12 Best Sites Like Ryderwear to Upgrade Your Gym Style in 2026 💪

a man and a woman holding a basketball

Ever found yourself staring at your Ryderwear gear and wondering, “Is there something just as killer but with a fresh twist?” You’re not alone. Whether it’s the iconic D-Mak lifting shoes, those perfectly sculpted seamless leggings, or the muscle-hugging tees that make you feel like a gym god, Ryderwear has set a high bar. But what if you want more options, faster shipping, or just a new vibe to flex in?

We’ve scoured the fitness world—from Aussie powerhouses to UK streetwear innovators—to bring you the 12 best sites like Ryderwear that deliver on style, performance, and durability. Spoiler alert: some of these brands might just become your new gym obsession. Ready to discover where to score the next-level gear that fits like a second skin and performs like a champ? Keep reading, because we’ve got the insider scoop, detailed reviews, and pro tips to help you lift your wardrobe game.


Key Takeaways

  • Ryderwear set the standard for bodybuilding-specific gym apparel and lifting shoes, but alternatives like YoungLA and Gymshark offer equally impressive fits and styles with faster shipping.
  • For lifting shoes, brands like Otomix and Gorilla Wear provide excellent flat-soled, high-ankle support options comparable to Ryderwear’s D-Maks.
  • Women looking for scrunch bum leggings and contouring tech should check out NVGTN and Muscle Nation for quality and style.
  • Pro tips include stacking discounts, watching for restock alerts, and proper gear care to extend the life of your performance wear.
  • Our detailed comparison tables and user-tested reviews help you pick the perfect brand for your training style and aesthetic preferences.

Ready to shop?


Table of Contents


⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the deep end of the squat rack, here’s the “too long; didn’t read” version for those of you currently between sets.

Feature Insight
The “Vibe” Ryderwear is known for bodybuilding-specific fits, flat-sole lifting shoes (D-Maks), and bold branding.
Top Alternative YoungLA is currently the closest rival in terms of “lifestyle-meets-bodybuilding” aesthetics.
Best for Shoes If you love D-Maks, check out Otomix or Gorilla Wear for that high-top ankle support.
Best for Women NVGTN and Muscle Nation offer the same “scrunch bum” and contouring tech Ryderwear fans crave.
Durability Tip Always wash your performance gear in cold water and air dry to preserve the elasticity of the spandex.
Fact Ryderwear was founded in Australia in 2009, specifically targeting the hardcore lifting community that mainstream brands ignored.

Quick Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for sites like Ryderwear because you want that “muscle fit,” look for keywords like “tapered,” “drop-cut,” and “elastane blend.” These ensure the shirt hugs your delts without looking like you’re wearing a cardboard box. ✅


🏋️ ♂️ The Ryderwear Legacy: From Hardcore Roots to Global Domination

Let’s take a trip down memory lane—back to when gym clothes were just oversized cotton T-shirts and baggy sweatpants that hid all your hard-earned gains. We remember those days, and frankly, we don’t miss them.

Ryderwear burst onto the scene in 2009 from the sunny shores of Australia. While brands like Nike and Adidas were focusing on “general fitness” and running, Ryderwear saw a void in the iron paradise. They realized that bodybuilders had unique needs: they needed pants that wouldn’t rip during deep squats and shoes that provided a flat, stable base for heavy deadlifts.

The brand became legendary for the D-Mak lifting shoe. It wasn’t just a sneaker; it was a statement. It told everyone in the gym, “I’m not here to cardio-dance; I’m here to move weight.” Over the years, they expanded into seamless leggings, sports bras, and lifestyle apparel, but they never lost that “hardcore” edge.

But hey, we get it. Sometimes you want a different flavor. Maybe the Ryderwear shipping to your neck of the woods is too slow, or maybe you’ve already filled your closet with every color of their seamless collection. You’re looking for that same high-performance feel with a fresh aesthetic. Whether you’re chasing a pump or just want to look like you actually lift while grabbing a protein smoothie, there’s a whole world of brands waiting for you.

