Fitness,  Reviews

Honest Gymshark Review

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Updated March, 2020. Gymshark: They are all over the ‘gram and slowly becoming the most common pair of leggings in the gym… but are they worth the hype? They are middle of the road in price, think more expensive than Target less expensive than Lululemon. Do they look as good on “normal” people as they do on Gymshark sponsored athletes? I had ALL of these same questions! Luckily, I love giving my opinions and recommendations on things so keep on scrolling for my honest Gymshark review.

For reference: I am 5’5, 135-140 lbs, and I wear a size 2.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission if you choose to purchase through some of the linked items below. This does not affect pricing for you. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting this micro blogger!

1. Original Flex leggings: Charcoal Marl/Dusky Teal – Size Small

Gymshark Review of Charcoal Marl/Dusky Teal Flex leggings

These are like the OG Gymshark leggings. I feel like these are how everyone heard about Gymshark, myself included. All of the fitspos I followed had them and their butts looked amazing so reasonably I had to have them too! They appeared at least mid-rise on the girls on Instagram but they are absolutely hip hugger/low rise leggings. AKA major love handles. Even on my leanest day, I do not wear these with just a sports bra. I think really thin girls can pull these off without love handles but I am not that girl. The waist band digs in so it creates love handles even if you are pretty lean. Also, if you’re bloated, the waist band can be uncomfortable. 

However, the booty contour is great. Perfect for leg/glute day! The material is really stretchy and comfortable. They are a little long on me but I don’t mind because I like the way they look when they are rolled up a couple times. If that’s not your style and you’re short like me, these will be probably be too long. 

Pros: Booty contour is amazing! Material is really stretchy and comfortable. This color is mostly sweat proof.

Cons: Low rise with a tight waist band. Not the most flattering collection. Slight camel toe. Extremely long.

I rolled one leg and left one unrolled. These are the longest pair of Gymshark leggings I own.
This is the way I wear them! Great for leg day.

2. Flex High Waisted: Washed Khaki Marl/Blush Nude – Size Small

Gymshark review of washed khaki marl/blush flex high waisted leggings.

So obviously the problems with the original flex were heard and they launched high rise flex. I was thrilled. Because they are high waisted with a seamless band it definitely fixes the love handle issue. The color I bought (washed khaki marl/blush nude) is no longer available.

Side note: I don’t wear underwear with any of my Gymshark leggings except the original flex (listed above) because I don’t want lines or colors peeking through. In an effort to be truly transparent with you, this color, while squat proof, you can see the outline of some things (use your imagination) in well-lit rooms… like a gym for instance. Personally, I’d recommend getting one of the darker colors instead…. lesson learned. These are compressed only on the waist band, nowhere else.

*Update*: I’ve purchased 2 other colors, Berry/Rose and Black/Grey and I like them so much better! Not see through at all.

Pros: Fixed all the cons from the original flex. Booty contour is still on point and material is comfortable and stretchy. The Black/Grey is completely sweat proof and the Berry/Rose is not bad.

Cons: I like these but because they are quite compressed on the waist band they can be a little less flattering than some. I generally won’t wear them if I am feeling bloated. Lighter colors are not sweat proof.

One leg rolled and one unrolled for length comparison!

3. Energy Seamless high waisted leggings: Purple wash – Size Small

Gymshark review of Purple wash energy seamless high waisted leggings.

These are the original line of Energy Seamless. They have since come out with a new line called Energy+ Seamless. These have a higher waist band than the Energy+ and are ever so slightly stretchier than the Energy+. Personally, I don’t mind the higher waist band because I just roll them down a little.

I like these because they give a little more coverage of the mid-section when you want to wear just leggings and a sports bra. They are very different from the flex; thicker material and compressed all over, not just the waist band. I love the compression because it holds me in right where I want it to without being so tight that I look like a stuffed sausage spilling over the top OR flattening the booty —priorities am I right?

Pros: Comfortable, flattering due to the compressed/high waist band.

Cons: If I want to wear a crop top and still show some mid-section skin, the waist band is generally too high for that. However, its perfect for covering more skin if you just want to wear a sports bra. They’re not bad on the booty but there are certainly more flattering collections. This color is not sweat proof at all.

4. Energy+ Seamless leggings: Indigo – Size Small

Gymshark review of Indigo Energy+ seamless

I like both collections of the energy seamless. Like I mentioned above, the waist band is slightly shorter on these as well as the length. Perfect for shorties! Slightly less stretchy than the original Energy Seamless. Same positives as the original! I personally LOVE the indigo color. It’s super vibrant and fun. 

I have these in black as well but they are the cropped version, think capri length. Obviously they fit exactly the same but I prefer full length. The black is extremely flattering though so I definitely recommend it if you’re not into the bold colors.

