Gymshark vs. Ryderwear: Which brand should you buy?

Gymshark focuses on sleek, modern designs with high-performance technical fabrics, positioning itself as a mid-to-premium activewear brand. Ryderwear, in contrast, offers a more affordable, street-inspired aesthetic with bold, edgy designs that appeal to a fashion-forward, rebellious gym-goer. The core difference lies in style and price: Gymshark is minimalist and performance-oriented at a slightly higher cost, while Ryderwear is expressive and budget-friendly.

Let's compare these two brands to help you decide which activewear is right for you.

Gymshark: The Sleek & Trendy Performance Brand

Gymshark has become a massive force in the activewear market, known for its figure-flattering seamless leggings and strong social media community. The brand targets young, trend-conscious fitness enthusiasts who value functional, stylish workout clothes that perform well during intense activity and look great for casual wear. Their signature look is clean, modern, and built around enhancing the physique.

• Product mix: Gymshark offers a wide range of leggings, sports bras, crop tops, hoodies, and joggers. They are particularly famous for their seamless collections, designed to reduce chafing and offer maximum comfort.
• Price point: Pieces are in the mid-range to premium category. Expect to pay between $50-$70 for a pair of leggings and $30-$50 for sports bras and tops.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on innovative, high-performance fabrics. They use moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, and supportive seamless materials designed to withstand high-intensity training while remaining durable.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall feel is modern, sleek, and body-conscious. Designs are typically minimalist with bold logo placements and come in a variety of vibrant and neutral colors.
• Sizing/Fit: Gymshark generally fits true to size, offering a comfortable and supportive fit. They have been expanding their size range to be more inclusive for different body types.

Gymshark is ideal for those who want high-performance fabrics in a versatile, modern style and are willing to invest a little more for trend-setting designs and excellent quality.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Ryderwear: The Edgy & Affordable Streetwear Label

Hailing from Australia, Ryderwear blends functional gym apparel with a distinct streetwear edge. The brand speaks to those who want their workout clothes to make a statement, featuring bold graphics, edgy cuts, and a more aggressive, confident vibe. They have carved out a niche with a loyal following that loves their unique look without the premium price tag.

• Product mix: Ryderwear offers a full suite of men's and women's activewear, including leggings, sports bras, tank tops, hoodies, and specialized lifting shoes.
• Price point: Ryderwear is competitively priced, often more affordable than its rivals. Leggings typically range from $25-$50 and tops from $20-$40, providing great value.
• Quality & Materials: The brand uses durable and stretchy fabrics that feature moisture-wicking and compression properties. While the materials are high-quality, the emphasis is more balanced between function and pure street style than a solely performance-driven brand.
• Style & Aesthetic: Ryderwear's aesthetic is rebellious and bold. Expect dark color palettes, standout graphic prints, and an edgy attitude that separates it from more minimalist brands.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally reliable, but many pieces are designed for a snug compression fit. Some customers find it beneficial to size up for certain items if they prefer a slightly less restrictive feel.

Ryderwear excels at delivering attention-grabbing, durable gym wear at a very accessible price point, perfect for individuals who want their activewear to reflect a strong sense of personal style.

Shop Ryderwear: ryderwear.com

Gymshark vs. Ryderwear Comparison

Price Comparison

Ryderwear has a clear advantage when it comes to price. Their leggings are often in the $25-$50 range, whereas Gymshark's popular collections typically start around $50 and can go up to $70. This pattern holds true for most of their product categories, from sports bras to hoodies. While both brands host frequent sales, Ryderwear's baseline pricing makes it the more budget-friendly option without a significant drop in quality.

If affordability is your main concern, Ryderwear offers stylish and functional activewear that provides excellent value for money. If you are willing to pay a bit more for the latest fabric innovations and trend-driven designs, Gymshark's prices may be justified for you.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce durable activewear, but their focus differs slightly. Gymshark invests heavily in fabric technology, with its seamless and four-way stretch materials providing top-tier performance for breathability, flexibility, and muscle support during intense training sessions. Their construction feels engineered for high-intensity workouts and long-term durability holds up over time.

