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

Gymshark offers trendy, affordable, gym-focused activewear geared toward a younger audience, emphasizing body-flattering cuts and a strong social media presence. In contrast, Alo delivers premium, luxury activewear with a minimalist, "studio-to-street" style, using high-end materials at a significantly higher price point.

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

Gymshark: The Trend-Forward Fitness Favorite

Gymshark has built its reputation on creating functional, fashion-forward activewear that resonates with millennials and Gen Z. The brand is known for its seamless construction, bold colors, and designs that accentuate a muscular physique, making it a favorite among bodybuilders and fitness influencers. Gymshark's direct-to-consumer model and constant new releases keep the brand feeling fresh and desirable for its loyal community.

• Product mix: Extensive collection of seamless leggings, supportive sports bras, hoodies, shorts, and performance t-shirts for both men and women. They also offer accessories like gym bags and lifting straps.
• Price point: Very approachable, with sports bras typically between $35-$50 and their iconic leggings ranging from $50-$80. You can easily find performance tops for under $40.
• Quality: The apparel is primarily made from sweat-wicking synthetic blends like nylon and elastane that offer good stretch and durability for intense workouts. While generally reliable, quality can sometimes vary between collections.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true-to-size but often features a "compressive fit." Some customers find certain items, especially leggings, run small, so it's a good idea to check reviews or size up if you're between sizes.
• Sales: Holds major sales events a few times a year, notably around Black Friday, offering substantial discounts that draw large crowds of shoppers.
• Return policy: Offers a 30-day window for returns, making it easy to send back items that don't fit quite right.

Gymshark is the go-to for shoppers who want stylish, functional, and affordable gym clothes and love being part of a vibrant fitness community.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Alo: The Sleek & Luxe Performer

Alo (an acronym for Air, Land, Ocean) began with a yoga-centric mission and has since evolved into a luxury activewear brand beloved by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. Their aesthetic is sleek, modern, and understated, with a focus on incredibly soft, high-performance fabrics. Alo creates versatile pieces designed to transition seamlessly from a challenging yoga class to a casual brunch or running errands.

• Product mix: Core offerings include high-performance yoga leggings and bras, but the brand also features extensive loungewear, jackets, tennis skirts, and fashion-forward outerwear.
• Price point: Positioned in the premium category. Leggings usually cost between $118-$138, sports bras from $60-$80, and their popular sweats and jackets can exceed $150-$200.
• Quality: This is where Alo excels. They use proprietary, high-end fabrics like their signature Alosoft and Airlift materials, which are exceptionally soft, breathable, and durable wash after wash.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally considered true-to-size with a consistent and flattering fit. Garments are designed to contour and support without feeling overly restrictive, prioritizing comfort.
• Sustainability: Alo has a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, with ethically-run, WRAP-certified production facilities and a focus on eco-friendly processes.
• Return policy: Allows returns and exchanges for unworn items with tags attached within 30 days of the delivery date.

Alo is ideal for those who are willing to invest in superior quality, exceptional comfort, and a refined, minimalist style that works both in and out of the studio.

Shop Alo: alo-yoga.com

Gymshark vs. Alo Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Gymshark is the budget-friendly option, with most of its core items priced under $80. Their frequent sales provide even greater value, making functional activewear accessible to a broad audience, including students and those just starting their fitness journey.

Alo operates in the premium and luxury space. With leggings often costing upwards of $120, their products are an investment. The price reflects their use of premium proprietary fabrics, meticulous construction, and commitment to sustainable manufacturing. You're not just paying for gym clothes, you're paying for long-lasting, versatile apparel that doubles as high-end leisurewear.

Quality & Materials

Gymshark uses standard athletic fabric blends, such as nylon, polyester, and elastane. These materials are effective at wicking away sweat and providing the stretch needed for lifting and high-impact activities. The quality is solid for the price, though it might not offer the same longevity or soft feel as more expensive brands.

Alo's materials are a key differentiator. Their custom fabrics like Airlift (for a second-skin feel) and Alosoft (for buttery softness) are engineered for supreme comfort and performance. Seams are reinforced, designs are thoughtfully tailored, and the overall feel is noticeably more luxurious and durable, standing up well to repeated washing and wearing.

