Gymshark vs. Lululemon: Which brand is better? [2026]

Gymshark focuses on trendy, influencer-driven activewear at an affordable price, making it popular with younger consumers who want bold, figure-flattering styles for the gym. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium brand known for its high-quality, durable fabrics and minimalist designs, catering to a customer base willing to invest in superior performance and longevity.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your fitness goals and budget.

Gymshark: The Trendy & Affordable Favorite

Gymshark has built a massive following by delivering stylish, modern workout gear that doesn't break the bank. Their target customer is often a younger fitness enthusiast who wants to look good in the weight room and values community and social media culture. The brand is known for its seamless designs and contouring details that accentuate the body.

• Product mix: Extensive collection of leggings, shorts, sports bras, crop tops, hoodies, and joggers. Strong focus on matching sets and collections for weightlifting and general fitness.
• Price point: Very accessible, with popular leggings ranging from $30 to $70. Sports bras and tops are typically in the $30 to $50 range, making it possible to get a full outfit for under $100.
• Quality: Good for the price point, using comfortable polyester and elastane blends. While fabric technology has improved, it generally doesn't match the long-term durability or technical performance of premium brands like Lululemon.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing runs from XS to XXL. The fit is famously compressive and body-hugging, designed to enhance your shape. Some customers find certain items run small, so it's a good idea to check product reviews for specific sizing advice.
• Style & Aesthetic: Bold, youthful, and trend-focused. Features bright colors, seamless construction, and prominent logos. It's clothing designed to be seen in the gym.
• Sales: Holds major sales events, like their annual summer and Black Friday sales, with substantial markdowns that draw significant traffic.
• Return policy: Offers easy online returns, typically within a 30-day window for items in original condition.

Gymshark is the go-to for affordable, stylish activewear that's perfectly suited for hitting the gym and keeping up with the latest fitness fashion trends.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance & Quality

Lululemon has established itself as the benchmark for premium athletic apparel, originally gaining fame for its exceptional yoga wear. The brand targets a more mature and affluent customer who prioritizes technical performance, comfort, and fabric innovation. Their versatile, minimalist designs are crafted to perform during tough workouts and transition seamlessly into everyday life.

• Product mix: Specializes in high-performance gear for yoga, running, and training, including leggings, sports bras, tops, and jackets. Popular product lines like Align and Wunder Train are brand staples, and they also offer athleisure and everyday wear.
• Price point: Definitely a premium investment. Leggings range from $98 to $150+, and tops start around $50, going up to $100+.
• Quality: Exceptional. Lululemon is known for its proprietary fabrics like the impossibly soft Nulu™ for Align leggings and the sweat-wicking Everlux™ for intense training. The garments are incredibly durable and maintain their shape and feel for years with proper care.
• Sizing/Fit: Very consistent, with sizes from 0 to 20. The fit is engineered for movement and support, offering a "second skin" feel that’s supportive without being restrictive. Generally considered true to size.
• Style & Aesthetic: Minimalist, sophisticated, and timeless. Features neutral and muted color palettes with subtle branding, making it highly versatile for both fitness and lifestyle wear.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent and more limited. Their "We Made Too Much" section offers year-round markdowns, but major sitewide sales are rare.
• Return policy: Known for a generous policy and standing behind its products. Returns are accepted within 30 days, and they have a quality promise for performance issues.

Lululemon is an investment in unparalleled comfort, long-lasting quality, and high-performance technical gear that you can wear for years.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Gymshark vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

This is the most significant difference between the two brands. Gymshark is built on affordability, with most of its key pieces costing less than half of an equivalent item from Lululemon. A full Gymshark outfit might cost what you'd pay for a single pair of Lululemon leggings.

Lululemon justifies its premium price through superior fabric technology, meticulous construction, and a stronger reputation for durability. While the initial cost is high, many customers feel the longevity of the products provides better value over time. If your budget is tight, Gymshark is the clear winner, if you view activewear as a long-term investment, Lululemon is worth considering.

