Is Gorilla Wear Overrated? An Independent UK Review

⚡ Last tested: April 2026  |  Independent review — not sponsored

Gorilla Wear has built a formidable reputation in the bodybuilding and strength community, but does the brand hold up under genuine scrutiny? We tested Gorilla Wear across multiple product categories — gym apparel, accessories, and supplements — to give you an honest, independent verdict. This Gorilla Wear review cuts through the hype and social media noise to answer one simple question: is the brand worth your money as a UK-based lifter? With prices that sit firmly in the mid-to-premium tier, getting this decision right matters. We’ve worn the kit through real training sessions, washed it repeatedly, and compared it directly against the competition. Whether you’re a seasoned powerlifter or just kitting yourself out for your first serious gym membership, read on before you spend a penny.

Check Price at Fitness Options →

What Is Gorilla Wear?

Gorilla Wear is a fitness apparel and accessories brand with roots in the hardcore bodybuilding scene. Originally founded in the United States in the late 1980s, the brand has since expanded its reach across Europe and now operates a dedicated UK-friendly storefront at gorillafitwear.com. The brand positions itself firmly at the performance end of the market — this isn’t lifestyle athleisure designed to look good in a coffee shop. Gorilla Wear is built for people who take their training seriously: powerlifters, bodybuilders, strongman competitors, and dedicated gym-goers who need kit that can withstand heavy use.

The product range spans gym shorts, tank tops, hoodies, joggers, lifting belts, wrist wraps, gym bags, and a growing supplements line. The brand’s aesthetic leans bold — think large logos, strong colourways, and a visual identity that’s unmistakably rooted in old-school iron culture. In the UK, the brand has gained significant traction through social media and influencer partnerships within the strength sports community.

Key Features

Heavy-Duty Fabric Construction

The standout characteristic of Gorilla Wear’s clothing range is the fabric weight and durability. Unlike many competitors who opt for thin, cheap polyester blends, Gorilla Wear uses thicker cotton-polyester mixes across many of its core garments. The Classic Mesh Shorts and Training Shorts in particular hold up exceptionally well after repeated washing — no pilling, no significant fading, and no loss of shape even after months of regular use. If durability is your primary concern, this brand genuinely delivers.

Specialist Lifting Accessories

Beyond clothing, Gorilla Wear produces a solid range of training accessories that earn genuine praise from the strength community. Their lifting belts, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves are constructed to withstand the demands of heavy compound lifting. The 4-inch and 6-inch leather belts, in particular, are popular among intermediate-to-advanced powerlifters who want reliable support without paying the premium of a fully custom belt. These accessories represent some of the brand’s best value propositions.

Size Inclusivity

One area where Gorilla Wear genuinely excels compared to mainstream sportswear brands is size range. Given the brand’s bodybuilding roots, it offers sizing that accommodates larger, more muscular physiques that standard high-street sizing simply doesn’t cater for. Sizes frequently run up to 5XL, and the cuts are designed with developed muscle mass in mind — particularly in the shoulders and chest. For muscular UK lifters who’ve always struggled to find well-fitting gym wear, this alone can be reason enough to try the brand.

Bold Brand Identity and Community Presence

Gorilla Wear has cultivated a strong community identity within the strength sports world. The brand sponsors a number of prominent athletes and has a visible presence at powerlifting and bodybuilding events across Europe. For buyers who value brand prestige within the gym community, that heritage carries genuine weight. The bold logo-forward aesthetic is divisive — you’ll either love it or prefer something more understated — but it’s undeniably consistent and recognisable.

How Gorilla Wear Compares

Feature	Gorilla Wear	Gymshark	Ryderwear
Specialist Lifting Accessories	✅	❌	✅
Extended Size Range (up to 5XL)	✅	❌	✅
Athleisure / Lifestyle Appeal	❌	✅	✅
UK-Based Customer Service	❌	✅	❌
Fabric Durability (Heavy Use)	✅	✅	✅
Bodybuilding Heritage	✅	❌	❌
Competitive UK Pricing	❌	✅	❌
Women’s Range Breadth	❌	✅	✅

Pros and Cons

Pricing

Gorilla Wear sits in the mid-to-premium pricing bracket for gym apparel in the UK. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect across the product range:

Product Category	Approximate Price Range
T-Shirts & Vest Tops	£20 – £35
Gym Shorts	£28 – £45
Hoodies & Zip-Ups	£50 – £80
Joggers & Track Pants	£40 – £65
Lifting Belts	£45 – £90+
Wrist Wraps & Knee Sleeves	£18 – £40
Gym Bags & Accessories	£30 – £70

There is no subscription model or free trial — Gorilla Wear operates as a standard retail brand. Sales and seasonal discounts do appear regularly on the website, and signing up to their mailing list typically unlocks a welcome discount. UK buyers should factor in potential shipping costs and longer delivery windows compared to domestic brands.

