Under Armour, Inc., a renowned American sportswear company, has firmly established itself in the athletic apparel industry. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Under Armour was founded on September 25, 1996, by Kevin Plank, a 24-year-old former special teams captain of the University of Maryland football team. Plank’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly in his grandmother’s basement in Washington, D.C., where he started the business with just apparel in the trunk of his car. His relentless dedication and innovative spirit laid the foundation for a brand that would revolutionize sportswear with its high-performance gear.

The genesis of Under Armour was driven by Plank’s frustration with sweat-soaked cotton T-shirts worn during football practice. Inspired by the moisture-wicking properties of his compression shorts, Plank set out to create a T-shirt that stayed dry and comfortable. This quest led to the development of Under Armour’s first prototype, which he distributed to his University of Maryland teammates and NFL friends. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, prompting Plank to refine the design further and introduce a T-shirt made from microfibers that effectively wicked moisture away from the body. This innovation not only addressed a common problem faced by athletes but also positioned Under Armour as a pioneer in performance apparel.

Under Armour’s big break came in 1999 when Warner Brothers featured the brand in the films “Any Given Sunday” and “The Replacements.” This exposure, coupled with a strategic advertisement in ESPN The Magazine, significantly boosted the company’s sales and visibility. Over the years, Under Armour expanded its product lines and secured major contracts with sports teams and athletes, solidifying its reputation as a leading sportswear brand. From outfitting the new XFL football league in 2000 to becoming the official uniform provider for Major League Baseball, Under Armour’s journey is a testament to its commitment to innovation, performance, and strategic marketing. Today, Under Armour continues to push the boundaries of athletic apparel, maintaining its position as a go-to brand for athletes worldwide.

Under Armour Football Commercial

How to tell if Under Armour is vintage from the logo

Under Armour has become a prominent name in the athletic apparel industry, known for its high-performance gear and distinctive logo. The evolution of the Under Armour logo reflects the brand’s growth and the changing design trends over the years. This guide will help you identify if your Under Armour item is vintage based on the logo used during specific eras.

1996 Under Armour logo

• The original Under Armour logo featured a simple and clean design.
• The logo consisted of the iconic “UA” symbol encased in an oval.
• The text “UNDER ARMOUR” was placed below the emblem in a straightforward, sans-serif font.
• The overall design was minimalistic, focusing on the brand name and symbol.

1996 to 1997 Under Armour logo

• The logo design remained consistent with the original.
• The text “ATHLETIC APPAREL” was added beneath the brand name.
• The logo continued to use the simple “UA” symbol and oval shape.
• This period saw slight refinements in font and layout but retained the same overall look.

1997 to 1998 Under Armour logo

• The logo design was slightly modernized with a bolder look.
• The “UA” symbol became more prominent within the oval.
• The text “UNDER ARMOUR” was more stylized, with a slight increase in size and font weight.
• The addition of “ATHLETIC APPAREL” remained consistent.

1998 to 1999 Under Armour logo

• This logo iteration emphasized the “UA” symbol even more.
• The oval encasing the symbol was removed, giving the logo a more open look.
• The text “UNDER ARMOUR” was positioned closer to the emblem.
• The overall design aimed for a sleek and modern appearance.

1999 to 2005 Under Armour logo

• The logo saw a major redesign during this period.
• The “UA” symbol was now enclosed within a more streamlined oval.
• The text “UNDER ARMOUR” was placed underneath in a modern, bold font.
• This design marked the transition to a more polished and contemporary look for the brand.

2005 to now Under Armour logo

• The current logo maintains the structure introduced in 1999 but with refinements.
• The “UA” symbol is larger and more defined, without the oval encasing.
• The text “UNDER ARMOUR” is in a bold, sans-serif font, positioned directly below the emblem.
• This logo reflects the brand’s established identity and modern design aesthetics.

How to tell if Under Armour is vintage from the tags

Under Armour has been a staple in sportswear since its inception, known for its innovative moisture-wicking fabrics and performance-enhancing gear. Over the years, the brand’s tags have evolved, reflecting changes in design, branding, and manufacturing locations. Identifying vintage Under Armour pieces can be done by examining these tags and noting specific characteristics from different eras.

Need help with vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll take care of it!

2000s vintage Under Armour tags

• Simple and clean design with the Under Armour logo prominently displayed.
• Tags often include basic size information and manufacturing country.
• Early tags feature “HeatGear” or “ColdGear” depending on the product line.
• Tags may include multilingual care instructions and material information.

2010s vintage Under Armour tags

• Modern design with updated Under Armour logo and additional branding elements.
• Increased use of color and more detailed size and fit descriptions (e.g., “Loose,” “Fitted”).
• Introduction of performance-related branding like “ColdGear,” “HeatGear,” and “AllSeasonGear.”
• Manufacturing details often include more countries and reflect broader global production.