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

Ones focuses on a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a strong emphasis on sustainability and high-quality, eco-friendly materials. In contrast, Gymshark is known for its bold, trend-driven designs, influencer marketing, and a massive community-driven social media presence.

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

Ones: The Minimalist & Sustainable Activewear Brand

Ones is an activewear and athleisure brand that proves you don't have to sacrifice style for function. Targeting consumers who want versatile pieces for an active lifestyle, the brand is built around a minimalist aesthetic, innovative fabrics, and ethical manufacturing. Their apparel is designed to transition smoothly from a workout session to brunch, appealing to young professionals who value both performance and understated design.

• Product mix: A focused lineup of essentials including leggings, sports bras, joggers, tops, and accessories designed for versatility.
• Price point: Sits comfortably in the mid-range market, with most items priced between $30 and $80.
• Quality: Emphasizes high-quality, durable construction with a focus on sustainable materials like recycled polyester. Fabrics often have a soft, premium feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be true to size with a focus on comfortable, flattering fits that aren't overly compressive. They promote inclusivity with a broad size range.
• Style & Aesthetic: Clean, sleek, and minimalist. Expect neutral tones, clean lines, and subtle branding for a timeless look.
• Sustainability: This is a core part of their identity. The brand is transparent about its supply chain and use of eco-friendly fabrics and ethical practices.

Ones is the go-to choice for anyone seeking high-quality, versatile, and consciously made activewear with an elegant, minimalist design.

Shop Ones: www.ones.com

Gymshark: The Trend-Forward Performance Powerhouse

As one of the fastest-growing activewear brands globally, Gymshark has built a fitness empire with its trend-forward designs and powerful influencer community. Founded in 2012, the brand is synonymous with gym culture and appeals to a younger, fashion-conscious demographic that wants to make a statement. Their product collections are known for vibrant colors, flattering cuts, and performance-first fabric technology.

• Product mix: An extensive range of performance activewear including leggings, shorts, sports bras, hoodies, and accessories for both men and women.
• Price point: Mid-range accessibility with most items falling between $25 and $70, plus frequent and highly popular sales events.
• Quality: Known for reliable, durable construction using performance fabrics that offer moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, and squat-proof coverage.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size with a signature body-hugging, compressive fit designed to sculpt and support during high-intensity workouts.
• Style & Aesthetic: Bold, edgy, and modern. Their designs often feature distinctive branding, striking colors, and strategic cut-outs that are highly recognizable.
• Sales: Famously hosts major sales events (like their Black Friday sale) that draw huge crowds with deep discounts and limited-edition items.

Gymshark is ideal for the fitness enthusiast who wants bold, stylish, and high-performance gear and enjoys being part of a massive, trend-setting brand community.

Shop Gymshark: www.gymshark.com

Ones vs. Gymshark Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands operate in the same mid-range price category, making them relatively comparable for individual items. A pair of leggings from either brand will typically set you back between $50 and $70. The main difference comes down to sales strategy.

Gymshark is famous for its massive, highly anticipated sales a few times a year, where you can find items for up to 60-70% off. Ones follows a more traditional retail model with less frequent promotions. If getting the absolute best deal is your top priority, waiting for a Gymshark sale is your best bet. If you prefer consistent pricing on high-quality basics, Ones offers solid value year-round.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver high-quality apparel built to handle intense workouts, but their material philosophy differs. Gymshark prioritizes pure performance, using innovative synthetic blends that are moisture-wicking, compressive, and famously squat-proof. The focus is on providing maximum support and durability for lifting, running, and high-impact training.

Ones, while also performance-oriented, puts a heavy emphasis on sustainability. They use eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester, which are engineered to perform but often have a softer, more luxurious feel. For consumers who prioritize environmentally conscious materials without sacrificing functionality, Ones has a clear edge.

Product Selection & Style

Style is the most significant point of difference between the two companies. Gymshark's aesthetic is bold, modern, and youthful. Their collections feature bright colors, contrasting patterns, prominent logos, and body-sculpting designs. It’s activewear designed to be seen in the gym and on social media.

Ones operates on the opposite end of the spectrum with a minimalist, clean, and sophisticated style. Their color palette is more neutral and muted, branding is subtle, and the focus is on timeless silhouettes. This makes their pieces far more versatile for wearing outside of the gym as part of an athleisure look.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but the intended fit is quite different. Gymshark is known for its body-hugging, compressive fit. This is intentional, as it offers support and creates a sculpted look that many lifters and athletes prefer. Some may find this restrictive if they are between sizes or prefer a looser feel.

Ones aims for a more relaxed, comfortable fit. While still supportive, their garments are less compressive and align with an "all-day wear" philosophy. Their inclusive sizing and emphasis on comfort make them a great option for a wider variety of body types and preferences.

Sustainability & Ethics

This is a clear win for Ones. Sustainability is a foundational pillar of their brand, from their choice of recycled and eco-friendly materials to transparency in their manufacturing process. They proactively communicate their efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Gymshark has been making improvements in this area, introducing more recycled materials into their collections and setting public sustainability goals. However, it's not the central message of their brand, which remains focused on performance, trends, and community. Shoppers for whom sustainability is a primary decision-making factor will find Ones more aligned with their values.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really comes down to your personal aesthetic, workout style, and what you value most in activewear.

Choose Ones if:

• You prefer a minimalist, clean, and timeless style over following trends.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your shopping decisions.
• You want versatile activewear that you can comfortably wear both in and out of the gym.
• You favor a comfortable, less compressive fit in your leggings and tops.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You love bold, edgy, and trend-forward designs that stand out.
• You enjoy the community and influencer culture around a major fitness brand.
• You're looking for a body-hugging, compressive fit to feel supported during intense workouts.
• You're a savvy shopper who loves waiting for big sales to get the best possible prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ones or Gymshark cheaper?

Their standard retail prices are very similar. However, Gymshark is often cheaper overall due to its frequent, large-scale sales where discounts can be significant. If you buy full price, they are comparable, but if you time your purchase, Gymshark offers better deals.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality for their price point, so it depends on your definition of "better." Gymshark's quality is centered on hardcore performance durability and innovations like squat-proof fabric. Ones' quality lies in its combination of performance with premium, soft-feel sustainable materials and lasting construction.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Ones is the more sustainable brand. Sustainability is a core principle of their business, reflected in their materials, transparency, and brand messaging. While Gymshark is taking steps to improve, it's a primary focus for Ones.

How does the sizing compare between Ones and Gymshark?

Both brands generally fit true to size. The main difference is the intended silhouette: Gymshark designs have a tight, compressive, body-contouring fit, while Ones offers a more relaxed fit that prioritizes comfort for all-day wear.

Is Gymshark activewear squat-proof?

Yes, many of Gymshark's most popular leggings, especially those in their Vital Seamless and Flex collections, are designed to be fully squat-proof, a feature that helped build their reputation.

What is the style difference between Ones and Gymshark?

The style difference is significant. Ones is minimalist, understated, and timeless, using neutral colors and subtle logos. Gymshark is bold, trendy, and logo-centric, using vibrant colors and modern, statement-making designs.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

Ones is generally better for everyday wear. Its minimalist design and less aggressive compression make it easier to incorporate into daily athleisure outfits without looking like you just came from the gym.

Does Gymshark have frequent sales?

Yes, Gymshark is well-known for hosting a few major sales per year that attract a lot of attention. Their annual Black Friday sale is one of the biggest events in the activewear market, with discounts often exceeding 50%.