Style & Aesthetic

Gymshark's aesthetic is bold, trendy, and often overtly athletic. They use vibrant color palettes, prominent logos, and figure-sculpting features like contour shading on leggings. The look is designed for the gym environment and social media, appealing to those who want their workout clothes to make a statement.

Alo embodies a more minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic. Their color palette leans toward muted neutrals and earth tones, with branding that is subtle and chic. The designs focus on clean lines and elegant silhouettes, making their pieces an easy fit for a stylish, everyday wardrobe, extending far beyond the yoga mat.

Fit & Sizing

Gymshark sizing can sometimes be inconsistent between their various collections. Many of their items, particularly the seamless leggings, are designed for a snug, compressive fit that many customers find runs small. It is often wise to consult the size chart and read reviews for a specific item before buying.

Alo generally offers a more predictable, true-to-size fit. Their garments are designed to flatter the body with a comfortable, supportive feel rather than an intensely compressive one. Their focus on yoga and movement translates into a fit that moves with you without restricting you.

Sustainability & Ethics

While Gymshark has started to move toward more sustainable practices, including using more recycled materials, it is not a central component of its public branding. The company's primary focus remains on performance, community, and affordability.

Alo places a much stronger emphasis on its environmental and ethical commitments. They operate using eco-friendly production methods in WRAP-certified facilities, which ensures safe and humane working conditions. This commitment to 'studio-to-street with a clean conscience' is a major part of their brand identity and a justification for their higher price point.

Return Policies

Both brands offer similar return policies, which makes trying them out relatively low-risk. Gymshark and Alo both provide customers a 30-day window to return unworn items with tags attached for a refund. It's always best to check their websites directly for the most up-to-date policy details before making a purchase.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands are excellent, but they cater to very different priorities and styles.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You are budget-conscious and want the best value for your money.
• You prefer a bold, trendy style with vibrant colors and body-contouring designs.
• Your primary need is durable clothing specifically for weightlifting and high-intensity workouts.
• You enjoy being part of a large, active social media community around fitness.

Choose Alo if:

• You are willing to invest in premium, long-lasting activewear.
• You prefer a minimalist, elegant, and sophisticated style with a focus on buttery-soft textures.
• Comfort and a luxurious feel are your top priorities.
• You want versatile pieces that work for workouts, lounging, and as part of your everyday casual wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gymshark or Alo cheaper?

Gymshark is significantly cheaper. On average, a complete outfit (leggings and a sports bra) from Gymshark can cost between $80 and $120, whereas a similar outfit from Alo would likely cost between $180 and $220.

Which brand is better quality?

Alo is widely recognized for having superior quality. Its investment in high-end, proprietary fabrics and meticulous construction results in apparel that feels more luxurious, holds its shape better, and typically lasts longer than Gymshark's more accessibly priced items.

Does Gymshark or Alo run true to size?

Alo is more consistent and generally runs true to size. Gymshark sizing can be less consistent across its different collections, with many people finding that their compressive styles run small. It's recommended to check item-specific reviews for Gymshark products.

Which brand is better for weightlifting?

Gymshark is often preferred for weightlifting. Its compressive fits provide excellent support during heavy lifts, and the materials are designed to be durable and sweat-wicking through intense training sessions.

Which brand is better for yoga?

Alo is designed specifically with yoga in mind. Its fabrics offer a four-way stretch that moves with the body, and its emphasis on comfort and non-restrictive fits makes it ideal for yoga, Pilates, and other studio activities.

Is Alo more sustainable than Gymshark?

Yes, Alo has a much stronger and more transparent commitment to sustainability and ethical production. They operate out of WRAP-certified, solar-powered facilities and focus on eco-friendly manufacturing, which are central pillars of their brand.

Do Gymshark and Alo have sales?

Yes, but Gymshark's sales are generally more frequent and significant. They have well-known biannual sale events that offer deep discounts. Alo's sales are less common and typically more modest, aligning with their luxury brand positioning.

Where can I buy Gymshark and Alo?

Gymshark is sold almost exclusively through its own website. Alo is sold on its website, in its own retail stores, and through select high-end retailers like Nordstrom and a few other premium partner stores.