Gymshark is built for a narrower hip-to-waist ratio than most UK women have. If you carry more weight in your hips and thighs than your waist, you're likely to size up — but not always, and not across every range.
The core problem for pear shapes
Gymshark's bestselling leggings (Vital Seamless, Adapt Animal, Fleck) are cut with a hip measurement roughly 8–10cm larger than the waist. Most pear shapes have a differential closer to 12–15cm. That means: if the waist fits, the hips pull. If the hips fit, the waist gaps.
Which ranges work best
Vital Seamless — The most forgiving for pear shapes because the seamless fabric has good four-way stretch. Most women with hips 40"+ in a UK 14 find the XL sits well without excess at the waist.
Adapt Fleck — Less stretch than Vital. Pear shapes consistently report this running tight across the outer thigh even when the waist is fine. Size up one.
Training leggings (woven) — These are the most problematic. The structured fabric has almost no give. If you have significant hip-to-thigh volume, these may not work regardless of size.
Shorts — Gymshark shorts actually work well for pear shapes because there's no waist-hip mismatch to manage. The bike short cut (Fleck, Vital) gives the most coverage across the thigh.
Size guide by measurement
| Hip measurement | Suggested size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 37" | S | Check waist — may gape |
| 37–39" | M | Vital Seamless only |
| 39–41" | L | Standard recommendation |
| 41–43" | XL | Most pear shapes land here |
| 43"+ | 2XL | Or try a different brand |
What the community says
The most consistent piece of advice from pear-shaped Gymshark wearers: buy the Vital Seamless in your hip size and use a drawstring or belt for the waist. The seamless waistband on the Vital is narrower and more accommodating than the Adapt range.
For anything with a thick structured waistband (Adapt Animal, Training), size for your hips and expect some extra room at the waist.
When to try a different brand
If your hips are more than 14cm larger than your waist, Gymshark's standard cuts will always require a compromise. Sweaty Betty's Power Leggings and TALA's Arlo Biker Short are cut with a more generous hip-to-thigh ratio and may suit your shape better without sizing up.
Take the Forre fit quiz to get recommendations based on your specific measurements.