Gymshark vs. Fabletics Leggings: Which one is better?
The main difference between leggings from Gymshark and Fabletics comes down to performance versus price. Gymshark offers premium, durable leggings with a minimalist aesthetic, designed for intense workouts and priced in the mid-range. Fabletics provides a wider variety of trendy, budget-friendly leggings with more inclusive sizing, often available at a lower cost through its popular subscription model.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether Gymshark’s high-performance wear or Fabletics’s stylish value is the right fit for you.
Gymshark Leggings
Gymshark leggings are built for the serious fitness enthusiast who prioritizes function, durability, and a sleek, body-contouring look. Known for their seamless construction and squat-proof fabrics, these leggings provide support and confidence during high-intensity training while maintaining a modern, understated style that easily translates to everyday wear.
- What it is: Performance-focused activewear brand offering leggings known for their durability and sleek, minimalist designs.
- Key features: Moisture-wicking fabrics, four-way stretch, squat-proof coverage, seamless construction, and compressive fits.
- Price: $40 - $70
- Sizing/Fit: Sizing runs from XS to XL and is generally true to size. The fit is often compressive and sculpted, designed to enhance the physique.
- Pros: Excellent durability and material quality. Squat-proof material provides confidence during workouts. Sleek and versatile minimalist aesthetic. Consistent and reliable sizing.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to Fabletics. Less inclusive size range. Limited transparency on sustainability practices.
These leggings are ideal for individuals who treat their activewear as performance gear and are willing to invest in long-lasting quality for their workouts.
Shop this product: www.gymshark.com
Fabletics Leggings
Fabletics leggings blend fashion with function, offering a vast assortment of trendy styles, bold prints, and vibrant colors at an accessible price point. Popularized by its subscription model and celebrity co-founder Kate Hudson, Fabletics emphasizes size inclusivity and versatility, making their leggings a compelling choice for everything from yoga class to running errands.
- What it is: A subscription-based activewear brand that provides stylish and affordable leggings in a wide range of sizes and designs.
- Key features: PowerForm and PowerHold fabrics for support and compression, wide variety of high-waisted and cropped styles, and numerous unique patterns and color-blocking.
- Price: $25 - $50, with significant discounts often available for members.
- Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive sizing, ranging from XXS to 4X. Sizing can sometimes be inconsistent between different styles.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly, especially with membership. Huge variety of trendy styles and bold prints. Excellent size range promotes inclusivity. Strong emphasis on sustainable & recycled materials.
- Cons: Material may be less durable and prone to pilling over time. Sizing can be inconsistent across different product lines. The subscription model requires skipping months to avoid a charge.
A great choice for budget-conscious shoppers who value a fashion-forward aesthetic, want plenty of style options, and appreciate brand inclusivity.
Shop this product: www.fabletics.com
Gymshark vs. Fabletics Leggings Comparison
Price & Value
Fabletics is the clear winner on affordability. With most leggings priced between $25 and $50 and frequent membership deals that bring costs even lower, the brand offers exceptional value upfront. Shoppers can often get two pairs for the price of one premium pair elsewhere. Regular promotions and bundle deals make it easy to build a diverse activewear wardrobe without a high investment.
Gymshark operates in the mid-range premium space, with prices from $40 to $70. While more expensive, the value comes from the leggings' longevity and performance-focused construction. If you prioritize durability and are willing to pay more for gear that withstands frequent, intense use, Gymshark presents a solid long-term value proposition.
Quality & Materials
Gymshark is renowned for its high-quality, durable materials engineered for performance. The fabrics are often thicker, more compressive, and highly resistant to wear and tear. Features like moisture-wicking technology and seamless construction are standard, and the brand is particularly famous for its squat-proof leggings that offer total opacity.
Fabletics also uses innovative fabrics like PowerHold, which provide good compression and support. However, users sometimes report that their fabrics feel lighter and may be more susceptible to pilling after extended wash and wear compared to Gymshark. While the quality is great for the price, Gymshark generally has the edge in rugged construction and long-term durability.
Style & Aesthetic
The two brands target very different style preferences. Gymshark embodies a minimalist, modern aesthetic. Their designs feature clean lines, solid colorways, subtle branding, and a focus on flattering, body-contouring silhouettes. This makes their leggings highly versatile for both the gym and casual streetwear.
In contrast, Fabletics embraces a vibrant, trend-driven look. The brand is known for bold prints, eye-catching patterns, extensive color palettes, and unique details like pockets and mesh panels. If you want your activewear to be expressive and fashion-forward, Fabletics offers a much wider and more playful variety.
Fit & Sizing
Fabletics stands out with its commitment to size inclusivity, offering a comprehensive range from XXS to 4X that caters to a wide spectrum of body types. However, some shoppers find that sizing can be inconsistent from one style to another. Gymshark’s sizing is more limited, typically from XS to XL, but it is known for being very consistent across its collections. Gymshark's fit is typically more compressive and body-hugging, while Fabletics often offers a balance of support and comfort.
Sustainability & Ethics
For the eco-conscious shopper, Fabletics is more transparent and committed to sustainability. The brand actively incorporates recycled materials into its products and is open about its eco-friendly manufacturing goals and certifications. Gymshark has started making steps toward sustainability, including using some recycled fabrics, but it offers less transparency about its supply chain and overall environmental footprint.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands deliver quality leggings, but they are designed for different priorities and customers.
Choose Gymshark if:
- You prioritize durability and performance for intense workouts.
- You prefer a sleek, minimalist style with solid colors.
- You are willing to invest more for activewear that will last a long time.
- You value a consistent, compressive fit and reliable sizing from a brand.
Choose Fabletics if:
- You are budget-conscious and love finding a great deal.
- You want a wide selection of trendy patterns, bold prints, and vibrant colors.
- Inclusive sizing (from XXS to 4X) is important to you.
- You want to support a brand with a strong focus on sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Gymshark and Fabletics leggings?
The primary difference is their focus. Gymshark focuses on high-performance, durable activewear with a minimalist aesthetic, while Fabletics prioritizes stylish, affordable fashion activewear with a subscription model and extensive variety.
Which brand is better for high-intensity workouts?
Gymshark is generally better for high-intensity workouts due to its durable materials, compressive fit, and reliable squat-proof coverage designed specifically for strenuous activity.
Are Fabletics leggings good quality?
Fabletics leggings are of good quality for their price point. They offer comfortable fits and supportive fabrics like PowerHold, but they may not be as long-lasting or pill-resistant as more premium brands like Gymshark.
Is Gymshark true to size?
Yes, Gymshark leggings generally run true to size. However, their fit is often very compressive, so if you are between sizes or prefer a slightly looser fit, some customers suggest sizing up.
Do I have to have a membership to buy from Fabletics?
No, you can shop at Fabletics as a guest, but the prices will be significantly higher. The brand's low prices and best deals are reserved for its "VIP" members who subscribe to the monthly service.
Which brand is more squat-proof?
Gymshark is widely known for its reliably squat-proof fabric across almost all of its leggings lines, making it a go-to choice for lifters and anyone doing deep-squat movements.
Which is more affordable?
Fabletics is substantially more affordable, especially for members who take advantage of their new subscriber deals and monthly credits.
Which brand would be more comfortable for lounging or all-day wear?
For all-day comfort and casual wear, Fabletics is often a better choice. While their performance leggings offer support, many of their styles are designed with softer, less compressive fabrics perfect for lounging or running errands.
