Gymshark Onyx: Everything You Need to Know About the Ultimate Fitness Apparel

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Photo by CATHY PHAM on Unsplash

When it comes to fitness apparel that not only looks incredible but also enhances your performance and physique, activewear-sales" target="_blank">Gymshark's Onyx line stands head and shoulders above the rest. Created with the vision of accentuating the physique and embodying the spirit of extreme performance, Onyx has become a legendary piece in the Gymshark collection. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about Gymshark Onyx—from its origin story and design philosophy to the development process and why it continues to be the most iconic and sought-after activewear product for fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

Table of Contents

🔥 The Return of Onyx: A Legend Reborn

Gymshark Onyx is back—and it’s bigger and better than ever. For those who have been following Gymshark for years, Onyx has always been synonymous with pushing boundaries. It’s the most extreme Gymshark product you can buy, designed to make you look and feel your absolute best in the gym. As Ben Francis, the founder of Gymshark, puts it, “Onyx always has been, and it always should be, the most extreme Gymshark product.”

Onyx was the first true “hero” product for Gymshark, launching back in June 2016 with a limited run of only about 4,000 pieces. This exclusivity, combined with its unique design and performance qualities, instantly made it a cult classic. Today, secondhand Onyx pieces are selling worldwide for hundreds of pounds, a testament to the product’s timeless appeal and impact on the fitness community.

💪 What Is Onyx? The Philosophy Behind the Product

Onyx is more than just a seamless compression top—it’s a symbol of confidence, power, and peak performance. The product was designed with one goal in mind: to accentuate the male physique by creating a narrow waist and exaggerated shoulders effect. This focus on enhancing the natural V-taper has made Onyx a favorite among serious fitness enthusiasts who want their apparel to work with their body, not just cover it.

David Laid, one of Gymshark's most iconic athletes and the face of the original Onyx launch, describes Onyx as a garment that makes you feel like a superhero. When you put it on, you immediately feel stronger, more confident, and ready to conquer your workout.

🛠️ The Evolution of Onyx: From V1 to V5

The journey of Onyx has been one of continuous improvement and innovation. The first version was an experiment that quickly became a massive success, setting the tone for Gymshark’s focus on physique-enhancing apparel. Since then, multiple iterations have been released, each refining the concept further.

With Onyx V5, Gymshark took their time—almost five years since the launch of V4—to perfect every detail. The goal was not just to bring Onyx back but to make it better than ever. This meant focusing on the right fabric, thickness, and design nuances to create a product that is both durable and incredibly flattering.

The latest version features a thicker, premium-feeling fabric that is still lightweight and comfortable. This fabric has a slightly spongy texture that accentuates muscle definition and creates a feeling of being hugged by the garment. The seamless construction ensures maximum comfort and flexibility, making it ideal for intense gym sessions.

🎨 Design Inspiration and Aesthetic Appeal

The design of Onyx is inspired by intricate natural patterns and classic anime aesthetics. The original concept was influenced by the scale effect of a shark’s skin, symbolizing strength and resilience. For the new iteration, designers drew inspiration from iconic anime like Evangelion and Ghost in the Shell, where characters “suit up” in sleek, form-fitting gear that enhances their abilities and confidence.

The new Onyx design incorporates bold chest lines shaped like daggers, which visually enhance the shoulders and chest, creating the illusion of a larger upper body. The red and black color scheme aligns with current trends and adds a striking, modern edge to the product.

Beyond aesthetics, practical design elements such as a raised rubber logo have been improved for durability. The logo is now more robust and built to withstand wear and tear, ensuring that the product maintains its premium look over time.

👕 Fabric and Fit: Engineered for Performance and Comfort

One of the standout features of Onyx V5 is the fabric quality. The material is thicker than previous versions but not overly heavy, striking the perfect balance between premium feel and breathability. This thickness, combined with the seamless construction, provides a compression effect that enhances muscle definition without restricting movement.

The fit is designed to accentuate your physique regardless of whether you are in peak condition or in your off-season. The compression and design work together to narrow the waist and broaden the shoulders visually, making any wearer look more sculpted.

David Laid and other Gymshark athletes who tested the latest Onyx praised its comfortable yet snug fit, describing it as a piece that makes you look 15-25% better than any other gym top. This is a bold claim, but one that speaks to the product’s effectiveness in boosting confidence and presence during workouts.

🏆 Onyx’s Legacy: More Than Just a Gym Shirt

Onyx is not just a product; it’s a legacy. It represents the early days of Gymshark when the brand was carving out its identity as a leader in fitness apparel. The loyal community around Onyx has grown over the years, with fans eagerly awaiting each new release and cherishing their original pieces.

For many, Onyx symbolizes the spirit of fitness—pushing limits, striving for excellence, and feeling unstoppable. The “Be a Visionary” tagline sewn into the hem is a reminder of this ethos. Sawyer Klatt, another Gymshark athlete involved in the project, shared how this phrase served as motivation during his training sessions, flipping up to remind him why he was in the gym.

📈 Why Onyx Stands Out in the Fitness Apparel Market

What truly sets Onyx apart is the combination of style, function, and emotional connection. It’s engineered to perform in real gym environments, tested and refined by athletes who demand the best from their gear. The seamless design eliminates chafing, the compression fabric sculpts the body, and the bold aesthetic sets it apart from generic gym wear.

Moreover, Onyx’s story and history create a sense of belonging for wearers. It’s a symbol of dedication and progress, inspiring users to embody the hero within themselves every time they put on the shirt.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gymshark Onyx

What makes Gymshark Onyx different from other fitness tops?

Onyx is designed specifically to accentuate the male physique by creating a narrow waist and broader shoulders. Its seamless, compression fabric enhances muscle definition while providing unmatched comfort and durability.

Is Onyx suitable for all body types?

Yes. While Onyx is designed to emphasize a V-shaped physique, the latest version balances compression and fit to flatter a wide range of body types, whether you’re in peak condition or off-season.

How durable is the Onyx product?

Gymshark has improved the durability of Onyx by enhancing the fabric thickness and reinforcing the raised rubber logo to withstand regular washing and wear without losing quality.

Can I wear Onyx for activities outside the gym?

Absolutely. Onyx is stylish and comfortable enough for casual wear while providing the confidence boost and physique-enhancing benefits that make it a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

Where can I buy Gymshark Onyx?

Onyx is available exclusively through Gymshark’s official website and select retail partners. Due to its popularity, stock can be limited, so it’s best to stay updated through Gymshark’s social channels.

💡 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Fitness Apparel Experience

Gymshark Onyx is more than just activewear; it’s a statement piece for anyone serious about fitness. From its inception as a bold experiment to its current status as the brand’s most iconic product, Onyx has consistently delivered on its promise to enhance your physique and elevate your confidence in the gym.

With the latest version, Gymshark has masterfully blended nostalgia with innovation, creating a product that honors its roots while pushing the boundaries of what fitness apparel can be. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the brand, Onyx offers a unique experience that combines style, comfort, and performance in one elite package.

As Ben Francis says, “Onyx is just gonna be a monstrosity. It’s gonna be elite.” If you’re looking to upgrade your fitness wardrobe with a piece that truly stands the test of time, Onyx is it.

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