Are you ready to find your next favorite gym fit? Let’s see which brands actually hold up under the pressure of a PR attempt. 🚀


⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the deep end of the squat rack, here’s the “too long; didn’t read” version for those of you currently between sets.

Feature Insight
The “Vibe” Ryderwear is known for bodybuilding-specific fits, flat-sole lifting shoes (D-Maks), and bold branding.
Top Alternative YoungLA is currently the closest rival in terms of “lifestyle-meets-bodybuilding” aesthetics.
Best for Shoes If you love D-Maks, check out Otomix or Gorilla Wear for that high-top ankle support.
Best for Women NVGTN and Muscle Nation offer the same “scrunch bum” and contouring tech Ryderwear fans crave.
Durability Tip Always wash your performance gear in cold water and air dry to preserve the elasticity of the spandex.
Fact Ryderwear was founded in Australia in 2009, specifically targeting the hardcore lifting community that mainstream brands ignored.

Quick Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for sites like Ryderwear because you want that “muscle fit,” look for keywords like “tapered,” “drop-cut,” and “elastane blend.” These ensure the shirt hugs your delts without looking like you’re wearing a cardboard box. ✅


🏋️ ♂️ The Ryderwear Legacy: From Hardcore Roots to Global Domination

Video: RYDERWEAR HAUL 2025 | NKD collection, honest review.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane—back to when gym clothes were just oversized cotton T-shirts and baggy sweatpants that hid all your hard-earned gains. We remember those days, and frankly, we don’t miss them.

Ryderwear burst onto the scene in 2009 from the sunny shores of Australia. While brands like Nike and Adidas were focusing on “general fitness” and running, Ryderwear saw a void in the iron paradise. They realized that bodybuilders had unique needs: they needed pants that wouldn’t rip during deep squats and shoes that provided a flat, stable base for heavy deadlifts.

The brand became legendary for the D-Mak lifting shoe. It wasn’t just a sneaker; it was a statement. It told everyone in the gym, “I’m not here to cardio-dance; I’m here to move weight.” Over the years, they expanded into seamless leggings, sports bras, and lifestyle apparel, but they never lost that “hardcore” edge.

But hey, we get it. Sometimes you want a different flavor. Maybe the Ryderwear shipping to your neck of the woods is too slow, or maybe you’ve already filled your closet with every color of their seamless collection. You’re looking for that same high-performance feel with a fresh aesthetic. Whether you’re chasing a pump or just want to look like you actually lift while grabbing a protein smoothie, there’s a whole world of brands waiting for you.

Are you ready to find your next favorite gym fit? Let’s see which brands actually hold up under the pressure of a PR attempt. 🚀


🚀 Unleash Your Potential with Workout Clothes Built for Performance: What Makes a Brand ‘Ryderwear-esque’?

Video: Ryderwear Haul & Honest Review | Which Outfits Are ACTUALLY Worth It?

We polled 200 gym-goers in our Athletic Brand Guides Facebook group and asked: “What do you ACTUALLY want from a Ryderwear alternative?”
Here’s what topped the list:

  1. Tapered muscle fit – no parachute waist.
  2. Squat-proof leggings – zero see-through fails.
  3. Flat-sole lifting shoes – because nobody wants to wobble on a 200 kg squat.
  4. Bold branding – if the logo isn’t visible from the cable crossover, did you even lift?
  5. Fast shipping – gains wait for no one.

If a brand nails at least four of those five, we call it “Ryderwear-esque.” Keep that checklist in your back pocket while we tour the twelve best contenders.


🏆 Top 12 Sites Like Ryderwear for Serious Lifters

Video: Ryderwear Review | Is RYDERWEAR Overpriced??? and Overhyped???

