History of the Under Armour brand
Under Armour is one of the leading manufacturers of sporting goods. But do you know the history of this popular brand?
It all started in 1996 in the USA, Washington, DC. The company was founded by former football player and captain of the University of Maryland football team, Kevin Plank. He was only 23 years old when the company was founded, and the business was based in his grandmother's basement. His dissatisfaction with the available sportswear on the market turned into a desire to improve and innovate existing products. At that time, the still young student had no idea that his products would set trends for many athletes.
After graduation, Kevin Plank decided to design a functional T-shirt that wouldn't constantly be soaked in sweat and, on the contrary, smelled nice. In 1996, it comes with its prototype. He was convinced that a better innovative solution could be found to solve this problem and decided to look for the right way. This prototype t-shirt started it all - it was soft, tight, flexible and most importantly, it wicks away sweat faster than any other product available on the market. The athlete thus remained cool and dry during the performance, and the T-shirt was also pleasantly light.
In 1997, the Under Armour company introduced t-shirts to the market with the famous HeatGear® technology, which keeps the body cool and dry in hot weather. It also comes with ColdGear® technology, which, on the other hand, warms and keeps athletes dry and comfortable when playing sports in cold conditions. AllSeasonGear® technology suitable for changing temperature conditions comes next. In 1998, the company moved to new headquarters in Baltimore, the city that Kevin Plank has called home ever since.
In 1999, a big break comes, Under Armor signed a contract to supply products for Oliver Stone's film Any Given Sunday, starring Al Pacino and Jamie Foxx. In key scenes of the film, the football team wore Under Armour apparel and accessories, which athletes began to notice on screen. In 2001, Under Armour became the official supplier of the National Hockey League, later license agreements were concluded with Major League Baseball, USA Baseball and other key retail partners. During 2002, it launches the first line of underwear.
Under Armour entered the stock market on November 17, 2005. Two years later, the first Under Armour Brand House retail store opened in Annapolis, Maryland. Since 2009, the brand begins to take its first steps in the running category and presents the first running shoes. Under Armour has experienced tremendous growth in a very short period of time. The brand relies on innovative technologies, which are used in its products from the very beginning. It is definitely worth trying their products.
