Why Is Gymshark So Popular Among Fitness Influencers?

When you scroll through Instagram or TikTok, it feels like every fitness influencer is wearing Gymshark.
But what made this UK-born brand go viral — and why do so many athletes, trainers, and content creators swear by it?

As someone who works in the fitness apparel manufacturing industry, I’ve studied Gymshark’s strategy up close — from fabric sourcing to influencer marketing.
Here’s a clear, first-hand breakdown.

Table of Contents

1. The Real Story Behind Gymshark’s Rise
2. What Makes Gymshark Popular Among Influencers
3. Fabric & Fit: The Key to Its Success
4. Gymshark’s Influencer Strategy Explained
5. Brand Positioning: From Niche to Global Trend
6. Why Influencers Trust Gymshark
7. Comparison: Gymshark vs Other Fitness Brands
8. Lessons for New Fitness Brands
9. FAQs
10. About FuKi Gymwear – Custom Fitness Apparel Manufacturer

1. The Real Story Behind Gymshark’s Rise

Gymshark was founded in 2012 by Ben Francis, a 19-year-old college student from the UK.
He began sewing gym clothes in his garage, fueled by a simple goal:

“Create gym wear that fits like a second skin and looks good on camera.”

The brand grew through direct influencer partnerships, not traditional advertising.
Early collaborations with fitness YouTubers like Lex Griffin and Nikki Blackketter helped Gymshark explode online — long before “influencer marketing” became mainstream.

2. What Makes Gymshark Popular Among Influencers

💡 Influencers love Gymshark because it’s designed to make their content — not just their workouts — look good.

3. Fabric & Fit: The Key to Its Success

As someone who’s handled similar fabrics for OEM production, I can confirm Gymshark’s technical materials are a major part of its appeal.

🧵 From a manufacturing view, Gymshark’s edge isn’t exotic materials — it’s fabric engineering, consistent QC, and fit perfection.

4. Gymshark’s Influencer Strategy Explained

Unlike traditional sponsorships, Gymshark created a brand-first community, not a celebrity endorsement system.

Their core methods:

1. Micro-Influencer Network – Focus on engagement, not follower count.
2. Athlete Identity – Influencers act as brand ambassadors, not paid advertisers.
3. Relatable Aesthetic – Simple visuals, natural light, and authentic tone.
4. Platform Mastery – Early TikTok and Reels adoption boosted reach.

💬 I personally think this is the single smartest move Gymshark made:

It didn’t “use” influencers — it built them.

5. Brand Positioning: From Niche to Global Trend

Gymshark positioned itself perfectly between luxury fitness and mass-market sportswear.

💡 Gymshark filled the “Instagram generation” gap — affordable, aesthetic, aspirational.

6. Why Influencers Trust Gymshark

• Consistent Product Fit: Influencers know every drop fits similarly — less size guessing.
• Brand Recognition: Posting Gymshark guarantees engagement due to strong brand equity.
• Collaborative Relationship: Influencers get long-term deals and early access.
• Community Events: Offline events (like Gymshark Lifts) strengthen loyalty.

As a manufacturer, I can say that brand consistency is the real secret behind influencer trust.

7. Comparison: Gymshark vs Other Fitness Brands

📊 Gymshark wins in community and influencer integration — its biggest competitive advantage.

8. Lessons for New Fitness Brands

As someone running FuKi Gymwear, here’s what I’ve learned from Gymshark’s playbook:

1. Focus on fit first – Before marketing, perfect the product experience.
2. Build a community, not a campaign.
3. Design for content – Your apparel must look good on camera.
4. Collaborate with micro-influencers – Engagement beats reach.
5. Keep quality consistent – Repeat buyers come from reliability, not hype.

If you’re starting a fitness apparel brand, start small — but think global from day one.

9. FAQs

Q1. Is Gymshark a luxury brand?
No. It’s a mid-tier performance brand focused on aesthetic and affordability.

Q2. Does Gymshark make its own products?
Mostly through OEM/ODM factories in Asia — similar to how other activewear brands operate.

Q3. Why do influencers prefer Gymshark over Nike or Lululemon?
Because Gymshark feels more personal — it collaborates with influencers early and gives them identity, not just payment.

Q4. Can small brands replicate Gymshark’s strategy?
Yes, with a strong niche, consistent design, and authentic influencer relations.

10. About FuKi Gymwear – Custom Fitness Apparel Manufacturer

At FuKiGymwear.com, we help brands build their own Gymshark-inspired collections —
combining high-stretch fabrics, seamless engineering, and influencer-ready design.

Our services include:

• OEM & ODM production with low MOQ (100 pcs)
• Custom fabrics & fits (nylon-spandex, ribbed, recycled blends)
• Private labeling & logo printing
• Fast sampling: 7–10 days; bulk: 25–35 days
• Global shipping for startup fitness brands

💬 If you’re planning to launch your own gym wear line,
we’ll help you design, develop, and produce apparel that’s camera-ready and influencer-approved —
just like the world’s top brands.

👉 Ready to start your own fitness apparel brand?
Visit FuKiGymwear.com to turn your Gymshark-inspired vision into reality.