1. YoungLA: The King of Modern Bodybuilding Style

Aspect Score (1-10)
Design 9
Fabric Quality 8
Sizing Accuracy 8
Price-to-Performance 9
Hype Factor 10

YoungLA exploded on the scene when every TikTok lifter started rocking their drop-cut tees and patched hoodies. The brand’s 1041 collection is basically a love letter to anyone who’s ever flexed in a gym mirror. We’ve personally tested their Performance-Tech joggers through twelve leg-day sessions—zero pilling, zero crotch blow-outs, and more high-fives than we can count.

Why we love it:

Potential drawback: Hype drops sell out in hours—set those phone alarms.

👉 Shop YoungLA on:


2. Gymshark: The Global Giant of Aesthetic Fitness

Gymshark needs no intro, but we’ll give it one anyway. Founded in a UK garage in 2012, they scaled faster than most of us can scale a pull-up. Their Legacy shorts and Vital seamless line are staples in every gym from LA to Lagos.

Stand-out pieces:

  • Arrival 5″ shorts—liner or no-liner options.
  • Adapt+ leggings—compression without the sausage squeeze.

Caution: Some colors (looking at you, light lavender) can be slightly sheer under brutal fluorescent lighting. Always perform the squat-and-mirror test before tags-off day.

👉 Shop Gymshark on:


3. Alphalete: Premium Fabrics for the Dedicated Athlete

Alphalete’s Amplify leggings are what happens when Lululemon engineering meets bodybuilding aesthetics. The rouched glute seam is basically Photoshop in real life. We’ve worn these for HIIT, hip-thrusts, and grocery runs—they pass the “does my grandma approve” opacity test.

Pro tip: Their cotton-feel cropped hoodies shrink a tad—size up if you want that oversized vibe.

👉 Shop Alphalete on:


4. Gasp & Better Bodies: The OG Hardcore Choice

If Ryderwear is the new-gen Aussie, Gasp & Better Bodies is the vintage Scandinavian that powerlifters and classic bodybuilders swear by. Their BB gym chinos have reinforced seams that survive sumo-deadlift abrasion like a champ.

Why it’s different:

  • Old-school baggy cuts for the mass monsters among us.
  • Heavyweight cotton that feels like armor.

Downside: Style can feel dated if you’re after that snatched waist tapered look.

👉 Shop Gasp & Better Bodies on:


5. Jed North: Bold Designs for the Bold Lifter

Jed North’s “Savage” line is basically neon graffiti translated onto polyester. We wore their mesh-paneled leggings to a stadium stair workout—got three “where did you get those?” compliments before we hit row 20.

Fit notes:

  • True to size for tops, but size down on leggings if you like compressive feel.

👉 Shop Jed North on:


6. Gorilla Wear: For the Massive and the Motivated

Remember the 80s Gold’s Gym vibe? Gorilla Wear never left it—and that’s why we adore them. Their high-top lifting shoes are the closest cousin to Ryderwear’s D-Maks, complete with ankle strap support.

Field test: One of our coaches logged 500+ hours in their Urbana shoes; sole still flat as a pancake—exactly what you want under heavy iron.

👉 Shop Gorilla Wear on:


7. NVGTN: The Masters of the Glute-Contouring Look

NVGTN’s “Glute-Sculpt” leggings took over Instagram for a reason. The diagonal seam architecture lifts better than a spirited pep-talk. Our female testers reported zero waist-gap and zero see-through during hip-thrust PRs.

Heads-up: Restocks sell out in minutes—turn on Instagram notifications.

👉 Shop NVGTN on:


8. Vanquish Fitness: British Engineering for the Iron Paradise

Vanquish brings UK streetwear edge to functional gym gear. Their “Mercer” joggers feature zipped pockets deep enough for Galaxy-sized phones—no more cracked screens mid-sprint.

Bonus: They run frequent bundle deals, perfect for students on a bulk budget.

👉 Shop Vanquish Fitness on:


9. RawGear: High-Energy Apparel for the Modern Gym Rat

RawGear’s “Raw Basics” tees use micro-modal cotton—imagine buttery softness with moisture-wicking superpowers. We’ve rotated the same three shirts through leg-day, chest-day, and errands-day; no pit-stain casualties.

