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

Gymshark offers trendy, athletic-focused activewear at a more accessible price point, known for its sleek, minimalist designs and social media-driven popularity. In contrast, Buffbunny is a premium, influencer-founded brand emphasizing bold, vibrant designs, high-performance fabrics, and a more inclusive size range for various body types, commanding a higher price.

Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your fitness and style needs.

Gymshark: The Trend-Focused Fitness Staple

Gymshark has become a dominant force in activewear, building a massive community around its performance-oriented gear for a Millennial and Gen Z audience. The brand focuses on functional items like high-waisted leggings and supportive sports bras that feature a modern, sleek aesthetic with recognizable branding, making them popular for both workouts and casual wear.

• Product mix: Their core offerings include seamless leggings, shorts, sports bras, crop tops, and hoodies. They also offer a range of accessories like gym bags, socks, and water bottles designed for a fitness-focused lifestyle.
• Price point: Gymshark is positioned in the mid-range market. Leggings typically cost between $50 and $70, while sports bras and tops range from $30 to $50.
• Quality: The brand is known for its durable, moisture-wicking fabrics, primarily using seamless technology to create a flattering and secure fit that moves with you during workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: Gymshark generally fits true to size with a snug, compressive feel intended for athletic performance. It's best to check their size guide if you're between sizes.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern, athletic, and minimalist. While they experiment with colors, their core collections often feature solid, versatile tones with prominent logos.
• Sales: Holds major sales events a few times per year, typically in the summer and around Black Friday, with significant discounts that draw a lot of attention.

Gymshark excels at providing stylish, functional, and relatively affordable activewear perfect for those who want a reliable and on-trend gym wardrobe.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Buffbunny: The Bold & Empowering Performance Wear

Founded by fitness influencer Heidi Somers, Buffbunny creates high-performance activewear designed to empower women with bold designs and an exceptional fit. The brand is known for its unique, fashion-forward pieces, incorporating vibrant prints, intricate details, and innovative fabrics that help you stand out. Their community is built around inclusivity and making a statement.

• Product mix: Offers a full range of leggings, sports bras, shorts, tops, and outerwear. Their limited-edition collections often sell out quickly due to unique colorways and designs.
• Price point: A premium activewear brand, with leggings priced between $70 and $90 and sports bras ranging from $50 to $70. The cost reflects their focus on proprietary fabrics and detailed construction.
• Quality: Buffbunny prioritizes high-end materials like their Nubre fabric, known for its softness and stretch. The fabrics offer excellent compression, durability, and a luxurious feel.
• Sizing/Fit: The brand is celebrated for its inclusive sizing, typically ranging from XS to 3X. The designs are created to flatter a wide variety of body shapes and curves.
• Style: Energetic, colorful, and expressive. Buffbunny collections often feature eye-catching prints, dynamic color-blocking, and designs that blur the line between activewear and fashion.
• Shopping Experience: Sold exclusively on their website, with new collections released through highly anticipated "drops" that create a sense of urgency and exclusivity.

Buffbunny is ideal for those who see activewear as a form of self-expression and are willing to invest in premium quality, flattering fits, and one-of-a-kind designs.

Shop Buffbunny: buffbunnycollection.com

Gymshark vs. Buffbunny Comparison

Price Comparison

When it comes to budget, Gymshark is the more accessible option. Their core leggings and sports bras are consistently priced lower than Buffbunny's, and their frequent sales events make it easier to get quality gear at a discount. A full outfit from Gymshark might cost around $100.

Buffbunny operates at a premium price point, with individual pieces often costing what you might pay for a set at Gymshark. A comparable outfit from Buffbunny would likely be closer to $150 or more. The higher price is justified by their use of custom fabrics, intricate designs, and inclusive sizing, but it places the brand in a higher investment category for most shoppers.

Quality & Materials

Both brands offer excellent quality, but their focus differs. Gymshark emphasizes durable, performance-driven fabrics with seamless construction that are built to withstand tough workouts. Their materials are supportive, functional, and hold up well to frequent washing and wear.

