The History of Under Armour: From Basement Start-Up to Global Sportswear Powerhouse
Under Armour was founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a 23-year-old former special teams captain of the University of Maryland football team. The brand originally began in his grandmother’s basement in Washington D.C.
It was Plank’s sporting background that inspired the Under Armour origin story. He noticed that the cotton T-shirts he and his teammates wore under their pads were always soaked with sweat, becoming heavy and uncomfortable.
Under Armour History
After graduation, Plank set out to design a superior performance T-shirt one that stayed light even in the worst heat. In New York’s famous garment district, he sourced fabrics and developed his first prototypes. These early versions were given to his Maryland teammates and friends who had gone on to the NFL. Their feedback pushed Plank to refine his design into a microfiber shirt that wicked moisture away and kept athletes cool, dry, and lightweight.
With the design perfected, Plank needed funds to launch. He maxed out his credit cards with $40,000 in debt and set up shop in his grandmother’s basement.
Just twelve months later, he made his first major sale to Georgia Tech’s football team. Soon after, other Division 1 colleges and over two dozen NFL teams followed. The rapid growth forced Under Armour to relocate to a new headquarters in South Baltimore, where the company continued to expand its product range with HeatGear®, ColdGear®, and AllSeasonGear®.
The Revolution of Under Armour
In 1999, Warner Brothers contracted Under Armour to outfit athletes for two major football films: Any Given Sunday and The Replacements. The exposure gave Under Armour a huge push. By 2003, the brand had launched its first television adverts with the now iconic slogan “Protect This House®”, cementing its place in the sportswear industry.
Under Armour Today
Not even three decades later, Under Armour is one of the world’s most innovative sports performance brands. The company now produces apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment, worn by professional athletes and everyday fitness fans across the globe.
Whether it’s Under Armour T-shirts, Under Armour Shorts, Under Armour Tracksuits, Under Armour Jackets, Under Armour Hoodies, or Under Armour Trainers, the brand continues to deliver cutting-edge gear built for performance.
Final Thoughts
From a basement start-up to a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse, Under Armour has transformed the world of performance wear. Kevin Plank’s vision of creating clothing that kept athletes cool, dry, and light has grown into a global brand recognised for innovation, quality, and style. Today, Under Armour isn’t just about sports it has become a staple in everyday fashion, with versatile pieces that work in the gym, on the pitch, and in the street.
For anyone looking to combine performance with modern style, Under Armour at Saxumo.com offers everything from technical sportswear to lifestyle essentials.
FAQs About Under Armour
When did Under Armour start?
Under Armour was founded in 1996 in Washington D.C., before moving its HQ to Baltimore, Maryland.
Who started Under Armour?
Under Armour was founded by Kevin Plank, a former University of Maryland football player.
Where is Under Armour based?
Under Armour’s global headquarters are in Baltimore, Maryland, with regional offices worldwide.
What is Under Armour known for?
The brand is known for its moisture-wicking performance apparel including HeatGear®, ColdGear®, and AllSeasonGear® as well as footwear and training gear.
The History of Under Armour: From Basement Startup to Global Sportswear Giant
The History of Under Armour: From Basement Start-Up to Global Sportswear Powerhouse
Under Armour was founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a 23-year-old former special teams captain of the University of Maryland football team. The brand originally began in his grandmother’s basement in Washington D.C.
It was Plank’s sporting background that inspired the Under Armour origin story. He noticed that the cotton T-shirts he and his teammates wore under their pads were always soaked with sweat, becoming heavy and uncomfortable.
Under Armour History
After graduation, Plank set out to design a superior performance T-shirt one that stayed light even in the worst heat. In New York’s famous garment district, he sourced fabrics and developed his first prototypes. These early versions were given to his Maryland teammates and friends who had gone on to the NFL. Their feedback pushed Plank to refine his design into a microfiber shirt that wicked moisture away and kept athletes cool, dry, and lightweight.
With the design perfected, Plank needed funds to launch. He maxed out his credit cards with $40,000 in debt and set up shop in his grandmother’s basement.
Just twelve months later, he made his first major sale to Georgia Tech’s football team. Soon after, other Division 1 colleges and over two dozen NFL teams followed. The rapid growth forced Under Armour to relocate to a new headquarters in South Baltimore, where the company continued to expand its product range with HeatGear®, ColdGear®, and AllSeasonGear®.
The Revolution of Under Armour
In 1999, Warner Brothers contracted Under Armour to outfit athletes for two major football films: Any Given Sunday and The Replacements. The exposure gave Under Armour a huge push. By 2003, the brand had launched its first television adverts with the now iconic slogan “Protect This House®”, cementing its place in the sportswear industry.
Under Armour Today
Not even three decades later, Under Armour is one of the world’s most innovative sports performance brands. The company now produces apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment, worn by professional athletes and everyday fitness fans across the globe.
Whether it’s Under Armour T-shirts, Under Armour Shorts, Under Armour Tracksuits, Under Armour Jackets, Under Armour Hoodies, or Under Armour Trainers, the brand continues to deliver cutting-edge gear built for performance.
Final Thoughts
From a basement start-up to a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse, Under Armour has transformed the world of performance wear. Kevin Plank’s vision of creating clothing that kept athletes cool, dry, and light has grown into a global brand recognised for innovation, quality, and style. Today, Under Armour isn’t just about sports it has become a staple in everyday fashion, with versatile pieces that work in the gym, on the pitch, and in the street.
For anyone looking to combine performance with modern style, Under Armour at Saxumo.com offers everything from technical sportswear to lifestyle essentials.
FAQs About Under Armour
When did Under Armour start?
Under Armour was founded in 1996 in Washington D.C., before moving its HQ to Baltimore, Maryland.
Who started Under Armour?
Under Armour was founded by Kevin Plank, a former University of Maryland football player.
Where is Under Armour based?
Under Armour’s global headquarters are in Baltimore, Maryland, with regional offices worldwide.
What is Under Armour known for?
The brand is known for its moisture-wicking performance apparel including HeatGear®, ColdGear®, and AllSeasonGear® as well as footwear and training gear.