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

Gymshark is known for its trendy, body-conscious designs and influencer-driven marketing at an accessible price point, making it a go-to for fashion-forward fitness enthusiasts. Echt, on the other hand, focuses on sustainable materials, technical performance, and a minimalist aesthetic, often at a slightly higher price for eco-conscious consumers.

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

Gymshark: The Trend-Setting Fitness Apparel Giant

Gymshark is a globally recognized activewear brand that has built a massive following among younger, style-conscious consumers. It masterfully blends function with fashion, emphasizing form-fitting silhouettes, vibrant colors, and a strong community feel driven by collaborations with top fitness influencers. Their target customer is typically in their teens to late twenties, seeking affordable, high-performance gear that looks just as good in the gym as it does on social media.

• Product mix: Gymshark offers a wide array of apparel for men and women, including performance leggings, shorts, supportive sports bras, t-shirts, stringers, and hoodies.
• Price point: Most items fall within the mid-range category, with leggings typically priced from $50-$70 and sports bras from $30-$50, making it an accessible option for many.
• Quality & Materials: The brand primarily uses synthetic blends of nylon, polyester, and elastane that provide excellent stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities, and durability for intense workouts.
• Style & Aesthetic: Bold, trendy, and figure-enhancing. Gymshark is famous for its seamless technology, vibrant color palettes, and distinct branding that appeals to a youthful audience.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs true to size, from XS to XXL. However, their seamless and more compressive styles are designed to be very form-fitting and may feel snugger than other collections.
• Sustainability: The company is taking steps toward sustainability by incorporating recycled fabrics into some of its product lines and working on reducing packaging waste.

Gymshark excels at offering stylish, performance-ready activewear at prices that don't break the bank, making it a favorite for those who want to stay on-trend at the gym.

Shop Gymshark: www.gymshark.com

Echt: The Sustainable Performance Wear Innovator

Echt is an emerging activewear brand with a core focus on sustainability and technical innovation. They cater to the environmentally conscious consumer who wants high-performance gear without compromising on ethical standards. Echt combines minimalist design with advanced, eco-friendly fabrics, targeting a shopper who values durability, functionality, and a transparent production process.

• Product mix: Echt provides a well-rounded collection of workout and lifestyle apparel, including leggings, joggers, technical tops, and jackets for both men and women.
• Price point: Echt sits in the mid-range to premium space, with most apparel priced between $50 and $120. The higher cost reflects their investment in sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing.
• Quality & Materials: A key differentiator for Echt is their fabric selection, which includes recycled polyester, organic cotton, and other biodegradable materials. They hold certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), ensuring premium quality and eco-friendliness.
• Style & Aesthetic: The brand's aesthetic is sleek, modern, and minimalist. They favor neutral color palettes, subtle branding, and clean lines, creating versatile pieces that transition easily from the gym to everyday life.
• Sizing/Fit: Echt offers a standard sizing range and their fit is generally true to size. Their product design often emphasizes an ergonomic fit for maximum comfort and freedom of movement.
• Sustainability: This is Echt's main selling point. They are committed to a transparent supply chain, using certified eco-friendly fabrics, and minimizing their environmental impact across all operations.

Echt is the ideal choice for consumers willing to invest in high-quality, long-lasting activewear that aligns with their environmental and ethical values.

Shop Echt: www.echt.com

Gymshark vs. Echt Comparison

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, Gymshark is consistently more affordable. Core leggings usually hover around $60, and frequent sales and new product drops make it easy to find deals. This pricing makes it highly attractive for students, younger consumers, or anyone looking to build an activewear wardrobe without a huge financial commitment.

Echt's products are priced higher to reflect their use of premium, sustainable materials and ethical production methods. You can expect to pay between $70 and $100 for a pair of leggings. While the upfront cost is greater, the value lies in the durability and eco-friendly nature of the apparel. Echt holds sales less frequently, usually during major shopping holidays.

Quality & Materials

Gymshark utilizes reliable, industry-standard synthetic fabrics like nylon and spandex. These materials offer great stretch, are effective at wicking sweat, and hold up well to frequent workouts. While the quality is solid for the price, some items, especially from their older collections, may show wear like pilling or loss of shape after many wash cycles.

