better for running. Its lightweight, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking properties are essential for cardio activities where the cotton Crest shirt would become heavy and uncomfortable.
Are both tops true to size?
Yes, but interpret "true to size" based on the fit. Order your usual size in the Crest for a classic, regular fit. Order your usual size in the Arrival for a snug, athletic fit. If you are between sizes or prefer more room in your performance wear, consider sizing up in the Arrival.