Under Armour is a sportswear brand that makes athletic clothing, shoes, and gear
Under Armour is a clothing and footwear company founded in 1996 that sells activewear designed for athletes and people who exercise. The brand makes shirts, shorts, leggings, jackets, shoes, and accessories marketed for running, training, basketball, football, and other sports. You can buy Under Armour products at their own stores and website, at sporting goods retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports, and at general retailers like Dick's, Kohl's, and Amazon.
The company is known for moisture-wicking fabrics — materials designed to pull sweat away from your skin rather than absorb it. This is the core feature that separates Under Armour from basic cotton athletic wear. Their base layers and compression gear are built around this technology, which they market under the name Moisture Transport System.
Under Armour operates at different price points. Their standard line costs roughly what you would pay for Nike or Adidas — a t-shirt typically runs $30 to $50, shorts $40 to $70, and shoes $80 to $150. They also sell a budget line called Under Armour Essentials with lower prices, and a premium line with higher-end fabrics and construction.
Key Takeaways
- Under Armour makes moisture-wicking athletic clothing and shoes designed to keep sweat off your skin during exercise.
- You can buy Under Armour at their own stores and website, at sporting goods retailers, and at general department stores.
- Prices range from budget basics to premium performance gear, with most standard items in the $30 to $150 range.
- The brand offers different product lines for different sports and activity levels, from casual gym wear to professional athlete gear.
- Under Armour also makes footwear, accessories like bags and hats, and recovery products like compression sleeves.
How Under Armour's moisture-wicking fabric works
The key difference between Under Armour and regular cotton athletic wear is how the fabric handles sweat. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against your skin, which makes you feel wet and cold. Under Armour's synthetic fabrics — usually polyester blends — are designed to move sweat away from your body to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate faster.
This matters most during intense exercise or in hot weather. If you are running or doing high-intensity training, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you drier and more comfortable than cotton would. For casual walking or light activity, the difference is much smaller. The fabric also dries faster when you wash it, which is useful if you exercise frequently.
Under Armour uses different fabric blends for different products. Their compression gear uses tighter, more technical fabrics. Their loose-fitting t-shirts use lighter blends. The price usually reflects how advanced the fabric technology is — their premium lines use more sophisticated moisture-wicking systems than their budget line.
What product categories Under Armour sells
Tops include t-shirts, long sleeves, tank tops, and compression shirts. Compression shirts fit tightly and are designed to support muscles during exercise. Regular t-shirts and long sleeves are looser and meant for everyday wear or casual training.
Bottoms include shorts, leggings, and tights. Most are made with the same moisture-wicking fabrics as the tops. Leggings and tights are typically higher-waisted and designed for running or training. Shorts come in different lengths and styles for different sports.
Footwear includes running shoes, training shoes, basketball shoes, and casual sneakers. Under Armour shoes are priced similarly to Nike and Adidas shoes in the same category. Their running shoes are built for different types of runners — neutral, stability, or cushioned — just like other athletic shoe brands.
Accessories include bags, hats, socks, gloves, and recovery products like compression sleeves and braces. These are typically lower-priced items that complement the main clothing line.
Where to buy Under Armour and what to expect
Under Armour operates its own retail stores and website at underarmour.com. Buying directly from Under Armour usually means you have access to their full product range and their return policy, which allows returns within 60 days of purchase.
Sporting goods retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, and Foot Locker carry Under Armour products. These stores typically stock popular items and sizes but may have a smaller selection than Under Armour's own website. Return policies vary by retailer — Dick's allows returns within 60 days, for example, but other stores may differ.
General retailers like Kohl's, Target, and Walmart carry a limited Under Armour selection, usually focused on basic t-shirts, shorts, and popular shoe styles. Prices at these retailers are sometimes lower than at specialty sporting goods stores because they carry older inventory or sale items.
Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay sell Under Armour, but be cautious of counterfeit products. Buying from authorized retailers — Under Armour's website, Dick's, Academy, or major department stores — ensures you receive genuine merchandise.
How Under Armour sizes and fits compared to other brands
Under Armour sizing runs true to size for most products, meaning a medium Under Armour shirt fits similarly to a medium from Nike or Adidas. However, compression gear and tight-fitting items are designed to fit snugly, so some people size up for comfort.
Fit varies by product line. Their loose-fitting t-shirts and shorts have a relaxed cut similar to other athletic brands. Their compression shirts and leggings are intentionally tight. Their shoes fit similarly to other athletic shoe brands, though individual shoe models may run narrow or wide — checking customer reviews before buying helps.
Under Armour publishes size charts on their website and at retailers. If you are between sizes, reading reviews from other customers often tells you whether a specific item runs small, large, or true to size.
Price comparison with other athletic brands
Under Armour prices are competitive with Nike and Adidas. A standard moisture-wicking t-shirt costs roughly $35 to $50 across all three brands. Running shoes range from $90 to $150. Leggings and tights typically cost $60 to $100.
Under Armour's budget line, Essentials, offers lower prices — t-shirts around $20 to $30 and shorts around $30 to $50. This competes with brands like Champion and basic athletic lines from department stores.
Sales and discounts are common at all retailers. Under Armour's website frequently runs promotions, and sporting goods retailers often discount items by 20 to 40 percent during seasonal sales. Outlet stores and clearance sections offer deeper discounts on older styles.
What to know about Under Armour's return and warranty policies
Under Armour's official return policy allows returns within 60 days of purchase if you have your receipt or order number. Items must be unworn and unwashed. Shoes must be unworn with the original box. If you bought from Under Armour's website or store, you can return items by mail or in person at a store.
If you bought from a retailer like Dick's or Academy, you follow that retailer's return policy, not Under Armour's. Most major sporting goods retailers allow returns within 60 days as well, but policies vary. Always check the retailer's policy before buying.
Under Armour does not offer a warranty on clothing or shoes in the traditional sense. If a product has a manufacturing defect — a seam that fails when ready, a zipper that breaks after one use — you can contact Under Armour customer service to discuss a replacement or refund. This is handled case by case and requires proof of the defect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Under Armour better than Nike or Adidas?
All three brands make quality athletic wear and shoes. The choice depends on fit, style, and which features matter to you. Some people prefer Under Armour's moisture-wicking technology, others prefer Nike's shoe designs or Adidas's fit. The best approach is to try items from each brand and see which feels most comfortable for your activity.
Does Under Armour shrink in the wash?
Under Armour synthetic fabrics shrink less than cotton, but they can still shrink slightly if you use hot water or a hot dryer. Washing in cold water and air-drying preserves the fit best. Check the care tag on each item for specific instructions, as different products have different fabric blends.
Can I wear Under Armour for casual everyday clothing?
Yes. Under Armour makes casual t-shirts, hoodies, and shorts designed for everyday wear, not just exercise. Their casual line looks similar to regular athletic wear from other brands and works fine for running errands or casual outings. The moisture-wicking feature is less noticeable in everyday use but does not hurt.
What is the difference between Under Armour compression gear and regular Under Armour shirts?
Compression gear fits tightly and is designed to support muscles and improve blood flow during intense exercise. Regular shirts are looser and meant for comfort during exercise or casual wear. Compression gear costs more and is intended for serious athletes or people doing high-intensity training. For casual exercise, regular shirts work fine.
Where is Under Armour made?
Under Armour products are manufactured in multiple countries, including Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and others. The country of origin varies by product and changes over time. You can find the manufacturing country on the tag inside each item.