Testing Rita Ora’s New Primark Workout Collection: A Gym Gear Review
For fitness enthusiasts, having the right workout gear is crucial to achieving fitness goals. As someone who frequents the gym, I understand how essential it is to wear comfortable and practical outfits during workouts—whether weightlifting or doing cardio.
With the arrival of a new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh one’s fitness wardrobe. Enter Rita Ora’s most recent collaboration with Primark, aiming to bring trendy and affordable workout gear to your closet.
This latest collection features the tagline “Every Move Counts” and is touted as Primark’s largest workout range yet. With prices starting at just £2.50, it presents an appealing alternative to pricier brands like GymShark and Nike.
But does this collection hold up during intense workouts? Promising head-to-toe dressing and utilizing advanced fabrics designed to wick away sweat, I was eager to see how these garments performed under pressure.
Recently, I had an opportunity to test several pieces from the collection during an intense gym session and shared my honest impressions after also exploring the range at my local Primark store.
Comfortable Fabrics Designed for All Workouts
During my gym sessions, I often engage in high-energy workouts. This requires activewear that minimizes chafing and provides freedom of movement. I decided to try three standout pieces from the collection: the high-waisted active shorts (£9), the scoop back performance tee, and the cropped tie-back tee (both priced at £10).
While the designs may be simplistic, it’s important to prioritize functionality in workout gear. The highlight of this collection is its four-way stretch material, which adapts to my body without feeling constricted. The soft and breathable fabric kept me comfortable throughout intense workouts, allowing me to focus on my routine without overheating.
The basic tees served as lightweight layers over my sports bra, allowing for excellent movement, especially during upper body workouts. With Primark’s innovative ‘BodySculpt’ technology, these tops offered a flattering fit, smoothing out any imperfections while avoiding cling.
Despite the understated designs, I found these pieces incredibly comfortable and flattering. I felt free to move, whether performing barbell squats or running on the treadmill, without any restrictions.
Exploring the Full Collection
Curious about the full range of offerings, I visited my local Primark. The new collection was prominently displayed, making it hard to miss thanks to its eye-catching advertisements featuring Rita Ora.
I was pleasantly surprised by the variety available: from over-ear headphones and water bottles to unique ‘sneakerinas’ and socks—accompanied by spacious gym bags perfect for carrying all necessities.
Notably, I loved the High Waisted Performance Leggings (£12), which offered a snug and supportive fit. With their high waistband, they provided comfort during movement, making them a great option for yoga or any flexibility-focused exercise. I also appreciated the addition of a side pocket for my phone—a handy feature that should be standard in fitness attire.
I did find that my usual medium size of the cropped vest felt a bit snug, but the knitted active bolero (£16) stood out with its super soft material, making it an ideal layer for going to and from the gym.
Additionally, there were items perfect for off-duty days, like the grey marl cuffed joggers (£14) that, while not particularly stylish, offered a relaxed fit, making them great for travel or lounging.
Final Thoughts on the Collection
While opinions on Rita Ora’s collections have varied in the past, I found little to criticize in this activewear line. It seemingly meets all the necessary criteria for effective workout gear.
Sure, some designs come off as basic and the color palette leans toward muted tones (I typically prefer more vibrant workout attire), but the innovative fabrics deliver exceptional softness and comfort, making them suitable for various workouts, from hot yoga to regular gym classes.
Regarding sizing, the majority provided a good fit—an important factor when selecting gym attire—though I did notice that the sport bras and vest tops ran a touch on the snug side.
In summary, for fitness enthusiasts in search of comfortable and cost-effective gym gear that accommodates a variety of workouts, Rita Ora’s Primark collection is certainly worth exploring. I, for one, will likely be adding more items—particularly the leggings—to help me achieve my 2026 fitness aspirations.