Pros: Same as the original Energy seamless. I love the “hole” details on the legs. I think they’re cute and give a little breathability. And these are not too long!

Cons: Now that I have made some booty gains (since the pictures below) these do not fit as well as they once did. They flatten the booty a little and just all around feel tighter. I feel like sizing up might make them too big for me. This color is not sweat proof, you can see what I mean in this video.

Not rolled up at all. Love the length of these!

5. Flawless Knit Tights: Ruby – Size XS

Gymshark review of Ruby Flawless Knit Tights

I went down in size because a girl at my gym let me try hers on before I ordered mine, and originally I was glad I did because they fit my butt better. However, now that I’ve made some booty gains, a small would have been a better choice. The waist band is compressed but nowhere else. These are do not require any rolling as they are quite a bit shorter than my other Gymshark leggings.

The material is definitely thinner than any of the others which is why they call them tights. Personally, I like that it’s thinner, but I did poke a teeny hole in mine with my finger nail while I was pulling them up. Maybe I’m too rough or they’re a little too small–oops! The little holes on the legs of this collection makes them more breathable and I love how high up the detail goes on the thigh/butt. I personally like the small “Gymshark” on the left thigh and the logo at the hip. I am partial to ruby/garnet colors (Go Noles!) but I also purchased the Khaki color and I like that one as well.

Pros: Breathable due to the “hole” detailing. They stay in place well. Flattering on most. Would be better if I had purchased my normal size. Love all the colors they come in.

Cons: These are less compressed than the Energy Seamless, so they don’t “hold you in” quite as well. Same as the high waisted flex, they wouldn’t be my first choice if I was feeling bloated. The ruby color is not entirely sweat proof but much better than the Khaki.

6. Camo Seamless Collection: Size Small

I saved the best for last y’all. I am going in and updating this blog post because the camo collection was not released when I first wrote it and they deserve their spot.The Camo collection is without a doubt the best line of leggings Gymshark sells. They are so flattering, even on bloated days. They are stretchy, comfortable, lift the booty, and are not too long. If you’re worried about dimples or cellulite, most of the camo colors will cover that right up too.The material is thicker than most of the other collections without being too hot. I believe the thickness of the material is what makes them so flattering. They also have a longer waist band and a scrunch detail on the butt which both flatter the booty.

I have the black, sage green, and lavender grey colors. Unfortunately the lavender grey is no longer available but they have a very similar color called Berry Red. The black are obviously the most versatile and of course the most sweat proof. But the other two colors are pretty good as well. These are flattering on every body type.

Scrunch butt detail

See the black camo leggings in action here!

If you could only buy one pair of leggings, I would recommend purchasing the Gymshark Camo seamless in black! If you could splurge, I would buy the high waisted flex in one of the darker colors.

I totally believe in the Gymshark hype. They are absolutely worth the money! I hope you found my honest Gymshark review helpful and informative . If you have any questions or if there is anything I missed, just comment and I am happy to answer. 

Friendly Reminder: Posed pictures look WAY different! Remember we all post our highlight real on the ‘gram

Happy shopping friends!

-The Relatable Red

54 Comments

      • Hollie Docwra

        Great review but I’m curious to know about the sizing. I’ve looked in their website and my waist is L and my hips XS so wondering if they’re just not right for me or what size to buy!?

        • admin

          Most of their leggings are very stretchy and form fitting so I don’t think it’ll be impossible. I would buy whatever your normal size in other brands of leggings. Perhaps the camo or vital seamless.

    • admin

      I believe they all run between $35-$60 depending on how new they are. I linked them in case you want the price of a specific collection!

  • Nyxie

    Wonderful review! I’ve always been interested in Gym Shark but could never commit to exercise enough to justify getting a pair. I’ve currently gotten back in to Yoga so it seems only right that, once weight restored, I invest in decent leggings.

    I especially love the high wasted purple!

    – Nyxie

    http://www.nyxiesnook.com

    • admin

      Yes I was the same way! I refused to buy any nice gym clothes until I was consistent. Truthfully though, they’re so dang flattering that they helped my confidence in the gym. So definitely worth the investment in my book!

  • Megan

    I appreciate your detailed review, I am currently in the market for Gymshark but have been mostly hesitant. You did a great job, you helped me feel confident and So I shall try the Energy+Seamless. Thank you for your kindness, best wishes 💗

    • admin

      Hi Megan! You’re so welcome. I was hesitant before I purchased them too. If I can add, I didn’t have the camo collection when this blog was posted and that line has surpassed all of my other favorites. So if you’re a camo gal, I highly recommend them!

