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

Set Active builds its brand around premium, minimalist athletic wear made from sustainable fabrics that transition easily from the gym to everyday life, while Gymshark focuses on trendy, performance-oriented apparel at a more affordable price point, driven by influencer marketing and a strong community focus. Set Active's aesthetic is understated and sophisticated with a higher price tag, whereas Gymshark is known for bold colors, prominent branding, and frequent sales.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which activewear brand is right for you.

Set Active: The Minimalist & Sustainable Choice

Set Active caters to the modern woman who values understated style, premium quality, and sustainability. The brand's focus is on creating versatile, high-end sets and separates that feel luxurious and perform just as well during a light workout as they do for daily errands. Their clean lines and neutral color palettes appeal to those who prefer a timeless, polished look over fast-fashion trends.

• Product mix: Known for signature matching sets featuring leggings, shorts, and sports bras. Their collection focuses on sleek and simple designs that can be mixed and matched.
• Price point: In the premium range, with leggings from $80-$120 and sports bras costing $40-$70. A full matching set will typically cost between $150 and $200.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes high-end, durable fabrics like recycled nylon and elastane blends. Garments feel substantial and soft, with a focus on retaining shape and function through many washes.
• Sizing/Fit: Consistently true to size. The fit is designed to sculpt and support the body comfortably without feeling restrictive, offering an inclusive range from XS to XL with some extended sizes.
• Sustainability: A core pillar of the brand. They prioritize using recycled fabrics and are transparent about their efforts to reduce their environmental impact.
• Sales: Less frequent than competitors. The brand focuses on full-price sales, occasionally offering smaller discounts during major sale periods.

Set Active is the ideal choice for those who invest in versatile, high-quality pieces and prioritize sustainable manufacturing and a simple, modern look.

Shop Set Active: setactive.com

Gymshark: The Trend-Driven Fitness Giant

Gymshark is a global fitness apparel powerhouse built on social media influence and community. Their clothing is designed for performance, targeting fitness enthusiasts who want functional, stylish gear that makes a statement. With a more accessible price point and constant new releases, Gymshark appeals to a younger, trend-conscious audience that loves bold colors, unique cutouts, and prominent logos.

• Product mix: Extensive range of workout apparel including leggings, shorts, sports bras, hoodies, crop tops, and fitness accessories for both men and women.
• Price point: Very affordable, with popular leggings priced between $40-$70 and sports bras from $20-$50. This value-focused pricing makes it widely accessible.
• Quality & Materials: Uses performance fabrics like polyester and elastane blends that are durable and sweat-wicking. While the quality is strong for the price, some lower-cost items may show wear faster than premium brands.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally fits true to size, though some collections can run more compressive or fitted. They offer a wide range from XS to XL, with some styles available in plus sizes.
• Style & Aesthetic: Bold, edgy, and heavily branded. Expect bright colors, mesh details, and designs meant to be seen. Collections are constantly updated to reflect current trends.
• Sales: Known for its huge seasonal sales events, especially around Black Friday, offering steep discounts across the site.

Gymshark is perfect for the avid gym-goer looking for trendy, functional, and affordable activewear and who enjoys being part of a larger fitness community.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Set Active vs. Gymshark Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear distinction in pricing between the two brands. Set Active operates in a premium space, with leggings reaching up to $120. This cost reflects their investment in higher-end, often sustainable, materials and durable construction. You are paying for a piece intended to last years as a versatile part of your wardrobe.

Gymshark is far more budget-friendly. With leggings often available for under $60, their model is based on accessible fitness fashion. They reinforce this strategy with frequent, large-scale sales where prices are slashed significantly, making them a go-to for shoppers looking to build an activewear collection without a large investment.

Quality & Materials

Set Active's main selling point is the luxurious feel and long-term durability of its fabrics. Using materials like recycled nylon gives their clothing a soft, matte finish that offers supportive compression without feeling restrictive. The build quality is in a very similar category as bigger and more known brands such as Lululemon or Alo Yoga. The brand's commitment to quality is clear in the stitching and shape retention, even after multiple washes. These are investment pieces designed for longevity.

