Under Armour once revolutionized athletic apparel with its HeatGear and ColdGear technologies — offering cooling and warming layers for every athlete.
But in 2025, with so many technical fabrics and eco-performance brands emerging, the question is:
Are HeatGear and ColdGear still relevant today?
Let’s take a closer look at how these technologies hold up, how they compare to modern innovations, and what this means for today’s sportswear brands.
✅ Yes — Under Armour’s HeatGear and ColdGear are still functional and relevant, but less dominant than before.
They remain excellent for performance use, but newer fabrics — especially sustainable and adaptive textiles — are now leading innovation.
In short:
HeatGear (launched in 1996) was Under Armour’s breakthrough fabric designed to wick sweat, regulate body temperature, and stay lightweight during heat and humidity.
ColdGear, introduced shortly after, offered dual-layer insulation for cold-weather athletes without adding bulk.
| Technology | Ideal Use | Core Feature |
|---|---|---|
| HeatGear | Hot climates / high-intensity training | Moisture-wicking, cooling mesh fabric |
| ColdGear | Cold outdoor workouts | Thermal insulation with breathability |
| AllSeasonGear | Between seasons | Balanced comfort & flexibility |
These became synonymous with Under Armour’s “performance-first” reputation.
Before Under Armour, sportswear was mostly made from cotton, which absorbed sweat and stayed heavy.
HeatGear and ColdGear changed that by introducing synthetic performance fibers engineered to:
This innovation helped Under Armour compete directly with Nike Dri-FIT and Adidas ClimaCool, defining the modern “technical apparel” era.
Yes — but with caveats.
Pros:
Cons:
💬 In my experience as a gymwear OEM consultant, these materials still perform — but consumers increasingly care about sustainability and comfort versatility.
| Feature | HeatGear | ColdGear | Modern Eco Alternatives (e.g. FuKi Yoga Recycled Tech) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Use | Hot & humid | Cold & dry | Adaptive to multiple climates |
| Fabric Type | Polyester/elastane | Dual-layer synthetic | Recycled nylon, bamboo, Tencel blends |
| Breathability | High | Moderate | High with natural ventilation |
| Sustainability | Low | Low | High (eco-certified & recyclable) |
| Softness & Feel | Performance texture | Slightly thicker | Softer, natural touch |
| Use Case | Pro athletes | Outdoor training | Fitness & lifestyle wear |
Conclusion:
Under Armour’s tech still performs — but newer fabrics achieve similar results with greener production.
From my personal observation and client feedback:
💡 Performance matters — but so does comfort, ethics, and brand image.
Under Armour taught the world how fabric technology can define a brand.
But modern brands should also balance innovation with sustainability and inclusivity.
Key takeaways for activewear manufacturers:
That’s why FuKi Yoga focuses on integrating both — performance and planet-friendly design — in every OEM partnership.
Q1: Is HeatGear still worth buying?
Yes, it’s great for high-intensity or outdoor workouts in hot weather.
Q2: Does ColdGear really keep you warm?
Yes, its dual-layer design traps heat effectively while allowing airflow.
Q3: Are these fabrics sustainable?
Not fully. They rely on synthetic fibers, though Under Armour is introducing recycled variants.
Q4: What’s the best modern alternative?
Recycled nylon, bamboo, or Tencel-based activewear from OEMs like FuKi Yoga provide similar performance with lower environmental impact.
At FuKi Yoga, we build on the foundation laid by pioneers like Under Armour — but with a modern, eco-conscious approach.
We specialize in:
Our mission:
To help new brands create the next generation of technical apparel — performance-driven, stylish, and sustainable.
👉 Learn more at fukiyoga.com