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

Jed North offers stylish, modern activewear at a highly affordable price point, making it a go-to for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts. In contrast, Gymshark is a trendsetting performance brand known for its high-quality technical fabrics, influencer-driven community, and a premium price tag that reflects its durable, fashion-forward designs.

Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which activewear brand is right for you.

Jed North: The Affordable & Stylish Activewear Choice

Jed North is built for gym-goers who want functional, trendy apparel that won't strain their wallet. The brand excels at providing modern aesthetics and performance-oriented designs at accessible prices, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced athletes who prioritize value. Their collections are versatile, designed to transition easily from the gym to everyday casual wear.

• Product mix: A wide range for men and women including leggings, joggers, t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, and sports bras. Their styles often feature minimalistic branding and bold colors.
• Price point: Extremely competitive. Leggings typically cost between $20 and $35, with shorts and tank tops often available for under $20.
• Quality: Uses standard performance fabrics like polyester and spandex blends that offer good stretch and breathability. While the quality is solid for the price, longevity can vary with heavy, repeated use.
• Fit & Sizing: Generally fits true to size and offers an inclusive size range. However, some items may fit snugly, so it’s always wise to consult their sizing chart before purchasing.
• Sales: Known for frequent sales and deep discounts, offering significant markdowns throughout the year, which further enhances its value proposition.

Jed North delivers on its promise of trendy, functional gym wear for anyone seeking performance without the premium cost, making it perfect for building a full activewear wardrobe on a budget.

Shop Jed North: jednorth.com

Gymshark: The Trendsetting Performance Leader

Gymshark has established itself as a global powerhouse in the fitness apparel industry, known for its high-performance fabrics, innovative designs, and massive social media presence. The brand is built around a strong community of athletes and influencers, setting trends with every product release. Their clothing is engineered for intense workouts, offering superior support, durability, and style.

• Product mix: Comprehensive collections of leggings, sports bras, shorts, hoodies, and joggers known for their seamless construction and flattering fits. Their lines are often released as coordinated sets.
• Price point: Positioned as a premium brand. Expect to pay between $40 and $60 for a pair of leggings and more for newer, tech-focused collections.
• Quality: Employs high-end technical fabrics featuring moisture-wicking technology, compressive support, and anti-odor properties. Their materials are known for durability and retaining their shape over time.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is consistent and generally true to size. The fit is often compressive and body-hugging to provide support and create a sculpted silhouette, which some may find tight for casual lounging.
• Style/Community: Heavily collaborates with top fitness influencers, creating an aspirational brand image and a loyal community around their trend-focused product drops.

Gymshark is the ideal choice for dedicated fitness enthusiasts who view their activewear as an investment in performance, durability, and style.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Jed North vs. Gymshark Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Jed North is decidedly the more budget-friendly option. With leggings often under $35 and tops under $20, you can build a complete workout outfit for the price of a single pair of leggings from more premium brands.

Gymshark operates at a higher price point, with its popular leggings collections ranging from $40 to over $60. This price reflects their investment in higher-quality technical fabrics, innovative designs, and significant marketing. While both brands feature sales, Jed North’s are typically more frequent and offer more substantial discounts, cementing its reputation as the value leader.

Quality & Materials

Jed North uses reliable, functional fabrics like polyester and spandex blends that offer sufficient stretch and breathability for most workout activities. The quality is good for its price, but it may not hold up to years of intense training in the same way premium apparel does. It's a great option for daily gym sessions and casual wear.

Gymshark stands out for its superior materials. The brand is known for its seamless knitting technology, which reduces chafing and enhances comfort, and its durable, sculpting fabrics with excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. For athletes engaged in heavy lifting, high-intensity interval training, or frequent, demanding workouts, Gymshark's material quality provides better performance and longevity.

Style & Aesthetic

Jed North follows a minimalistic and modern style. Their designs are clean, often featuring solid, bold colors and subtle branding. Their aesthetic is straightforward and functional, appealing to those who want a sleek look that works both in and out of the gym without being overly flashy.

Gymshark’s style is more fashion-forward and trend-driven. Their pieces often include distinctive details like unique cutouts, mesh panels, and prominent branding. By collaborating with fitness influencers, Gymshark stays at the forefront of activewear fashion, making their clothing a statement piece for many gym-goers.

Fit & Sizing

Jed North offers a fairly inclusive size range and their products generally run true to size, though occasional inconsistencies mean checking the size chart is recommended. The fit is functional and comfortable, without being overly compressive, making it suitable for a wide range of body types and activities.

Gymshark is known for a consistent, true-to-size fit that is designed to be compressive and body-hugging. This sculpting fit is highly flattering and supportive for workouts but might feel too restrictive for those who prefer a more relaxed feel for casual wear. They provide detailed size guides to help ensure customers can find the right level of support and compression.

Sustainability & Ethics

When it comes to sustainability, both brands have room for improvement. Jed North's initiatives in this area are minimal, with little public information available on their manufacturing or eco-friendly practices. Gymshark, due to its larger scale, has begun making more formal commitments to sustainability, including reducing plastic waste and exploring more sustainable fabrics. Neither is a leader in sustainable fashion, but Gymshark shows a clearer public-facing effort.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your budget, workout intensity, and what you prioritize in your activewear.

Choose Jed North if:

• You are shopping on a strict budget and want the most value for your money.
• You're just starting your fitness journey and aren’t ready to invest in premium gear.
• You want versatile apparel that works for moderate workouts and everyday athleisure.
• You love hunting for sales and getting great deals.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You prioritize high-performance fabrics and long-term durability for intense training.
• You want activewear that is trendy, fashion-forward, and makes a style statement.
• A supportive, compressive, and flattering fit is very important to you.
• You are inspired by fitness influencers and enjoy being part of a larger brand community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jed North or Gymshark cheaper?

Jed North is significantly cheaper than Gymshark across all product categories. You can often purchase two or three items from Jed North for the price of one similar item from Gymshark.

Which brand has better quality?

Gymshark has a reputation for better overall quality due to its use of high-end technical fabrics, seamless construction, and durable materials designed for intense performance. Jed North offers good quality for its price point but may not be as long-lasting under frequent, high-intensity use.

How does the sizing compare between Jed North and Gymshark?

Jed North generally fits true to size, but some items can run small, so it's best to check their size guide. Gymshark's sizing is more consistent, but its fit is intentionally compressive and body-hugging. If you are between sizes or prefer a looser fit, you might consider sizing up in Gymshark.

Which brand is better for beginners?

Jed North is an excellent choice for beginners. Its affordable prices allow you to build a workout wardrobe without a large financial commitment, while still getting stylish and functional clothing.

Which brand is better for serious lifters?

Gymshark is often favored by serious lifters and athletes. Their compressive fits provide muscle support, and the durable, sweat-wicking materials hold up well to rigorous training sessions.

Do Jed North and Gymshark have sales?

Yes, both brands have sales, especially around major holidays. However, Jed North runs promotions more frequently and tends to offer deeper discounts than Gymshark.

Can I wear Jed North and Gymshark for casual wear?

Absolutely. Both brands design their apparel with athleisure in mind. Jed North's simple and modern aesthetic makes it easy to integrate into a casual wardrobe, while Gymshark's trend-setting pieces are popular for making a style statement outside the gym.

Are Jed North and Gymshark sustainable?

Neither brand is considered a leader in sustainability. Gymshark has started making public steps toward reducing its environmental impact, while Jed North's efforts are less transparent. If sustainability is your top priority, you may want to research other specialized eco-friendly brands.