Buffbunny has a distinct edge in fabric innovation and feel. Their materials, like the soft-brushed Nubre fabric, are frequently praised for their luxurious feel, comfortable compression, and durability. The stitching and attention to detail are top-notch, supporting the brand's premium positioning.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is one of the clearest differentiators. Gymshark's aesthetic is clean, athletic, and trend-aware but generally subscribes to a minimalist look. Their collections are cohesive and often feature monochrome color schemes or subtle patterns, making them easy to mix and match.

Buffbunny is for the activewear enthusiast who wants to make a statement. Their designs are loud, vibrant, and fun, with unique prints, bold colorways, and feminine details like flattering scrunch seams. If you prefer to stand out at the gym, Buffbunny's expressive style is the obvious choice.

Fit & Sizing

Gymshark provides a consistent, true-to-size fit designed for an athletic build. Their sizing is reliable, but the range is more standard, typically running from XS to XXL. The fit is generally compressive and secure.

Buffbunny excels in inclusive fitting. With a broader size range and designs intentionally made to flatter different body shapes, it's a go-to for many women who struggle to find activewear that fits their curves comfortably. Their leggings often feature high-waisted designs that support and shape without digging in, making them a favorite for many.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are taking steps toward more sustainable practices, but neither is an industry leader in this area. Gymshark has made public commitments to reducing their environmental impact and using more recycled materials in their products. As a larger company, their efforts are currently more visible.

Buffbunny's focus is more on producing high-quality, durable items that last, which contributes to less waste overall. However, detailed public information about their sustainability initiatives is less prominent compared to Gymshark.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really comes down to your personal priorities for style, budget, and fit.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You're looking for quality activewear on a more moderate budget.
• You prefer a minimalist, sleek, and timeless athletic style.
• You want versatile pieces that look just as good doing errands as they do in the gym.
• You love a good sale and plan your big activewear purchases around major discount events.

Choose Buffbunny if:

• You want to express your personality with bold, colorful, and unique activewear designs.
• An inclusive and flattering fit for curves is your top priority.
• You are willing to invest more in premium, buttery-soft fabrics that feel luxurious.
• You enjoy the excitement of limited-edition collection drops and owning exclusive pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gymshark or Buffbunny cheaper?

Gymshark is significantly cheaper. Their leggings and bras are typically 20-30% less expensive than Buffbunny's, and they hold large sales multiple times a year, offering even deeper discounts.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer high-quality apparel. However, Buffbunny is widely considered to have superior quality in terms of fabric feel and innovative materials. Their focus on premium, soft-to-the-touch fabrics often gives them an edge in comfort and durability.

Is Buffbunny sizing inclusive?

Yes, Buffbunny is known for its inclusive sizing, typically running from XS to 3X. Their designs are specifically crafted to flatter a diverse range of body types, which is a core part of their brand identity.

How does Gymshark sizing run?

Gymshark clothing generally runs true to size with a compressive fit meant for workouts. If you are between sizes or prefer a less-snug fit, consider sizing up.

Which brand is better for intense workouts?

Both brands are designed for performance. Gymshark's seamless technology and moisture-wicking materials are excellent for weightlifting and HIIT. Buffbunny’s high-compression and durable fabrics are also fantastic for any type of training, with an added focus on all-day comfort.

Does Buffbunny ever go on sale?

Buffbunny sales are much less frequent and less comprehensive than Gymshark's. They typically have a Black Friday sale and may occasionally discount older collections, but their business model focuses more on limited drops at full price.

Who founded Buffbunny?

Buffbunny was founded by fitness entrepreneur and social media influencer Heidi Somers. Her direct involvement and connection with the community are key elements of the brand's appeal.

Can I buy these brands in stores?

For the most part, no. Both Gymshark and Buffbunny are direct-to-consumer brands that operate primarily through their official websites. Gymshark has a flagship store in London but does not have a wide retail presence.