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Are you obsessed with the Gymshark aesthetic, but wondering what else is out there? Or maybe you’re building your own activewear line and want to understand the competition. Either way, this guide breaks it all down.
Gymshark has inspired a new generation of fitness brands, blending bold design, influencer culture1, and direct-to-consumer strategy. If you’re looking for similar brands—or want to build one—this guide is for you.
I used to think only legacy brands like Nike or Adidas mattered. That changed when I saw how Gymshark created massive brand value from scratch. Let’s dive into what makes them—and their rivals—so effective.
Why Did Gymshark Become a Leading Activewear Brand?
Gymshark didn’t win just because of good products. It won hearts, loyalty, and attention on social media by speaking directly to fitness communities.
Gymshark became a global force by building a community-first brand, offering trendy yet functional activewear, and mastering digital marketing through influencers and DTC sales.
Sunrise Workout
Gymshark’s Brand DNA – Community, Aesthetic, Performance
From day one, Gymshark stood for more than just apparel. The brand used athlete ambassadors and loyal followers to create a digital tribe. The visual identity? Clean lines, bold fits, Instagram-ready looks.
- Community: Built through Gymshark athletes and heavy influencer collabs.
- Aesthetic: Sleek branding, minimalist logos, flattering silhouettes.
- Performance: Seamless leggings, sweat-wicking fabrics, compression fits2.
Product Strategy – Style, Fit, Materials & Price Point
Gymshark products aren’t cheap, but they offer perceived value. This is how they balance fashion and function:
| Category | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Fit | Compression, contouring, seamless |
| Materials | Nylon/spandex blends, performance knits |
| Price Point | Mid-range ($40–$70 for leggings) |
| Drop Model | Limited collections to boost urgency |
What Are the Top Brands Comparable to Gymshark?
Let’s look at the strongest contenders in the activewear game that share Gymshark’s vibe or appeal to similar audiences.
Brands like Alphalete, AYBL, NVGTN, and MP Clothing offer similar aesthetics and product strategies—each with its own unique angle.
Alphalete – Similar Aesthetics, Higher Price Tier
Alphalete, founded by fitness influencer Christian Guzman, combines premium materials and a performance look. It’s like Gymshark’s upscale cousin.
- Price: $60–$90 for leggings
- Target: Performance-focused buyers
- Brand Tone: Mature, elite fitness identity
NVGTN – Female-Focused, Influencer-Driven
NVGTN nails TikTok and Instagram virality with form-fitting sets and pastel colors. It’s laser-focused on young women.
- Marketing: Built 100% through influencer UGC
- Products: Seamless leggings, scrunch-butt designs
- Vibe: Girly, sexy, made for selfies
AYBL – Direct Alternative with Affordable Pricing
AYBL is probably Gymshark’s most direct competitor. Similar look, feel, and product line—but slightly cheaper.
- Style: Minimalist, basic activewear staples
- Price Point: $30–$50 range
- Approach: More affordability, fast trend cycles
MyProtein/MP Clothing – Same Parent Company
MP Clothing is MyProtein’s in-house apparel line. Since Gymshark and MyProtein shared early founders and influencers, there’s major crossover appeal.
- Overlap: Shared community, similar look
- Market: Bundled with supplements
- Strength: Trust from fitness audience
Riderwear / Jed North / DoYouEven – Other Global Contenders
These brands also echo the Gymshark playbook with bold visuals and niche positioning:
| Brand | Known For |
|---|---|
| Riderwear | Strength-sport style, Aussie market |
| Jed North | Bodybuilding, edgy branding |
| DoYouEven | OG influencer brand from Australia |
What Sets These Brands Apart (and What Doesn’t)?
From fabrics to pricing, each brand makes choices to win over a specific crowd.
The key differences lie in fabric tech, design language, and pricing tiers—yet most share a similar formula: influencer content + seamless activewear.
Fabric Technologies
Gymshark and its rivals often use similar blends (nylon/spandex), but differences show in:
- Seamless knitting vs. stitched panels
- Weight and density of fabrics
- Sweat-wicking vs. thermal vs. everyday comfort
Design & Branding
Subtle design choices shape audience perception.
- NVGTN: More sculpting, curve-enhancing seams
- Alphalete: More structured performance fits
- AYBL: Clean and simple, basic-color palettes
Pricing Tiers
| Brand | Avg Leggings Price | Target Market |
|---|---|---|
| Gymshark | $50–$60 | Mainstream fitness fans |
| Alphalete | $70–$90 | Premium performance |
| AYBL | $35–$45 | Budget-conscious buyers |
| NVGTN | $40–$60 | Trend-focused Gen Z |
Market Segmentation
Some brands cater to performance-driven men, others to style-seeking women.
- Female-Focused: NVGTN, AYBL
- Unisex: Gymshark, MP Clothing
- Male-Leaning: Alphalete, Jed North
How Can Fashion Brands Create a Gymshark-Like Line?
Thinking of launching your own brand? You don’t need millions—you need the right plan, partners, and product mix.
To build a Gymshark-style activewear brand, focus on seamless technology, fabric trends, and a reliable Chinese supplier with design capabilities.
Key Product Development Steps
Start with tech packs and sketches that focus on fit and compression. Use industry references like:
- Seamless knitwear
- Contouring panels
- V-waistbands
- Butt-scrunch leggings
Finding the Right OEM/ODM Supplier in China
Not all factories can handle seamlesswear. Look for:
- Experience with seamless and activewear
- Ability to source performance fabrics
- Quick sample turnaround (5–7 days)
At Modaknits, we specialize in this exact segment—design to delivery.
MOQ and Sampling Strategies for Activewear
To launch lean, keep your MOQ around 300–500 units per style. Offer 2–3 core colors.
| Sample Type | Ideal Quantity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fit sample | 1 per size | 7–10 days |
| Pre-production | 1 per colorway | After approval |
| Size set | Full size run | For QC and grading |
Trend-Driven Fabric Sourcing for 2025
Here’s what’s trending in fabric innovation for 2025:
- Recycled polyamide/spandex
- Mineral-infused yarns for recovery
- Ultra-light ribbed knits
- Color palettes: Sand, sage, espresso, cyber pink
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Brand or Production Path
Choosing the right brand—or creating one—isn’t just about looks. It’s about knowing your market and strategy.
If you’re a buyer, focus on the balance of style, quality, and price. If you’re building a brand, find a reliable partner who understands fit, tech, and trends.
For Consumers: What Matters Most—Style, Quality, or Price?
Everyone values these differently. Some choose Gymshark for branding. Others buy AYBL for the price. Know what you prioritize before you click "add to cart."
For Startups: Positioning Your Brand with a Competitive Edge
Focus on one angle:
- Better fit?
- Lower price?
- Stronger aesthetic?
Whatever it is, double down—and don’t try to copy everyone at once.
Conclusion
There’s more than one way to build or buy activewear. Whether you’re shopping or starting a label, understanding Gymshark and its rivals gives you the edge.