Echt sets a higher bar for materials. Their commitment to recycled polyester, organic cotton, and other GOTS-certified fabrics results in apparel that not only performs well but also has a smaller environmental footprint. The construction often feels more premium and is designed for long-term durability, justifying the higher price tag.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is one of the most significant distinctions. Gymshark is all about being seen. Their designs are trendy, body-hugging, and often feature bright colors, prominent logos, and details like scrunch-bum stitching and cut-outs. It's an aesthetic that thrives on social media and appeals to those who want their gym outfits to make a statement.

Echt opts for a more refined and understated look. Their designs are timeless, with neutral color schemes, subtle branding, and a focus on clean, modern silhouettes. This makes Echt's collection incredibly versatile, easily transitioning from a workout to running errands without looking out of place.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally offer sizing that is true to form, but their fit philosophies differ slightly. Gymshark is famous for its compressive, "second-skin" fit designed to sculpt and enhance the body. While supportive, some might find this level of compression restrictive. They offer a size range from XS to XXL.

Echt focuses more on an ergonomic, comfortable fit that allows for a full range of motion without feeling constricting. Their sizing is also true to size and they provide detailed guides to ensure customers can select the perfect fit for their body and activity level.

Sustainability & Ethics

This is where Echt has a definitive edge. Sustainability is the foundation of their brand identity. From materials and manufacturing to packaging and supply chain transparency, every aspect of their business is viewed through an environmental lens. For the eco-conscious consumer, there is no contest.

Gymshark is not ignoring sustainability but is in the earlier stages of its journey. They have introduced items made with recycled materials and are working to reduce their operational footprint, but it is not their primary focus or selling point in the way it is for Echt.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent products, but they serve two very different customers. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities and personal style.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You're shopping on a budget or love taking advantage of frequent sales.
• You prefer trendy, eye-catching styles with bold colors and logos.
• Building a large, versatile collection of activewear is your goal.
• You appreciate a compressive, body-sculpting fit in your leggings and tops.

Choose Echt if:

• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are your top shopping priorities.
• You prefer a minimalist, modern aesthetic with neutral tones and subtle branding.
• You are willing to invest more for high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly fabrics.
• You want versatile pieces that work equally well for high-intensity workouts and casual wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gymshark or Echt cheaper?

Gymshark is generally cheaper than Echt. Most of its core items are priced in the $30-$80 range, whereas Echt's products typically range from $50 to $120, reflecting their focus on sustainable and premium materials.

Which brand has better quality materials?

Echt has a distinct advantage in material quality due to its commitment to certified, eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester and organic cotton. While Gymshark offers good quality for its price point, Echt's materials are engineered for superior durability and sustainability.

How does Gymshark sizing compare to Echt?

Both brands generally run true to size. The key difference is in the fit, Gymshark is known for its highly compressive, form-fitting designs, while Echt tends to prioritize a more ergonomic and comfortable fit that allows for greater freedom of movement.

Which brand is better for sustainability?

Echt is the clear winner for sustainability. It is a core pillar of their brand, demonstrated through their use of eco-friendly fabrics, transparent supply chain, and certifications like GOTS. Gymshark is making progress but has not yet centered its brand on environmental responsibility.

Is Echt's higher price worth it?

If sustainability, minimalist design, and premium fabric quality are your main concerns, then Echt's higher price is absolutely worth it. The investment gets you durable activewear with a smaller environmental footprint.

Which brand's style is more popular?

This depends on personal taste. Gymshark's trendy, influencer-driven style is extremely popular with younger audiences who want to make a statement. Echt's understated, minimalist aesthetic appeals to those who prefer timeless and versatile pieces.

Where can I buy Gymshark and Echt?

Both brands primarily sell their products directly to consumers through their official websites. This allows them to control their brand experience and offer better pricing.

Are both brands good for serious workouts?

Yes, both brands design their apparel for performance. Gymshark's compressive fits are great for weightlifting and HIIT, while Echt's technical fabrics and ergonomic designs excel in a wide range of activities, from yoga to running.