Under Armour: From a Basement Startup to Global Performance Brand

When you see the Under Armour logo on a Tech Golf Polo, a hoodie, or a pair of tactical boots, you are looking at decades of innovation, ambition, and performance engineering. Under Armour is a story of how one athlete’s frustration with sweat-soaked cotton shirts transformed into a global sportswear powerhouse.

Where It All Began
In the mid-1990s, Kevin Plank, a collegiate football player at the University of Maryland, grew tired of cotton training shirts that became heavy with sweat. Determined to find a better solution, he began experimenting with synthetic fabrics designed to pull moisture away from the skin.
The result was a lightweight training top that stayed drier, lighter, and more comfortable under pads. Word of Plank’s innovation spread quickly through locker rooms, leading to early orders from teammates and college programmes. From that simple breakthrough, Under Armour was born.
From One Shirt to a Global Force
What began in a college dorm room soon became a business generating hundreds of millions in sales. By 2005, Under Armour had gone public on the New York Stock Exchange, and within a decade, it was competing head-to-head with global giants like Nike and Adidas.
By the mid-2010s, Under Armour had secured its place as the third-largest sportswear brand in the United States, trailing only Nike and Adidas, yet ahead of many legacy names. Today, it remains a multibillion-dollar company with a strong footprint across North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
Athlete Credibility
Under Armour’s rise wasn’t fuelled by advertising hype alone; it was trusted because it solved real problems for athletes. Its compression gear stayed snug, tee shirts didn’t sag with sweat, and fleece layers provided warmth without bulk.
By the 2010s, Under Armour was firmly established on the global stage, appearing in American football, basketball, golf, and running. That same credibility continues to drive its appeal today, whether for elite athletes, weekend warriors, or coaches looking for durable, dependable gear.
Under Armour at RYOS: Gear That Works
At RYOS, we’re proud to bring Under Armour’s performance DNA into everyday life. The range we carry - from Tech Golf Polos and Boxerjocks to hoodies, track pants, tee shirts, tactical boots, duffle bags, and caps, reflects the brand’s original mission: gear that performs when you need it most.
Here’s how these products tie back to Under Armour’s heritage:
- Tech Golf Polos – Breathable, sweat-wicking, and stretch-friendly. Perfect for the golf course, casual workdays, or travel.
- Rival Fleece Hoodies & Track Pants – Soft warmth without bulk, ideal for recovery, weekends, or sideline coaching.
- T-Shirts – Everyday performance basics built on decades of fabric expertise.
- Boxerjocks – Supportive, anti-chafing underwear that stays put.
- Tactical Boots – Durable, comfortable, and grippy for long days on your feet.
- Duffle Bags – Rugged, practical, with smart compartments for kit and shoes.
- Caps – Sweat-wicking, structured, and comfortable in all conditions.
Growth Beyond Sport
Part of Under Armour’s rapid growth has been its crossover appeal. What started as gear for the locker room is now equally at home on golf courses, city streets, work sites, gyms, and schools.
Its performance DNA makes Under Armour just as useful off the field as it is on it. It blends athletic function with modern lifestyle needs.
Why It Stands Out
From Kevin Plank’s frustration at soggy cotton shirts to one of the fastest-growing sportswear brands in history. The Under Armour’s journey is defined by innovation and ambition.
At RYOS, we showcase that story through the products you can wear today. Every piece represents the same performance promise that launched a global brand.

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