Gymshark uses industry-standard performance fabrics like polyester and elastane blends that do an excellent job of wicking sweat and providing flexibility during workouts. While their gear is well-made and durable enough for intense training, the focus is more on trendiness and performance-for-price. Some of their entry-level items may not retain their elasticity or shape as long as a premium brand like Set Active.

Product Selection & Style

Set Active champions a minimalist, "less is more" style. Their collections are cohesive, centered around a palette of modern neutrals and muted tones that allow for easy mixing and matching. The branding is subtle, making the clothes perfect for streetwear and casual looks beyond the gym. If you want athleisure that prioritizes quiet sophistication, Set Active is your brand.

Gymshark's style is the opposite - it is energetic, bold, and designed to stand out. From vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns to seamless contouring designs and prominent logo placement, their apparel is unmistakably for the gym. They release new collections frequently to keep up with fitness fashion trends, catering to those who want fresh, athletic looks that make a statement.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fit philosophies differ slightly. Set Active focuses on a comfortable, body-hugging fit that sculpts and supports. Their sizing is consistent across collections, making it easy to shop with confidence once you know your size.

Gymshark's sizing is also considered true to size, but the fit can be more performance-oriented. Certain designs, like their seamless contour lines, offer added compression for a highly sculpted look. Because styles vary so much between collections, it's always a good idea to check specific product reviews or size guides before purchasing.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability is a core component of Set Active's brand identity. They actively promote their use of recycled fabrics and are transparent about their efforts to improve their supply chain and reduce their environmental footprint. This appeals to eco-conscious shoppers who are willing to pay a premium for ethically-minded products.

Gymshark has acknowledged the importance of sustainability and is making efforts to improve, such as reducing plastic waste. However, it is not as central to their brand message as it is for Set Active. Their journey toward sustainability is still evolving and is less of a stated priority compared to community building and product innovation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands excel in their respective niches, so the best choice comes down to your priorities, budget, and personal style.

Choose Set Active if:

• You prefer a minimalist, modern aesthetic with neutral colors and subtle branding.
• You value high-quality, sustainable materials and are willing to invest in pieces that last.
• You want versatile activewear that looks just as good for brunch as it does in yoga class.
• You prioritize shape retention and a luxurious feel over trendy designs.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You are on a budget and love finding great deals during seasonal sales.
• You have a bold, trend-driven style and like eye-catching colors and logos.
• You want dedicated performance gear designed specifically for intense gym workouts.
• You enjoy trying new styles and appreciate frequent product launches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Set Active or Gymshark cheaper?

Gymshark is significantly cheaper than Set Active. Gymshark's leggings are often half the price of a pair from Set Active, and they are known for their frequent sales events that offer even deeper discounts.

Which has better quality?

Set Active is generally considered to have higher quality materials and construction. Their focus on premium, often sustainable, fabrics leads to better longevity and shape retention over time, justifying their higher price point.

Are Set Active and Gymshark true to size?

Yes, both brands are generally true to size. Set Active is known for its consistent sizing across all collections, while Gymshark's fit can sometimes vary slightly depending on the specific product line and its intended level of compression.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Set Active is the more sustainable brand. They make eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled fabrics, a central part of their marketing and brand identity, whereas Gymshark is still developing its sustainability initiatives.

Is Set Active worth the money?

For shoppers who prioritize minimalist style, versatility, and long-lasting quality made from sustainable materials, Set Active is worth the investment. The pieces are designed to be timeless staples rather than trendy, disposable items.

Why is Gymshark so popular?

Gymshark’s popularity comes from a brilliant combination of influencer marketing, affordable pricing, trendy and performance-focused designs, and building a strong, aspirational community around the fitness lifestyle.

Which is better for everyday wear?

Set Active is better for everyday wear. Its minimalist design, subtle branding, and sophisticated color palette make it easy to integrate into a casual wardrobe, while Gymshark’s apparel is more explicitly athletic.

Does Gymshark have frequent sales?

Yes, Gymshark is famous for its major sales events, which occur multiple times a year, including a massive Black Friday sale. Shoppers can typically find significant discounts on their most popular items.