  • Stacey

    Great review! Thank you! I am planning on buying the Flex high waisted leggings. I am a small hips and medium waist. I usually go with the size the corresponds to my hips, but I am concerned because you said the waist is compressed and I don’t have a tiny waist. What would be your recommendation on size?

    • admin

      Thank you!! Hmm that’s a tough one. I would stay as true to your normal size as you can. The waist band is a little snug but it helps keeps them up. If you’re concerned about “spilling out” over the top, then I would size up.
      I hope that was helpful and you love them. Since doing this review, Ive grown to really like the high waisted Flex even more.

  • daisy rubang

    Thanks for such an awesome review. I am so picky with workout/gym leggings. I recently purchased gymsharks- tried the camo collection vs the flex high waist, and personally for me the camo fit won me over the flex high waist. it gives such a good compression, no sweat marks (#1 for me) and it flatters the booty like no other. i am curious about the ones you have mentioned and would like to give it a try. i did try the vital seamless, small was too tight and medium felt too loose. do u think it may be worth trying the ones you had mentioned? i have noticed that they all seem to vary in material as well.

    • admin

      You’re so welcome!! I wrote this review before the camo came out and they are 100% my favorite line, far superior to the one I listed! Personally I like the high waisted flex in the darker colors second to the camo. The flawless knit are the biggest difference in material as they are super thin. Originally I advised to size down but I think going with your normal size would be best.

  • daisy

    omg YES the camo is absolutely amazing. i had to do a lil review myself on gymshark. i did end up trying a few others. the energy + seamless was an almost. the small was tooo tight and medium was too loose. i wanted to make it work but i couldn’t! i would love to try the flawless knit but they’re sold out!!! i will keep checking. thanks again for your reviews they were legit.
    do an update on the camo collection!!

  • 1920s dress

    Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a superb
    article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

    • admin

      I am glad you enjoyed and appreciate the effort I put into the post!

      We all struggle with that. I know I am struggling more now than ever with discipline and time management. My best advice is to set achievable goals every day and remember that success is not linear. There will always be ups and downs to growth.

    • admin

      Hi there! I am 5’5. I have never purchased from H&M before but I am usually a 2/3 in jeans/shorts or a small. I’m between 135-140lbs.

  • Francis Bjella

    amazing post. I stumbled upon your article and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed reading your article. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

    • admin

      Thanks for your feedback Francis. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I post just about every Sunday! Definitely subscribe so you don’t miss a post 🙂

  • Paula

    Thanks so much for this review. I’ve never bought gymshark and have been desperate to buy but wasn’t sure what to go for. After reading this, Camo it shall be!!! Thanks again!

    • Aisworya Maharjan

      So I bought 4 joggers from them, they sent all the wrong item, charged me $100 something. When I emailed them saying I want a refund on two of the joggers , I got a reply saying ‘ we think if you keep the item it will be the easiest way.’ You will have to pay for shipping the item and it will take too long. We can refund you $3 if you consider keeping the item. Very bad experience. Very bad customer service and a good way to rip off customers.

  • Marie

    Thank you for this detailed review. Was thinking i might give them a go and then saw so many types on the website 😅 your review has really helped me figure out which style would be best for me

    • admin

      You are so welcome! I know how overwhelming it is trying to decide. Since this post, I also purchased the vital seamless shorts and I really love them. I can’t vouch for the leggings specifically, but I imagine they’re the same.

  • Jasmine

    Thanks for your honest reviews. I think it save me some money and latter dissatisfaction. If possible can u guide me what best will suit 40 yrs old with medium size body. I’m looking for change in my gym look. Looking for something elegant sexy. but failing miserably.

    • admin

      Thanks for reading Jasmine! My favorite is always the camo, they’re just the most comfortable and flattering in my opinion. I would chose those or the energy seamless!
      I have recently tried the vital seamless shorts and really like those too. But I haven’t tried the vital seamless leggings yet so I can’t speak to those.

  • Emily

    I don’t know if you mentioned it somewhere, but I was wondering if you’d mind sharing your waist and hip measurements? I know that you already gave your jean size and weight, but weight is distributed very differently among ppl and sizes aren’t uniform across brands. Thanks!

  • Brenton

    Gymshark… Yes a great alternative to more expensive brands like Lululemon however if you live outside of their free delivery zone beware. I was first time Gymshark purchaser and not sure about sizing so I consulted their size charts and then made my best guess. Unfortunately on this occasion I guessed badly. As a result I had to return my purchases. Usually this is not a problem as most online international retailer make this easy and some even have free returns. Not Gymshark. If you need to make returns this is at your own cost (and make allowances for customs duty on the returned goods). It cost me 55$ for courier (post offices closed due to covid) and customs duty to return 2 t-shirts and a pair of shorts. Their support line was polite but unsupportive and basically said “sorry can’t help, your returns your costs”. So there super simple “rebound” returns service is neither simple nor cheap. So unless you know exactly what you are ordering fits think carefully about whether you are prepared for the hassle of returning your items.

