Gymshark vs. Adidas: Which brand should you buy?

Gymshark is a trendy, social media-driven activewear brand known for its affordable and fashionable, form-fitting pieces popular with younger audiences. In contrast, Adidas is an established global sportswear giant that focuses on high-performance technology, lasting durability, and a versatile style that bridges the gap between the gym and streetwear.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right sportswear brand for your needs.

Gymshark: The Social Media Fitness Sensation

Gymshark is a UK-based fitness brand that has built its reputation on stylish, body-enhancing activewear designed for the modern gym-goer. The brand's target customer is young, trend-conscious, and active on social media, valuing aesthetics as much as function. By leveraging influencer marketing and a strong community feel, Gymshark has become a go-to for affordable workout apparel that makes a statement.

• Product mix: Specializes in fashionable gym apparel, including form-fitting leggings, sports bras, crop tops, and stringer vests. Also offers accessories like workout bags and resistance bands.
• Price point: Most items fall within an accessible $30 to $70 range. Regular sales events and bundle offers provide opportunities for extra savings.
• Quality: Uses comfortable polyester and spandex blends that provide good stretch for workouts. Durability can be inconsistent across different product lines, with some items holding up better than others over time.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, bold, and minimalistic. Features body-hugging cuts, scrunch-bum details, and seamless fabrics designed to flatter the physique.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size but often has a snug, compressive fit. Sizing typically ranges from XS to XL with limited plus-size availability.
• Return policy: Offers a straightforward and user-friendly return process, typically allowing free returns within a specified period for a full refund.

Gymshark is the ideal choice for those who want on-trend, visually appealing gym clothes at an affordable price, making fashion a key part of their fitness routine.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Adidas: The Global Leader in Performance & Sportswear

With decades of history, Adidas is a German sportswear brand renowned for high-performance athletic gear, footwear, and apparel. Catering to everyone from professional athletes to casual wearers, Adidas prioritizes technological innovation, durability, and a classic athletic style. Their products combine cutting-edge materials with designs that are equally at home in a high-intensity workout or as part of a daily wardrobe.

• Product mix: A vast range of products covering running, training, soccer, and basketball, along with a huge lifestyle and streetwear collection. Footwear is a major focus, complemented by apparel and accessories.
• Price point: Broad range with basic tees starting around $20-$30 and high-performance shoes featuring proprietary technology exceeding $200.
• Quality & Materials: Known for premium, durable materials designed for longevity. The quality is consistent and backed by extensive research and development.
• Technology/Innovation: Leader in sportswear tech, with well-known innovations like Boost foam for cushioning, Primeknit fabric for a sock-like fit, and Climacool for breathability.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a comprehensive and reliable size range, including petite, tall, and extended plus sizes. Sizing is consistent and generally true to size across different sports categories.
• Return policy: Provides a flexible return policy through their website and physical retail stores, making it easy to return or exchange products.

Adidas delivers reliable, high-quality, and technologically advanced gear suitable for serious athletes and anyone looking for durable, versatile activewear.

Shop Adidas: adidas.com

Gymshark vs. Adidas Comparison

Price Comparison

Gymshark is positioned as a more affordable option for trendy gym-specific wear. With leggings, tops, and shorts generally priced between $30 and $70, it’s accessible for those wanting to build a stylish workout wardrobe without a huge investment.

Adidas operates across a much wider price spectrum. While you can find basic tops and shorts in the $30 range, its performance-oriented gear and popular sneakers often cost between $100 and $200. The higher prices reflect advanced material technology, extensive R&D, and brand prestige. For core activewear items, Gymshark is generally cheaper, but Adidas offers entry-level pieces that compete on price.

Quality & Materials

Adidas has a clear edge in quality and materials. With decades of innovation, its fabrics like Primeknit and technologies like Boost and Climacool are engineered for better performance, breathability, and durability. Adidas gear is built to withstand rigorous, long-term use, making it an investment in longevity.