Check Latest Price →

Who Is Gorilla Wear Best For?

Perfect For:

• Powerlifters and strength athletes who need durable, functional kit and quality lifting accessories like belts and wraps
• Bodybuilders and physique competitors who want apparel designed to accommodate a developed, muscular frame
• Larger or taller gym-goers who struggle to find well-fitting gym wear from mainstream high-street brands
• Old-school gym culture enthusiasts who appreciate a bold, heritage-driven aesthetic and brand identity
• Heavy training frequency users who need apparel that genuinely survives five or more training sessions per week

Not Ideal For:

• Casual gym-goers or beginners who don’t need specialist kit and would be better served by more affordable options
• Women seeking a broad, tailored range — the women’s collection remains considerably narrower than brands like Gymshark or Lululemon
• Minimalist or athleisure-focused buyers who want understated gym wear that transitions well outside the gym
• Buyers prioritising fast UK delivery and easy returns — logistical experience can be inconsistent for UK customers

Our Verdict

After thorough testing, our honest conclusion is this: Gorilla Wear is not overrated — but it is misunderstood. If you’re a serious strength athlete or bodybuilder looking for durable, purpose-built kit designed around a muscular physique, this brand delivers genuine value. The fabric quality is above average, the accessories range is solid, and the heritage credibility within the strength community is real. However, if you’re expecting a versatile, all-round sportswear brand that competes with the likes of Gymshark on style, convenience, and women’s options, you’ll likely be disappointed. Know what you’re buying and why — and for the right buyer, a Gorilla Wear purchase is money well spent.

Category	Score
Value for Money	7.0 / 10
Features & Product Range	8.0 / 10
Ease of Use & Fit	8.0 / 10
UK Availability & Delivery	6.5 / 10
Overall	7.8 / 10

Get Started with Gorilla Wear Today →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gorilla Wear a good brand?

Gorilla Wear is a genuinely solid brand for serious strength athletes and bodybuilders. The clothing is notably durable, and the lifting accessories — particularly belts and wrist wraps — offer good quality at a fair price point. It’s less suited to casual gym-goers or those seeking lifestyle-focused athleisure wear. For the right buyer, it’s a dependable choice backed by decades of heritage in the strength sports community.

Where is Gorilla Wear made?

Gorilla Wear’s manufacturing is primarily based in Asia, as is common across the sportswear industry. The brand was originally founded in the United States and has European headquarters. While specific factory locations are not always disclosed publicly, the brand maintains quality control standards that reflect its positioning as a mid-to-premium product. UK customers can order directly from the brand’s website at gorillafitwear.com.

Does Gorilla Wear run true to size?

Gorilla Wear sizing tends to run slightly large compared to standard UK high-street sizing, particularly in upper-body garments. The brand designs its cuts with muscular physiques in mind, so those with a slimmer build may find certain items feel baggy. It’s generally advisable to consult the brand’s detailed size guide before purchasing and, where possible, to size down from your usual measurement if you’re of average build.

Is Gorilla Wear good for women?

Gorilla Wear does offer a women’s range, but it is considerably narrower in scope than its men’s equivalent and significantly less comprehensive than dedicated women’s sportswear brands such as Gymshark or Lululemon. Women seeking a broad selection of styles, fits, and colourways may find the range limiting. That said, the quality of what is available remains consistent with the brand’s overall standard, and the size range accommodates muscular or athletic female physiques well.

How long does Gorilla Wear take to deliver to the UK?

Delivery times to the UK vary depending on the fulfilment location and the shipping option selected at checkout. Standard international delivery can take anywhere from five to fourteen working days, and some customers have reported longer waits during peak periods. Expedited shipping options are typically available at additional cost. UK buyers should factor this in compared to domestic brands that offer next-day delivery as standard.