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

YoungLA is known for its affordable price point and bold, streetwear-inspired aesthetic, appealing to fashion-conscious gym-goers on a budget. In contrast, Gymshark focuses on premium, performance-oriented activewear with technical fabrics and a sleek, minimalist style, targeting serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize function.

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

YoungLA: The Trend-Driven & Affordable Choice

YoungLA is a modern activewear brand that blends trendy streetwear styles with functional gym apparel. Their customer base is primarily younger fitness enthusiasts who prioritize style, comfort, and affordability. YoungLA has gained popularity by offering designs that look high-end without the premium price tag, making them a go-to for those who want their gym outfits to be as fashionable as they are functional.

• Product mix: A wide range for men and women, including joggers, hoodies, shorts, leggings, and T-shirts with a distinct streetwear influence. Their collections often feature bold logos and contemporary cuts.
• Price point: Extremely competitive, with most items priced between $20 and $50. It's an excellent option for building a full workout wardrobe without overspending.
• Quality: Uses comfortable and durable materials like polyester, spandex, and nylon blends that are soft and hold up well to regular workouts. While comfortable, the materials can feel less technical than those from performance-focused brands.
• Style & Aesthetic: Varies from minimalistic to bold and expressive. The brand follows streetwear trends closely, offering vibrant colors, large graphics, and oversized fits alongside more classic activewear staples.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size, focusing on a relaxed but flattering fit. Since some pieces are designed to be oversized, it's always smart to check specific product reviews for fit guidance.
• Sales: Frequently runs sales, promotions, and bundle deals, allowing for significant savings throughout the year, especially during seasonal events.
• Return policy: Offers a 30-day return window for items that are in new, unworn condition with tags attached.

YoungLA is the choice for anyone who values a fashion-forward look at the gym and wants stylish, comfortable clothing at an accessible price.

Shop YoungLA: youngla.com

Gymshark: The Performance-Focused Global Giant

Gymshark has established itself as a global leader in fitness apparel by focusing on technical innovation, a strong community, and a clean, body-enhancing aesthetic. The brand is dedicated to serious gym-goers who demand high-performance gear that offers support, durability, and moisture-wicking properties. Through a massive network of sponsored athletes and influencers, Gymshark has built a highly aspirational and community-driven identity.

• Product mix: Extensive performance wear for men and women, including their famous seamless leggings, supportive sports bras, joggers, and shorts. The focus is on gear engineered for intense training.
• Price point: Positioned in the mid-range, typically from $30 to $70 for core items. While more expensive than YoungLA, it's considered a good value for the level of quality and performance provided.
• Quality: Utilizes high-quality technical fabrics engineered for moisture-wicking, breathability, and compression. The construction features reinforced stitching and durable blends designed to withstand rigorous workouts.
• Style & Aesthetic: Sleek, minimalist, and physique-enhancing. The designs are modern and athletic, often using monochrome palettes with subtle branding to create a timeless, confident look.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent, true-to-size fit with a greater emphasis on compression and support. The clothing is designed to be form-fitting to aid performance.
• Sales: Hosts major sale events a few times a year, like their popular Black Friday and Summer sales, which offer significant discounts.
• Return policy: Provides a 30-day return policy for items in original condition, making it easy to find the perfect fit.

Gymshark stands out for its high-performance fabrics, supportive fits, and its powerful brand identity built for dedicated athletes.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

YoungLA vs. Gymshark Comparison

Price Comparison

YoungLA is the clear winner on affordability. With most products falling in the $20-$50 range, you can easily purchase several pieces for the price of one or two premium items from other brands. Their frequent discounts and bundle offers also add to the value proposition, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious students or anyone just starting their fitness journey.

Gymshark operates at a slightly higher, mid-range price point, with items usually costing between $30 and $70. The higher cost reflects the investment in technical fabrics, research, and development. While more expensive, many athletes feel the price is justified by the enhanced performance, durability, and supportive fit of the garments.

Quality & Materials

YoungLA focuses on comfortable and soft materials like polyester and spandex blends that feel great for everyday wear and moderate workouts. Their quality is solid for the price, providing durability for regular use. However, the fabrics are generally less technical and may not offer advanced features like targeted compression or intense moisture-wicking.