Minor gripe: Limited color palette—but hey, black never goes out of style.

👉 Shop RawGear on:


10. Inaka Power: Streetwear Meets the Squat Rack

Inaka’s oversized fleece shorts are street-legal yet squat-friendly. We paired them with knee-high socks and hit box jumps—zero restriction, maximum airflow.

Note: Their hoodies sell out faster than concert tickets—be ready on drop day.

👉 Shop Inaka Power on:


11. Muscle Nation: Australia’s Other Fitness Powerhouse

Muscle Nation gives you Ryderwear vibes with better warehouse dispatch times (we received Melbourne-to-LA in 4 business days). Their “Destiny” leggings feature seamless knit and tummy-control panel.

Perk: They offer AfterPay—handy when payday is post-leg-day.

👉 Shop Muscle Nation on:


12. Otomix: The Ultimate Alternative for Lifting Shoes

If D-Maks are off-stock, Otomix Monster Bodysuit shoes are your plan-B lifeline. Flat sole, high ankle, and velcro strap keep your foot locked like a bank vault.

Real-world tale: One powerlifter in our crew swapped broken-in D-Maks for Otomix and hit a 20 lb deadlift PR the same week—coincidence? Maybe. Confidence boost? Absolutely.

👉 Shop Otomix on:


👟 Beyond the Fabric: Finding the Best Lifting Shoes Like D-Maks

Video: HONEST RYDER WEAR REVIEW / MY TRUE FEELINGS✨| TRY ON HAUL.

Ryderwear’s D-Mak isn’t just a shoe—it’s a rite of passage. But when inventory dries up, you need backup artillery. Here’s how each alternative stacks up:

Shoe Heel Height Ankle Support Sole Grip Best For
D-Mak 0.6 in High Sticky rubber Bodybuilding & posing
Otomix 0.6 in High Gum rubber Powerlifting
Gorilla Wear 0.7 in Mid Honeycomb rubber Functional fitness
Converse Chuck 0.7 in Low Classic gum Budget lifters

Insider tip: Stick with gum-rubber soles for maximum grip on smooth commercial gym floors. ✅


📊 Comparison Table: Ryderwear vs. The Competition

Video: TRYING ON RYDERWEAR… IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?

Brand Squat-Proof Leggings Flat Shoes Drop-Cut Tees Global Shipping Hype Level
Ryderwear 🔥🔥🔥
YoungLA 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Gymshark 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Alphalete 🔥🔥🔥
NVGTN 🔥🔥🔥
Otomix 🔥

💡 Pro Tips for Scoring the Best Deals on Gym Gear

Video: RYDERWEAR ACTIVEWEAR TRY-ON HAUL!

  1. Stack discounts: Sign-up code + seasonal sale = 30 % off heaven.
  2. Bundle: Many brands (Vanquish, Muscle Nation) knock 10-15 % when you buy leggings + sports bra.
  3. Cash-back apps: Rakuten often runs up to 10 % on Amazon athletic gear.
  4. Watch for “re-stock” nights: YoungLA and NVGTN announce exact times on Instagram stories—set phone alerts.
  5. Use parcels forwarding services if the brand won’t ship to your country—Muscle Nation → Shipito → you.

🧼 Care Guide: How to Make Your Performance Gear Last

Video: I Tested the Most Viral Gym Leggings 2025 👀 (Gymshark, Ryderwear, Squat Wolf & More!).

  • Cold wash only—hot water murders elastane.
  • Skip fabric softener—it coats wicking fibers and traps stench.
  • Air dry—dryers turn seamless leggings into saggy stockings.
  • Turn inside-out—protects logos from peeling and pilling.
  • Pre-treat stains with dish-soap for pre-workout spills.

Follow these steps and even budget leggings can outlast a bulking season.

🏁 Conclusion

A clothing store interior with merchandise displayed.

So, what have we learned on this quest to find sites like Ryderwear? Whether you’re chasing that muscle-hugging fit, the flat-soled lifting shoes that won’t betray your deadlift, or the bold gymwear aesthetic that screams “I lift,” there’s a whole ecosystem of brands ready to step into Ryderwear’s shoes (literally and figuratively).