Ryderwear also uses quality fabrics with good stretch, compression, and sweat-wicking properties. However, their material feel often leans more towards comfort and feel suitable for both gym and casual use, with less emphasis on cutting-edge technical features. For most gym-goers, the quality from both brands is more than sufficient, but athletes focused on peak performance might prefer Gymshark's fabric engineering.

Style & Aesthetic

This is where the brands diverge most clearly. Gymshark embodies a modern, sleek, and often vibrant aesthetic. It's the go-to for those who love coordinated sets, minimalist designs accented with a bold logo, and a flattering, form-fitting silhouette that can easily be worn outside the gym.

Ryderwear caters to a completely different style. Its vibe is edgier, darker, and infused with streetwear culture. Graphic prints, monochrome color palettes, and a more rebellious feel are the hallmarks of their collections. If you want your activewear to be bold and make a statement, Ryderwear is the perfect fit.

Fit & Sizing

Gymshark is known for being generally true to size. Their leggings and sports bras offer a supportive but comfortable fit that accommodates a variety of body types. The brand has also been making positive strides towards more inclusive sizing.

Ryderwear offers a reliable fit, but it’s often a compression-style fit designed to enhance muscle definition. Because of this snug design, some customers find it necessary to size up, especially in leggings, if they are between sizes or prefer a bit more room. It's always a good idea to consult their detailed size guides before purchasing.

Shopping Experience

Both Gymshark and Ryderwear have modern, user-friendly websites with easy navigation, detailed product information, and helpful size guides. They are direct-to-consumer brands that have built strong online communities through social media and influencer collaborations. Shipping is efficient from both, and customer service reviews are generally positive across the board. The online shopping experience is comparable and excellent for both companies.

Sustainability & Ethics

As a larger, more established global brand, Gymshark has more publicly available information about its sustainability initiatives, including the use of more responsible packaging and setting goals to reduce production waste. However, like many fast-fashion-adjacent brands, there is room for improved transparency.

Ryderwear provides less public information on its sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. This doesn't mean they aren't taking steps, but transparency is less of a focus in their marketing. If this is a key factor for you, Gymshark currently offers more insight into its efforts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent products, but they are built for different people with distinct priorities and styles.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You prioritize high-performance fabrics engineered for intense workouts.
• You love a sleek, modern, and minimalist look.
• You want versatile activewear that transitions smoothly from the gym to everyday life.
• You are willing to spend a bit more for trendy, physique-flattering designs.

Choose Ryderwear if:

• You are shopping on a budget and want the best value for your money.
• You prefer a bold, edgy, streetwear-inspired aesthetic with graphic prints.
• You enjoy a snug, compression fit designed to highlight your build.
• You want your gym apparel to make a confident and rebellious statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gymshark or Ryderwear cheaper?

Ryderwear is generally cheaper than Gymshark. Their products are positioned at a more affordable to mid-range price point, making them a better choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Which has better quality, Gymshark or Ryderwear?

Both brands offer good quality and durable activewear. However, Gymshark is often considered to have a slight edge in technical performance due to its focus on innovative, high-performance fabrics specifically designed for intense training.

How do Gymshark and Ryderwear sizes compare?

Gymshark typically runs true to size, offering a comfortable yet supportive fit. Ryderwear tends to have a more compressive fit, and some shoppers suggest sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer a less snug feel.

What is the style difference between Gymshark and Ryderwear?

The main style difference is between minimalist and edgy. Gymshark offers a sleek, modern, and trendy aesthetic. Ryderwear is known for its bold, rebellious, and streetwear-inspired designs with graphic elements and darker tones.

Which brand is better for weightlifting?

Both are extremely popular in the weightlifting community. Ryderwear's edgy aesthetic and compression fit are favored by many bodybuilders, and they also offer specialized lifting shoes. Gymshark's flexible and durable leggings provide excellent range of motion for squats and lifts.

Does Ryderwear have good sales?

Yes, Ryderwear frequently runs sales and promotions, often with significant discounts. Combined with their already affordable prices, you can get great deals during these events.

What is Gymshark's return policy?

Gymshark typically offers a 30-day free return policy on most items, provided they are in their original condition. Always check their website for the most current policy details.

Where are the two brands from?

Gymshark is a British fitness apparel brand founded in the UK. Ryderwear is an Australian-based brand that has grown globally.