Gymshark builds its reputation on its technical materials. Their seamless fabric technology, moisture-wicking properties, and supportive compression features are all designed to optimize workout performance. Garments tend to feel more substantial and are constructed to endure high-intensity training sessions, making Gymshark the superior option for purely performance-based quality.

Style & Aesthetic

If you want to make a statement, YoungLA is your brand. Its aesthetic is heavily influenced by modern streetwear, featuring bold logos, trendy designs, and a wide array of colors. The style is expressive and versatile enough to be worn both in and out of the gym, appealing to a younger demographic that values individuality.

Gymshark champions a sleek, athletic, and often minimalist look. The brand's focus is on flattering, body-conscious silhouettes that highlight an athletic physique. While still stylish, the aesthetic is more uniform and clean, relying on subtle branding and classic color palettes that feel more performance-oriented and timeless.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fit philosophies differ. YoungLA offers a more relaxed yet fitted feel, prioritizing comfort for all-day wear. Some collections can have an intentionally oversized or casual cut, which is great for a streetwear look.

Gymshark gear is designed with a snug, compressive fit in mind. This form-fitting style is intentional, created to support muscles and move with you during intense exercise. If you are between sizes or prefer a less restrictive feel, sizing up is a common recommendation among Gymshark fans.

Sustainability & Ethics

Neither brand markets itself as a leader in sustainability. YoungLA’s information on their manufacturing processes is limited, indicating it may not be a primary focus for the brand at this time.

Gymshark has started taking more visible steps toward sustainability, including using some recycled materials in their products and publishing reports on their goals. However, as a fast-growing brand, they are still in the early stages of building a comprehensive eco-friendly and ethical supply chain.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities: budget and style versus performance and brand identity.

Choose YoungLA if:

• You're shopping on a tighter budget and want maximum value.
• You love a bold, streetwear-inspired aesthetic that stands out.
• Comfort and a relaxed fit are more important to you than high-tech compression.
• You want versatile clothes that work for casual wear as much as they do for the gym.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You need technical, performance-driven fabrics for intense training sessions like weightlifting or HIIT.
• You prefer a sleek, minimalist, and body-sculpting fit that enhances your physique.
• Durability and advanced features like sweat-wicking and support are your top priorities.
• You are motivated by being part of a large, well-known fitness community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is YoungLA or Gymshark cheaper?

YoungLA is consistently cheaper than Gymshark, with most items priced between $20 and $50. Gymshark is a mid-range brand, with prices generally ranging from $30 to $70 for similar items.

Which brand has better quality?

This depends on how you define quality. Gymshark has better performance quality due to its technical fabrics, advanced moisture-wicking, and supportive compression. YoungLA offers excellent quality for its price point, with durable materials that are soft and comfortable for daily wear and less intense workouts.

Do YoungLA and Gymshark fit the same?

No. While both brands are generally true to size, Gymshark provides a much tighter, compressive fit designed for athletic support. YoungLA offers a more relaxed fit that aligns with its streetwear style.

Which brand is better for weightlifting?

Many lifters prefer Gymshark due to its supportive and compressive fit, which helps with muscle stability and confidence during heavy lifts. Their durable fabrics also hold up well to friction from bars and equipment.

Can you return items to both stores?

Yes, both YoungLA and Gymshark offer a 30-day return policy for unworn items in their original condition and packaging. It's best to check their respective websites for the most up-to-date details.

Do both brands have frequent sales?

YoungLA has very frequent sales and promotions throughout the year. Gymshark has major, highly anticipated sale events a few times a year, like during Black Friday and summer, but does not offer discounts as frequently as YoungLA.

Is YoungLA a good brand?

Yes, YoungLA is considered a very good brand for anyone looking for stylish, comfortable, and highly affordable gym wear. It excels at blending fashion trends with functional activewear.

Is Gymshark worth the money?

For serious athletes and those who prioritize performance, durability, and a supportive fit, Gymshark is generally considered well worth the money. You are paying for the technical features and high-quality construction.