Gymshark Vital vs. Vital 2.0: What's the difference?

The Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 collection is a direct upgrade to the original Vital line, designed to enhance performance and durability through improved fabric technology and construction. While both collections from Gymshark share a minimalist aesthetic, the Vital 2.0 features softer, more supportive material with better moisture-wicking properties, a more refined fit, and a slightly higher price point.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide if the original Vital collection meets your needs or if the Vital 2.0 upgrade is worth the investment for you.

Gymshark Vital Collection

The original Gymshark Vital collection is one of the brand's foundational lines, known for offering stylish, reliable, and affordable activewear basics. Designed for everyday workouts and comfortable athleisure wear, this collection features a lightweight fabric blend and clean, minimalist designs that appeal to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts, particularly those new to the brand.

• What it is: A core collection of essential activewear including leggings, shorts, and tops designed for comfort and versatility.
• Key features: Lightweight and breathable signature fabric, seamless knit, subtle branding, and a range of neutral and classic colorways.
• Price: Ranges from $25 to $45, with leggings typically priced around $35.
• Materials/Construction: Made from a blend of nylon and elastane designed for standard flexibility, comfort, and breathability during workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size, offering a comfortably snug fit that isn't overly compressive, making it ideal for all-day wear.
• Pros: Highly affordable entry point to the brand, comfortable for casual wear and low-to-moderate exercise, classic minimalist styles, reliable fit.
• Cons: Fabric is less durable and not as pill-resistant as the 2.0 version, offers less compression and support, moisture-wicking is good but not superior.

This collection is an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers or beginners seeking dependable and stylish gym essentials without the premium features.

Shop this product: gymshark.com/collections/vital

Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Collection

The Vital Seamless 2.0 is the evolution of the original, built to offer enhanced performance for more serious athletes and those who prioritize longevity in their activewear. It features an upgraded fabric with superior stretch, softness, and moisture-wicking capabilities, along with refined construction details for a more supportive and flattering fit.

• What it is: An upgraded performance activewear collection with improved fabric technology, durability, and fit.
• Key features: Enhanced moisture-wicking properties, superior four-way stretch, softer and more durable fabric, and a more compressive and contoured fit.
• Price: Slightly higher price, typically ranging from $40 to $50, with leggings around $40-$45.
• Materials/Construction: An improved fabric blend that is more resistant to pilling and offers a more supportive feel. Features reinforced waistbands and more precise seam work.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size but offers a slightly more compressive and body-contouring feel compared to the original, providing greater support during high-intensity activity.
• Pros: More durable and will last longer, excellent moisture-wicking for intense workouts, softer and more premium-feeling fabric, provides better support and sculpting.
• Cons: Higher price point than the original, the increased compression might be too snug for those who prefer a more relaxed fit for casual wear.

Perfect for dedicated gym-goers who need their activewear to perform under pressure and withstand frequent, intense training sessions.

Shop this product: gymshark.com/collections/vital

Gymshark Vital vs. Vital 2.0 Comparison

Quality & Materials

The most significant difference between the two collections lies in the fabric. The original Vital line uses a standard, lightweight blend of nylon and elastane that is breathable and flexible for everyday activity. It's comfortable and effective, but not built for maximum athletic performance.

The Vital Seamless 2.0 introduces an upgraded fabric that is noticeably softer to the touch and more resilient. It offers superior moisture-wicking to keep you dry during sweat-intensive workouts and is designed to be more resistant to pilling, extending its lifespan. This enhanced material provides better support and feels more premium overall.

Fit & Sizing

Both collections generally run true to size, making it easy to find your fit if you're familiar with Gymshark. The original Vital line offers a comfortable, snug fit that hugs the body without feeling restrictive, making it an excellent choice for prolonged wear, whether you’re at the gym or running errands.

In contrast, the Vital 2.0 is engineered for a more compressive, contoured fit. While still comfortable, it provides more significant support and muscle sculpting. The waistband is often more reinforced, staying in place better during dynamic movements like squats and jumps. This makes the 2.0 collection feel more secure and performance-oriented.

Style & Aesthetic

Both collections share the classic, minimalist Gymshark Vital aesthetic with clean lines and subtle branding. They are designed to be versatile enough to transition from the gym to daily life effortlessly. However, the Vital 2.0 collection often features more refined details, like improved seamless contouring and sleeker logo placement, giving it a slightly more polished and high-end appearance.

Price & Value

The original Vital collection is the more budget-friendly option, with leggings costing around $35. This price point makes it an accessible choice for those just starting their fitness journey or building out an activewear wardrobe.

The Vital 2.0 commands a slightly higher price, with leggings around the $40-$45 mark. While it costs more upfront, the investment delivers better long-term value for anyone who works out frequently. The enhanced durability, pilling resistance, and superior performance features mean the pieces will look and feel new for longer, holding up to an intense training schedule.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections are solid choices, but they cater to different priorities and needs.

Choose the original Gymshark Vital if:

• You are building your first activewear collection on a budget.
• You're new to Gymshark and want to try the brand without a larger investment.
• Your workouts are primarily low-to-moderate intensity, such as light weightlifting or walking.
• You prioritize comfort for lounging and casual wear over performance-driven compression.

Choose the Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 if:

• You need durable, high-performance gear for frequent and intense workouts.
• Superior moisture-wicking and a supportive, compressive fit are important to you.
• You are willing to pay a little more for a premium feel and enhanced longevity.
• You want more support and a secure fit that stays put during high-impact activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Gymshark Vital and Vital 2.0?

The primary difference is the fabric and construction. The Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 uses an upgraded material that is softer, more durable, more moisture-wicking, and provides a more compressive fit compared to the original Vital collection.

Is Vital 2.0 worth the extra money?

Yes, for anyone who works out regularly or intensely. The improved durability, better performance features, and premium feel mean the collection offers better long-term value and holds up better to wear and tear.

How does the sizing of Vital 2.0 compare to the original?

Both collections run true to size. However, the Vital 2.0 feels slightly tighter or more compressive due to its supportive fabric, so while you should stick to your normal size, expect a more "held-in" sensation.

Are both leggings squat-proof?

Generally, both collections are designed to be squat-proof, especially in darker colors. The thicker, denser material of the Vital 2.0 often provides extra confidence and coverage during deep movements.

Which collection is better for running?

The Vital 2.0 is the better option for running due to its superior moisture-wicking capabilities and more secure, compressive fit, which helps keep everything in place during high-impact cardio.

Which version is softer?

The Vital Seamless 2.0 fabric is widely reviewed as being noticeably softer and feeling more premium to the touch than the original Vital line.

Does either collection go on sale?

Yes, both collections are frequently included in Gymshark's major sales events, where you can often find them discounted by 20-30% or more.

Is the Vital 2.0 waistband different?

Yes, the waistband on the Vital 2.0 collection is an improvement over the original. It is typically designed with a more reinforced knit structure to offer better support and stay in place more effectively during workouts, reducing the need to adjust it.