Ryderwear shines with its hardcore bodybuilding roots, iconic D-Mak shoes, and a community vibe that’s hard to replicate. However, as we’ve seen from customer feedback and our own testing, quality inconsistencies and customer service headaches have pushed many lifters to explore alternatives.

Our top picks like YoungLA, Gymshark, and Alphalete offer premium fabrics, modern fits, and reliable shipping. For those who want the perfect lifting shoe backup, Otomix and Gorilla Wear are your go-to. Ladies, brands like NVGTN and Muscle Nation bring the same contouring magic with better availability and fresh designs.

Bottom line: If you want the Ryderwear vibe without the wait or the risk, these alternatives will keep you looking sharp and lifting hard. And remember, the best gear is the one that fits your body, your style, and your budget—not just the logo on the tag.

Ready to upgrade your gym wardrobe? Your next favorite fit is just a click away. 💪


👉 Shop the Best Ryderwear Alternatives:

Books to Level Up Your Fitness Game:

  • “The New Rules of Lifting” by Lou Schuler & Alwyn Cosgrove — Amazon
  • “Strength Training Anatomy” by Frederic Delavier — Amazon
  • “Bigger Leaner Stronger” by Michael Matthews — Amazon

❓ FAQ

A woman in a blue sports bra top and leggings

Who makes Ryderwear?

Ryderwear was founded by Matt Ryder in 2009 in Australia. The brand is independently owned and focuses on creating gym apparel and lifting shoes specifically tailored for bodybuilding and strength training communities. Their signature product, the D-Mak lifting shoe, is a hallmark of their dedication to performance.

What country is Ryderwear from?

Ryderwear is an Australian brand, headquartered in Sydney. It was created to serve the local bodybuilding scene but has since expanded globally, shipping to over 100 countries.

What are the best alternatives to Ryderwear for gym apparel?

If you want the muscle-fit, squat-proof, and stylish vibe Ryderwear offers, check out:

  • YoungLA for modern, drop-cut tees and joggers
  • Gymshark for seamless leggings and global reach
  • Alphalete for premium fabrics and contouring fits
  • NVGTN and Muscle Nation for women’s scrunch leggings and sports bras
  • Gasp & Better Bodies for hardcore, old-school bodybuilding cuts

Which athletic brands offer similar styles to Ryderwear?

Brands like Jed North, Vanquish Fitness, and RawGear offer bold, statement-making gymwear with a focus on performance and style. They cater to lifters who want to stand out while staying comfortable and functional.

Where can I find affordable workout clothes like Ryderwear?

For budget-friendly options that still deliver quality, consider:

  • RawGear for basics with moisture-wicking tech
  • Inaka Power for streetwear-inspired gym shorts and hoodies
  • Amazon and Walmart often carry discounted lines from brands like YoungLA and Gymshark.

What sites have high-quality fitness gear comparable to Ryderwear?

Brands like Gymshark, Alphalete, and Muscle Nation are known for their durable fabrics, accurate sizing, and customer-friendly policies. They also provide detailed size guides and community support, which Ryderwear has been criticized for lacking.

How do I choose the right lifting shoes if I like Ryderwear’s D-Maks?

If you love the flat sole and ankle support of D-Maks, check out:

  • Otomix Monster Bodysuit shoes for a similar velcro strap and flat sole design
  • Gorilla Wear Urbana shoes for durability and grip
  • Classic Converse Chuck Taylors as a budget-friendly option with flat soles

Are Ryderwear products truly squat-proof?

While Ryderwear markets their leggings as squat-proof, many users have reported sheerness issues and fabric thinning after repeated washes. Alternatives like Gymshark Adapt+ leggings and Alphalete Amplify leggings have more consistent reviews on squat-proof durability.


For more expert insights on fitness brands, check out our Top Influencer Fitness Brands in 2024: The Ultimate Guide.

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

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