A fraction of the price of most compression tops, the Gymshark Element still offers decent performance benefits.

The most budget-friendly option in our group test, this Gymshark Element is another base layer that’s not strictly a compression top. So you won’t get the same levels of recovery boosting that you will from a Skins, 2XU or Kymira top. If that’s your top priority, we’d recommend looking at those first. Still, it’s among the best workout clothes for doing mobility work.

Men’s Fitness verdict

Gymshark is a go-to brand for affordable workout gear that won’t let you down. However, they’re not miracle workers. If you want serious compression, you’ll need to up your budget and look elsewhere.
Pros
  • Good value
  • Excellent fit
Cons
  • Only mild compression
  • Waist can ride up
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Materials:88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
Sizes:XS to 3XL
Features:Flatlock seams; elasticated waist and cuffs
Colors:Silhouette grey, evening blue, black white, grey print, Tuscan teal, Atlantic blue, blue, khaki

This is a snug-fitting top that offers a good combination of muscle support, flexibility and warmth at a much more reasonable price than the other more specialized options featured in our run-down of the best compression tops. 

Features of the Gymshark Element base layer

The smooth, soft and skin-friendly stretch fabric is made from 88% recycled polyester and features strategically placed flatlock seams that hug your muscles. The material is also quite thin, so it’s pretty good at wicking sweat which means it dries out nice and quickly. I tested it on a two-hour run where it delivered warmth throughout with no rubbing or nipple chafing. 

The elasticated sleeves are quite narrow, so they stay put but might feel a touch constrictive for some. There’s no watch window, either, and I found that they were not that easy to pull over a watch when checking stats on the move. The waistband is also only lightly elasticated, and despite a lower hanging cut, it still rides up a little during drills where you reach or hang.

It comes in seven sizes from XS to 3XL and eight colorways. If you’re looking for a simple base layer with some compression benefits at a bargain price, the Gymshark Element is well worth considering. Especially if you team it up with a pair of the best compression tights, or even a solid pair of sweatpants.