UNDER ARMOUR FOCUSES ON INNOVATIVE DESIGN AND FUNCTION

You don't want to miss out on innovative design and reliable function in your sports and training clothing? Under Armour has made this very goal its mission: "Innovation is our lifeblood. Our mission is to make you better," says Under Armour, looking to the future.

IT ALL BEGAN IN A CELLAR IN THE 90's

In 1996, Under Armour was founded by Kevin Plank. At the time, the 23-year-old Plank was a college football player and found his team's clothing inadequate because the cotton shirts players wore back then became soaked with sweat after a few minutes and hung heavy and wet on the body. Kevin launched Under Armour with the idea of creating a superior t-shirt. He wanted a shirt that would cooperate with the body to regulate temperature and thereby enhance performance. Under Armour's first prototype shirt was affectionately named "the Shorty." The shirt was soft and tight-fitting, and most importantly, it wicked sweat faster than anything else on the market. It was the beginning for high-performance apparel and equipment that kept athletes cool, dry and breezy during games, practices or workouts. Founder Kevin Plank succeeded in giving young athletes a new appreciation for sportswear and living a storybook career.

TECHNOLOGY DIVERSITY UNDER ARMOUR

The technology behind Under Armour's extensive range of products for men and women is complex. But we'll take a quick look behind the scenes at Under Armour and take a closer look at a few technologies.

•  "HeatGear" is incorporated by Under Armour as a high-performance baselayer in shirts, leggings as well as functional underwear, it's usually the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off. That's why Under Armour wanted to make the garments extra comfortable. The material dries quickly, wicks away sweat and stretches so you can move freely during your workout.

• Under Armour RUSH is a special infrared technology, here fibers were mixed with minerals and incorporated into garments such as tops, pants and tight-fitting leggings. The infrared radiation promotes blood flow by dilating blood vessels, thereby improving oxygenation and regeneration. Rush is your gear to wear when it matters most - during your toughest runs and most intense workouts.

• Under Armour recognizes that certain areas require extra abrasion resistance. ArmourPrint is a lightweight coating that adds durability to high-impact areas, protecting your apparel and promoting longevity. This technology is used in running shirts and shorts, among others.