If you’ve noticed similarities between AYBL and Gymshark — from branding to activewear styles — you’re not imagining things.
As someone working in the yoga and sportswear manufacturing field, I’ve researched both companies closely to clear up the confusion about whether AYBL is owned by Gymshark or just inspired by it.
No — AYBL is not owned by Gymshark.
AYBL is an independent British brand, founded in 2018 by brothers Reiss and Kris Edgerton in Bromsgrove, England.
While Reiss Edgerton had early ties with Gymshark, the two brands are separate companies with their own operations and leadership.
Before launching AYBL, Reiss Edgerton was briefly involved with Gymshark’s early development.
He was part of the UK’s growing fitness scene during Gymshark’s rise and learned firsthand how social media and community-driven marketing could build a brand.
That experience inspired him to create AYBL — a women-focused version of Gymshark’s formula, emphasizing affordable, minimalist, and body-positive activewear.
AYBL is privately owned and operated by the Edgerton brothers — Reiss (CEO) and Kris (COO) — through their own holding company.
There’s no ownership link or investment relationship with Gymshark.
| Brand | Ownership | Founded | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYBL | Reiss & Kris Edgerton (Private) | 2018 | Bromsgrove, UK |
| Gymshark | Ben Francis (Founder & CEO) | 2012 | Solihull, UK |
Both brands share similar British roots and community-based marketing, but their teams, operations, and product lines are entirely independent.
| Category | AYBL | Gymshark |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Women’s activewear | Unisex gymwear |
| Style | Minimalist, lifestyle-focused | Performance-driven |
| Price Range | £30–£60 | £40–£80 |
| Target Audience | Women 18–35 | Men & women 18–30 |
| Distribution | Online DTC (global) | Online + retail flagship stores |
| Brand Message | Empowerment through confidence | Progress through performance |
While both share similar fitness aesthetics, AYBL leans more toward fashion-athleisure, while Gymshark remains performance-centric.
There are several understandable reasons:
Despite this overlap, AYBL has carved out its own identity by focusing on women’s wear, comfort-first design, and sustainable expansion.
AYBL’s story shows how independent founders can compete in a space dominated by global brands — without corporate ownership.
Key takeaways for new yoga or fitness brands:
If you’re planning to launch your own brand, partnering with FuKi Yoga can help you achieve that same balance of style, quality, and scalability.
Q1: Is AYBL part of Gymshark?
No. AYBL is an independent brand with no corporate or financial connection to Gymshark.
Q2: Did a Gymshark founder create AYBL?
No. Ben Francis founded Gymshark, while Reiss and Kris Edgerton founded AYBL.
Q3: Are AYBL and Gymshark competitors?
Yes — both compete in the global fitness apparel market, particularly in women’s activewear.
Q4: Does AYBL use the same factory as Gymshark?
Not officially confirmed, but both work with Asian and European OEM manufacturers, similar to most modern athletic brands.
At FuKi Yoga, we help new and growing yoga and activewear labels scale like AYBL — without relying on big investors or mass producers.
Our services include:
We’ve helped brands across the US, UK, and EU launch collections that balance fashion appeal with performance function — the same formula that made AYBL a global success story.