Gymshark uses comfortable and flexible materials suitable for general gym workouts, but their focus leans more toward achieving a specific look and feel. Some customers report issues with fabric pilling or seams coming loose over time, indicating a variability in long-term durability compared to Adidas.

Style & Aesthetic

Gymshark’s style is distinctly modern, bold, and focused on flattering the body. Their designs feature form-fitting cuts, high-waisted leggings, seamless materials, and on-trend color palettes aimed squarely at a younger, social-media-savvy gym audience. The look is specifically curated for the gym and fitness lifestyle.

Adidas balances performance with a versatile streetwear aesthetic. Its iconic three-stripe branding gives it a timeless, sporty appeal. The brand offers everything from classic, retro-inspired tracksuits to minimalist, sleek performance wear. This versatility makes Adidas clothing easy to integrate into everyday life, not just for workouts.

Fit & Sizing

The fit of Gymshark clothing is known for being compressive and snug, designed to hug the body and accentuate silhouettes. While generally true to size, some may find it tighter than other brands. Its sizing is also more limited, typically offering a standard XS-XL range.

Adidas provides a much more inclusive and consistent sizing range. With extended options for tall, petite, and plus-sized individuals, it caters to a wider array of body types. The fit is generally more standard and reliable, designed for athletic movement without being overly compressive unless specified.

Sustainability & Ethics

Adidas is a well-established leader in corporate sustainability. The company is transparent about its supply chain and has made significant commitments to using recycled materials, such as its ongoing partnership to repurpose ocean plastic. It actively pursues eco-friendly manufacturing and sets clear goals for carbon reduction.

Gymshark has started to take steps toward sustainability, including using more recycled materials and reducing packaging. However, its initiatives are not as mature or centrally integrated into its brand identity as those of Adidas. For eco-conscious shoppers, Adidas offers more transparency and a proven track record.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really depends on what you value most in your activewear.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You're looking for trendy, fashionable activewear that stands out at the gym.
• Your primary focus is weightlifting or general fitness, and you want a body-hugging fit.
• You want to build a stylish workout wardrobe without spending a lot of money.
• You follow fitness influencers and enjoy being part of a modern, community-driven brand.

Choose Adidas if:

• You need high-performance gear for specific sports like running, soccer, or intense training.
• Durability, quality materials, and technological innovation are your top priorities.
• You want versatile clothing that works for both athletic activities and casual, everyday wear.
• Shopping with a brand that has strong and transparent sustainability practices is important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gymshark or Adidas cheaper?

For most typical activewear outfits like leggings and a top, Gymshark is generally cheaper. However, Adidas has a wider range and offers a larger selection of high-end, performance-focused products at a premium price.

Which brand has better quality?

Adidas is widely recognized for having superior quality and durability. Their investment in fabric technology and decades of manufacturing experience result in products that typically last longer and perform better under stress.

Is Gymshark sizing the same as Adidas?

No, their sizing differs. Gymshark's fit is famously snug and compressive, so some people may need to size up for comfort. Adidas offers a more standard, consistent fit with a far broader range of sizes, including options for tall, petite, and plus-sized bodies.

Which is better for running?

Adidas is a superior choice for running. The brand's deep history in running footwear and its innovative cushioning technologies like Boost provide better support, comfort, and performance for runners.

Which is better for lifting weights?

This often comes down to personal preference. Gymshark is extremely popular in the weightlifting community for its aesthetic and form-fitting designs. Adidas also offers excellent, durable apparel and supportive footwear specifically designed for lifting and training.

Does Gymshark have physical stores?

Gymshark primarily operates as an e-commerce brand and sells directly to consumers through its website. It rarely has permanent physical stores, unlike Adidas, which has a massive global retail presence.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Adidas is the more sustainable brand. It has comprehensive programs for using recycled materials, reducing its carbon footprint, and maintaining a transparent supply chain, making it a leader in the sportswear industry.

How do their return policies compare?

Both brands offer excellent return policies. Gymshark provides a simple online process, often with free return shipping. Adidas allows for returns through both their online portal and at their physical stores, offering more flexibility for shoppers.