When it comes to activewear, two of the most popular brands that come to mind are Gymshark and Lululemon. In this “Gymshark vs Lululemon” comparison, we’ll take an in-depth look at the differences between these fitness apparel giants, to help you better understand their unique offerings and decide which brand is the perfect fit for your workout wardrobe.
Both brands have established a strong following among fitness enthusiasts, offering a wide range of products for men and women, with a focus on quality and functionality. However, there are some key differences in terms of pricing, style, and performance features, which we’ll explore further to help you make the most informed choice.
Throughout this comparison, we’ll weigh factors such as price, design, breathability, and overall customer satisfaction, drawing information from a variety of online sources. Let’s dive right in and uncover what sets these two activewear brands apart, and which one reigns supreme.
What’s the Difference Between Gymshark vs Lululemon?
The main difference is that Lululemon is a well-established Canadian activewear brand that focuses on high-end yoga and fitness apparel, while Gymshark is a UK-based sportswear brand that targets younger consumers with affordable, trendy workout clothes.
Gymshark vs Lululemon
Brand History
Gymshark, a British fitness apparel brand, was founded by Ben Francis in 2012. The company began as a small-scale business with its products produced in a garage. From these humble beginnings, Gymshark grew rapidly into a global phenomenon, with a valuation of $1.3 billion and sales of almost $360 million in recent years. With customers in over 170 countries, the brand has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the fitness apparel industry.
On the other hand, Lululemon, a Canadian-based activewear company, was established in 1998. Its founder, Chip Wilson, focused on creating well-designed yoga apparel, which later expanded to other forms of workout gear. With over 20 years of experience in the business, Lululemon reported a striking $4.4 billion in sales in 2020.
While both brands have similar product offerings and target audiences, their strategies have varied throughout their respective histories. Gymshark’s success can be attributed to their strong online presence and the use of social media influencers. The brand’s impressive growth made Ben Francis, its founder, an influential figure in the fitness industry.
Lululemon, on the other hand, built its reputation through brick-and-mortar stores, prioritizing the in-store experience for customers. They have also made significant efforts to engage with their community, hosting fitness events and classes. Lululemon’s innovative and high-quality products have made the brand synonymous with premium activewear.
Product Range
Gymshark focuses primarily on providing functional and stylish activewear for men and women. Their product line includes leggings, sports bras, shorts, tanks, hoodies, and other essential workout gear. What sets Gymshark apart is its emphasis on performance materials and innovative designs, ensuring that its customers feel comfortable and supported during their workouts.
On the other hand, Lululemon has a broader product range that extends beyond activewear. While they are well-known for their signature leggings and workout apparel, Lululemon offers casual wear, outerwear, and accessories like bags and yoga mats. Their product lineup caters not only to fitness enthusiasts but also to those who seek comfortable and stylish everyday clothing.
Let’s take a closer look at the offerings of each brand:
| Gymshark | Lululemon |
|---|---|
| Leggings | Leggings |
| Sports bras | Sports bras |
| Shorts | Shorts |
| Tanks and tops | Tanks and tops |
| Hoodies and sweatshirts | Hoodies and outerwear |
| Men’s activewear | Men’s activewear |
| – | Casual wear |
| – | Accessories and yoga mats |
Quality and Durability
Gymshark
Gymshark’s activewear, while more affordable than Lululemon, does not compromise on quality. The brand is known for its comfortable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy materials, making their garments suitable for various workouts. Nonetheless, some reviews indicate that Gymshark’s products may be prone to pilling, impacting their overall durability.
Lululemon
Lululemon, on the other hand, has a reputation for high-quality, long-lasting apparel. The brand’s use of innovative fabrics means garments are comfortable and provide targeted support and ample stretch. Additionally, Lululemon’s products are typically designed with features to increase durability, such as reinforced seams and gussets, contributing to their longevity.
Both brands prioritize quality in their activewear lines, but consumers may notice subtle differences in fabric types and garment construction. While Gymshark offers more budget-friendly options, Lululemon’s attention to detail and use of premium materials may lead to increased durability. Ultimately, shoppers must weigh these factors when deciding which brand best fits their needs and preferences.
Price Comparison
When comparing the prices of fitness apparel from Gymshark and Lululemon, it’s evident that Gymshark tends to be more affordable overall. Lululemon, while not unreasonably expensive, is priced a bit higher than Gymshark, offering premium quality products at a premium price.
For instance, Gymshark leggings are typically priced between $60 and $65, while the lowest-priced leggings from Lululemon without a sale start at $98.
It’s essential to consider what you’re getting for the price. Although Gymshark offers more affordable options, its quality might not be comparable to Lululemon’s products. Gymshark’s wear may lack in some aspects when it comes to quality, contributing to its lower price range.
In contrast, the more expensive Lululemon brand offers reliable quality and textiles, justifying its higher price point.
Here’s a quick overview of the average price ranges of popular activewear items from both brands:
| Item | Gymshark | Lululemon |
|---|---|---|
| Leggings | $60 – $65 | $98 – $128 |
| Sports Bras | $35 – $45 | $48 – $68 |
| T-shirts | $25 – $35 | $58 – $78 |
Style and Design
Gymshark, known for its innovative and trendy designs, offers an almighty selection of activewear for men and women. Their products range from leggings and track pants to hoodies, jackets, sports bras, and swimwear. With their focus on creating sleek, form-fitting activewear, Gymshark is often recognized for its stylish and functional workout gear.
