ELV3N vs Gymshark vs YoungLA: How to Choose Training Gear

Shopping for training clothes can turn into a long scroll through nearly identical black shorts. The useful question is less ‘which brand is best?’ and more ‘which one makes the kit I’ll actually wear for my week?’ These labels have different strengths, and one outfit does not have to do every job.

The quick read

• Gymshark has a broad gym wardrobe, with shorts organized by length, fit and activity.
• YoungLA leans into bodybuilding and lifestyle styling, with plenty of distinct shorts and graphic options.
• Nike has a deep running selection, from everyday Miler pieces to more technical Stride and AeroSwift gear.
• Under Armour is a strong place to look for general training layers and familiar compression pieces.
• ELV3N's current assortment is performance tops, fleece hoodies and yoga apparel.

Gymshark: a broad gym wardrobe

If most of your week happens on the gym floor, Gymshark gives you a lot to browse in one place: lifting, conditioning, running, rest-day clothes, and shorts in several lengths and fits. That breadth is useful when you want to build a whole rotation or like trying different silhouettes. Look at the individual product page before assuming a short made for lifting has the liner, pocket setup or feel you want on a run. See the current Gymshark men's shorts range and its men's training collection.

YoungLA: bodybuilding culture and statement pieces

YoungLA describes itself as a lifestyle clothing brand, and its men's shorts section makes that mix easy to see: bodybuilding cuts sit beside mesh, training and more expressive designs. It is worth a look if the gym is also where you like to wear a more distinctive fit. For a run or a mixed session, check the specific short’s inseam, liner and pocket before choosing by the look alone. Browse YoungLA men's shorts to compare the current cuts.

Nike: lots of choice when running is the priority

Nike’s running assortment is broad, with tops, shorts, tights and jackets across lines such as Miler, Stride and AeroSwift. That gives runners plenty of ways to match kit to distance, weather and how technical they want to go. The range can also make comparisons noisy: check the fabric, pocket layout and intended use on the exact piece, not just the line name. Start with Nike men's running clothing and compare like for like.

Under Armour: training staples and compression

Under Armour covers a lot of general training ground, from shirts and shorts to leggings and compression layers. If you already know you like a close, supportive fit, its training categories make those pieces straightforward to find. If you prefer room through the thigh or torso, check the cut and size notes carefully; a category name does not tell you how a garment will feel once you start moving. See the Under Armour men's training clothing range for current options.

Where ELV3N fits

ELV3N's current shop is a compact mix of everyday training and studio pieces: Streetwear Unisex Heavyweight Fleece Hoodie — Relaxed Fit; Vintage Washed Frayed Fleece Hoodie — Skull Streetwear; Performance Tank — Built for More; Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt; Crop Yoga Sports Jacket; High Waisted Yoga Leggings; Ruched Halter Yoga Tank Top; and High Waisted Yoga Capri Leggings — 4-Way Stretch Activewear. It is a better fit if you're shopping for tops, casual layers or a coordinated yoga look. The current lineup does not include training shorts, running tights or technical running shells, so runners and lifters who need those should plan to shop for them elsewhere.

If you want to see whether the current ELV3N styles fit your week, start with the product that fills a gap: a tank or long sleeve for training, a heavyweight hoodie for casual wear, or yoga separates for a class. Browse the current ELV3N collection and check each product page for the available sizes, colours, fabric and care information. Our guides to running-short fit and hybrid training kit can help you work out the rest of your outfit if you also run or lift.

A simple way to compare before you buy

• Compare the same kind of garment and a similar price point, not a running singlet against a heavy gym tee.
• Try a squat, hinge, overhead reach and short jog in the outfit; notice what shifts, rubs or feels too warm.
• Load the pockets with what you actually carry and see whether anything bounces.
• Check the size guide and return policy before ordering, especially if you are between sizes.

A brand can make a great piece that still is not right for your training. If you want a broad gym wardrobe or expressive bodybuilding styles, start with Gymshark or YoungLA. If you need a wide selection of running-specific gear, look at Nike. If you want training basics and compression, compare Under Armour. ELV3N is the one to consider when you are shopping specifically for training tops, fleece streetwear or yoga pieces; it does not currently cover every part of a gym or running outfit.