Quality &, Materials

Lululemon is the undeniable leader in fabric and material quality. Their patented fabrics like Luon, Nulu, and Everlux are industry-leading for their feel, stretch, sweat-wicking capabilities, and durability. The stitching is robust, the fit is consistent, and pieces hold their shape after hundreds of washes. They even offer complimentary hemming and repairs, backing the quality of their gear.

Gymshark offers solid quality for its price. Their seamless technology is comfortable, and their materials are functional for most gym workouts. However, they are not on par with Lululemon for longevity. Over time, some Gymshark items may show signs of wear, pilling, or loss of elasticity sooner than a comparable Lululemon product.

Fit &, Sizing

Both brands offer body-hugging fits, but with different philosophies. Gymshark's fit is about accentuating curves and enhancing your physique, which is why it’s so popular in bodybuilding and fitness influencer circles. Its sizing can be less consistent, and the compressive nature means some people need to size up.

Lululemon’s fit is engineered for comfort and freedom of movement. Its leggings stay put during intense workouts without feeling restrictive. The sizing is known for its consistency across different styles - if you’re a size 8 in Align leggings, you’ll likely be a size 8 in Wunder Trains. Lululemon's precision fit caters to performance, whereas Gymshark's caters more to aesthetics.

Sustainability &, Ethics

Lululemon has made its sustainability efforts a core part of its brand identity in recent years. They publish detailed reports on their environmental impact, goals for using sustainable materials, and supply chain transparency. While they still face criticism, they are actively working to improve and are more transparent than many competitors.

As a younger brand focused on rapid growth, Gymshark's sustainability practices are less developed. They have started incorporating recycled fabrics and reducing packaging but provide less public information about their supply chain and environmental footprint compared to Lululemon.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent activewear, but they are designed for very different customers. The ideal choice comes down to your priorities and budget.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You're on a budget and want to build an activewear wardrobe without a huge financial outlay.
• Your style is bold and trendy, and you love showing off your hard work at the gym.
• You primarily focus on weightlifting and want clothing with a compressive, physique-enhancing fit.
• You love shopping sales and getting a great deal on new workout gear.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You view your activewear as a long-term investment and prioritize durability and longevity above all else.
• You need high-performance gear for activities like yoga, running, or high-intensity interval training.
• Your personal style is more minimalist, and you want versatile pieces you can wear outside the gym.
• Unmatched comfort is your top priority - nothing beats the feel of their buttery-soft Nulu fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gymshark or Lululemon cheaper?

Gymshark is significantly cheaper. On average, Gymshark’s leggings, sports bras, and tops cost 40-60% less than similar items from Lululemon. You can often buy a complete Gymshark outfit for the price of one pair of Lululemon leggings.

Which has better quality leggings?

Lululemon is widely recognized for having higher-quality leggings due to their innovative, proprietary fabrics and superior construction. They are more durable, maintain their shape longer, and offer better performance features for specific activities.

Which brand is better for weightlifting?

Many people prefer Gymshark for weightlifting because its designs are specifically made to be flattering and compressive, which helps support muscles and highlight your physique. However, Lululemon’s abrasion-resistant Wunder Train line is also an excellent, durable option.

Which brand is better for yoga or running?

Lululemon is better for both yoga and running. The brand was founded on creating the perfect yoga apparel, and their Align collection is unmatched for comfort and freedom of movement. For running, their technical fabrics and functional features like discreet pockets are superior.

Does Gymshark sizing run small?

Gymshark sizing can be inconsistent. While many items are true to size, their more compressive styles often feel tight, and some customers prefer to size up for a more comfortable fit. It's always a good idea to consult the specific product's size chart and reviews.

Is Lululemon sizing consistent?

Yes, Lululemon is known for its highly consistent sizing. Once you find your size in one style of leggings or tops, you can typically order the same size in other styles with confidence.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For many, yes. The high price tag reflects an investment in long-lasting quality, exceptional comfort, and top-tier performance. If you wear activewear frequently and care about durability, Lululemon products often provide better value over their lifespan.

Do Gymshark and Lululemon have sales?

Yes, but their sale strategies differ. Gymshark is famous for its massive, sitewide sales twice a year (summer and Black Friday) with deep discounts. Lululemon rarely holds store-wide sales, opting instead for a "We Made Too Much" section where select items are marked down.