On the other hand, Lululemon, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, is known for its premium quality and minimalistic designs. Their activewear lineup features classic styles with subtle branding and an emphasis on comfort, durability, and performance. Lululemon’s offerings include leggings, tops, sports bras, jackets, and more, catering to various activities such as yoga, running, and training.
When comparing the color options available, Gymshark generally has a more vibrant and bold palette, which appeals to those who like making a statement with their workout attire. Lululemon often sticks to more neutral and earthy tones, delivering a sophisticated and timeless look.
Another aspect to consider when evaluating style and design is the technology and materials used in activewear. Gymshark incorporates various fabric blends and cutting-edge technology into their products, focusing on enhancing performance, breathability, and flexibility. Lululemon also uses advanced materials and proprietary fabrics like Luon and Luxtreme in their activewear, aimed at providing ample support, moisture-wicking, and flexibility.
Sizes and Fit
Regarding sizing, both Gymshark and Lululemon cater to a wide range of body sizes with their respective lines of activewear. However, there may be some differences in the fit and sizing between these two popular brands.
Gymshark offers a comprehensive sizing guide, and their leggings, particularly the vital seamless collection, are known to be very soft, stretchy, and versatile. The stretchiness provided by the 17% Elastane content allows the leggings to be worn mid or high-rise, depending on personal preference. With an internal silicone grip, the waistband ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
Lululemon, on the other hand, provides separate size guides for both men and women. According to a reddit post, the sizing for Lululemon leggings tends to run similar to Gymshark’s sizing, but it might be best to consult their specific size charts to ensure the correct fit.
How can you make the right choice for yourself?
Take the time to measure your body accurately, and check the individual size guides of each brand to see which one will suit your needs best. For example, the provided Gymshark measurement guide can help find the perfect fit for their products. In contrast, Lululemon’s fit guide and size charts, which include both inches and centimeters, can be helpful for their respective products.
Remember that both brands are renowned for their quality and performance, so as long as you pay attention to sizing and fit, you should be able to find activewear that suits your body and workouts perfectly.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
When discussing Gymshark and Lululemon, it’s important to consider each brand’s environmental and ethical aspects. Both companies have shown commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, but there are differences in their approach.
Gymshark focuses on three key areas: Our Planet, Our People, and Wear More Waste Less. The company has set a Science-Based Target, guided by the Science-Based Target Institute (SBTi), to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, Gymshark uses recycled packaging and complies with the REACH restricted substance list. However, most of their materials are not eco-friendly, and no evidence suggests they minimize textile waste.
On the other hand, Lululemon utilizes some eco-friendly materials, including recycled materials, and has set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and supply chain by 60% by 2030. Lululemon also requires suppliers to utilize the HIGG INDEX 2.0 facilities module, which addresses key environmental impact areas such as energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, wastewater/effluent, air emissions, waste, and chemicals management.
While both brands have steps in place for improving their environmental footprint, how do they fare in terms of ethical considerations?
Gymshark’s efforts regarding ethical practices are not as transparent as its environmental commitments. Limited information is available about workers’ treatment in the supply chain, which raises concerns for many consumers.
Conversely, Lululemon demonstrates a higher level of transparency in its ethical approach. The brand is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and actively assesses the environmental and social impact of its supply chain operations. However, it’s essential to note that more improvements can be made.
Customer Service
Both Gymshark and Lululemon are known for their customer service and commitment to providing a positive shopping experience. However, there are some differences in their approaches.
Lululemon, being a more established company, has a vast retail presence with over 207 stores worldwide. This allows customers to try on clothes in-store and interact with staff who can help with sizing, product recommendations, and more. Additionally, Lululemon offers online video shopping and sizing assistance, making the customer experience seamless across channels.
On the other hand, Gymshark mainly operates online, catering to customers in over 170 countries. As an online-focused brand, Gymshark’s customer service relies on features such as:
- User-friendly website navigation
- Comprehensive sizing guides
- Responsive customer support via chat, email, and social media
- Transparent shipping and return policies
Both brands also strongly focus on community engagement and customer connections. Gymshark, for instance, often collaborates with influencers and fitness enthusiasts, while Lululemon hosts events and workshops to encourage an active lifestyle. This focus on building a fitness community enhances the overall customer experience, making it more than just a shopping transaction.
Regarding customer support response times, both brands are relatively quick to address customer inquiries and resolve issues. However, it is essential to consider factors such as time zones and the nature of inquiries when comparing response times between the two companies.
Lululemon is known for accommodating returns, while Gymshark’s return policies can vary depending on the specific scenario. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on each brand’s return policies, it’s best to consult their respective websites.
So, which brand’s customer service is more suitable for your needs? The answer ultimately depends on your shopping preferences, location, and whether you prefer in-store assistance or are comfortable navigating online. Regardless, Gymshark and Lululemon provide an enjoyable customer experience backed by a solid commitment to quality and satisfaction.
Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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