    • admin

      Hmmm that’s a pain. I have definitely had to pay shipping on my orders so I must be out of the free delivery zone. We have returned something previously and didnt have quite the hassle.I am not sure what the difference would be in our cases. But definitely worth noting!

  • Stephanie

    Hi! 🙂 Thanks soo much for this review.. Would you mind if I asked what height you are? I’m only 5’1 and I’m thinking of the cropped to actually be a nice ankle length.. That’s what I do with lululemons. Cropped are just perfect!

    • admin

      You’re so welcome! I am 5’5. The flawless knit & energy seamless are a little shorter but I do usually roll all of my gymshark leggings at least once or twice. I believe some of the collections have the 7/8th length and those might be good too!

  • Diana

    Hey!! Thank you for this review. I’ve been looking to buy some but the gymshark reviews on Instagram are always… fake or staged.

    May I advice you of something though? Looking at your pictures, it seems to me that you have a “leg length discrepancy”. It is fixable, however you’d need to see a chiropractor to get it aligned every now and then. Once they fix it, you’ll walk different and your workouts will hurt a bit on the side that was shorter but it’ll eventually get better. Please see a doctor. 🙂

    • admin

      You’re welcome for the review!

      Hmmm… I haven’t been to a chiropractor in years but its always on my list. I wonder if you’re on to something there. Thanks for your feedback!

    • admin

      100% yes! This blog needs a little update because the vital seamless, especially the shorts are amongst my favorites. Those and camo

  • Kalie

    Thank you for this! Do they stretch out at all after wearing a few times? I ordered a small and a medium and, while the mediums fit, if I lose even half an inch or they stretch, they won’t stay up doing jumping jacks or the like. The smalls feel snug. But again, losing half an inch or if they stretch out, they would be perfect. Thanks for your help!

    • admin

      My black camo leggings have stretched out a tiny bit but thats after years of wear! The other colors are newer and haven’t yet. The vital seamless shorts stretch out a little while you’re wearing them but always go back when washed.

  • Ashley Chrysler

    Hi! I came across your blog while looking for good reviews about gymshark leggings. Your post is great and full of helpful info! My biggest issue when it comes to leggings is that they slide down when I’m running/jumping. Do you have any issues with that with the gymshark seamless leggings?

    • admin

      Hey Ashley! Thanks for reading 🙂 I don’t do tons of cardio/jumping but no I haven’t experience that at all. My post needs updated… the energy seamless are no longer available. But luckily, the vital seamless is way better!

  • Rebecca

    Thank you for such an amazing review! I’ve bought workout clothes from Gymshark before (energy seamless) and they’ve always been amazing!
    I’m hoping to buy some new leggings and sports bra, as my old ones no longer fit me, and am really not sure what to go with. What is the top piece that you’d recommend? I think I’m torn between black energy+ seamless and the black camo.
    Ideally, I’d want to go with the most sweat and squat proof leggings, as that’s something I often worry about when working out.

    Thanks again for such a great review – it was really helpful!

    • admin

      Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much for reading 🙂 The only gymshark sports bra I have is the flex strappy sports bra. I like it well enough. It’s high neck which is good if you’re bustier. I would say it is probably a light-medium support.
      My post needs updating, I dont believe they sell the energy+ seamless anymore. Luckily I would recommend the camo for you even if they did! The material is thicker and the black camo hides everything.

    • Chloe

      Hey! I’ve just stumbled across your blog and I was wondering if you have any new favourite Gymshark leggings or if you’ve changed your mind on any of your favourites you recommended previously? Your post is so informative and has helped me narrow down which leggings to order as a first time Gymshark buyer so thank you 🙌🏼 💪🏼

      • admin

        You’re so welcome! This post needs an update since some of these are not available anymore. However, my opinions mostly stay the same. I have since purchased the vital seamless leggings and the vital seamless shorts and they are truly neck and neck with the Camo. They surpass the high waisted flex. I am 6 months pregnant so I haven’t bought some of the new camos or their new collections but I plan to post baby and will update then. I feel confident saying the new camos are likely as amazing as the first ones that I have.

  • Clarissa

    Hello, I am glad I found this write up. May I just ask, is it safe to wear seamless shorts without any undergarment underneath it? Thank you!

    • admin

      That’s how I prefer it! You never have to worry about lines and it’s much more comfortable. Thanks for reading 🙂

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