--- source_url: "https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/t/playbooks/apparel-gear/what-is-heatgear/" title: "What is HeatGear? | Under Armour" mirrored_at: 2026-08-18T13:02:07.853Z host: www.underarmour.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.underarmour.com/en-us/t/playbooks/apparel-gear/what-is-heatgear/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/t/playbooks/apparel-gear/what-is-heatgear/ Under Armour HeatGear® keeps you cool when things get hot. The high-performance fabric wicks sweat away and dries fast so you stay cooler. The 4-way stretch material lets you move in any direction without bunching or pinching. The skin-tight fit makes you feel untouchable. HeatGear® is our original performance baselayer made to take on the heat. You always remember the first time you put on a baselayer for practice or a game, and the feeling that comes with it. The compression fit that makes you feel and look powerful. ![](https://underarmour.scene7.com/is/image/Underarmour/SS25_Q2_HeatGear_COG_Collection_Site_2_1_1) We’re the originators of performance apparel, and we want that to be felt every time you suit up. Just because it says compression or skin-tight, doesn’t mean you can’t move comfortably. Instead, our compression material stretches with your every movement so you’re moving confidently. To us, tight is powerful. ## Born on the Field: History of HeatGear® HeatGear® was born on the football field. As a former University of Maryland football special teams captain, Kevin Plank knew the feeling of getting slowed down by gear that was soaked with sweat. Constantly changing your clothes after practice–especially two-a-days–was over. The then-23-year-old Plank came up with the first iteration of the Under Armour HeatGear® T-shirt, named the [#0037 (AKA “The Shorty”)](http://investor.underarmour.com/company-history/1996-1998). It provided sweat-wicking performance fibers, helping athletes stay cool while putting in the work. The shirt was skin-tight, soft, stretchy, and kept you cool. Plank and those that he introduced to prototype #0037 were able to push through the dog days of a football practice schedule, sizzling runs, and whatever challenges tough, hot conditions presented. From then on, the way athletes dressed would change forever. HeatGear® is built to make you feel powerful. Here at Under Armour, we did it first, we do it best, and we plan to keep it that way—forever. As the originators of the performance apparel industry, we know that comes with a chip on our shoulder. But what’s sports without a little motivation? ## **Types of HeatGear** ® ![](https://underarmour.scene7.com/is/image/Underarmour/SS25_Q2_HeatGear_M_Collection_Site_3_1_1) HeatGear® technology can now be found in more than T-shirts. You can find HeatGear® leggings, sports bras, shorts, long sleeves, tanks, balaclavas, and more. Some of our HeatGear® baselayers come with game-changing features like odor control technology, which helps eliminate odor buildup throughout wear. Other things like ergonomic flatlock seams in HeatGear® baselayers work to get rid of chafing. ## **What’s the Difference Between HeatGear** ®**& ColdGear** ®? #0037, essentially the first iteration of Under Armour HeatGear®, led to the introduction to Under Armour ColdGear® in 1997. Still giving that skin-tight compression feel, ColdGear® was introduced to help keep athletes warm and active in the cold. With ColdGear®, there’s no offseason. It’s lightweight, but keeps you warm without feeling weighed down. The use of sweat-wicking fabrics—just like you find in HeatGear®—keep you dry. It’s brushed on the inside to trap heat without adding weight or bulk. This is warmth in the cold without the added weight. When you put on Under Armour baselayers, you’re not just wearing another piece of compression gear. You’re putting on something that’s powerful. Something that’s going to make you feel like you can do anything—because you can, and you will. ## **Frequently Asked Questions** **Q: What is Under Armour HeatGear?** A: HeatGear® is Under Armour's signature moisture-wicking compression technology built to keep athletes cool, dry, and light during intense workouts and hot weather/Summer conditions. **Q: How does HeatGear technology work?** A: HeatGear uses a specialized fabric blend that pulls sweat away from your skin and transports it to the outer surface where it evaporates quickly. This moisture-wicking system helps regulate body temperature and prevents that sticky, uncomfortable feeling during workouts. **Q: When should I wear HeatGear apparel?** A: HeatGear is ideal for temperatures above 75°F, intense training sessions, Summer sports, and any activity where you expect to sweat heavily. It's perfect for running, training, basketball, and outdoor activities in warm conditions. **Q: What's the difference between HeatGear and regular athletic wear?** A: Unlike100% cotton that absorbs and holds moisture, HeatGear is designed to move sweat away from your body. It also provides 4-way stretch for better mobility and UPF sun protection in some styles. **Q: Is HeatGear only for shirts, or are there other products?** A: HeatGear isn’t just for shirts. You’ll find it across Under Armour gear—from compression shorts and leggings to tank tops, tees, sports bras, and underwear—built to keep you cool, dry, and focused when the heat is on. **Q: Can I wear HeatGear in cold weather?** A: HeatGear is specifically built for warm weather and intense activity. For cold conditions, look for [ColdGear technology](https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/t/playbooks/apparel-gear/what-is-under-armour-coldgear/). It acts like a second skin, built to keep you comfortable when temperatures drop. ColdGear® features dual-layer fabric with warm, brushed interiors that trap heat without adding weight or bulk. It dries fast and wicks sweat to keep you dry when you’re putting the work in.  **Q: How do I care for HeatGear apparel?** A: Machine wash in cold water with similar colors. Avoid fabric softeners as they can reduce moisture-wicking performance. Tumble dry low or hang dry to maintain the fabric's technical properties. **Q: Does HeatGear provide sun protection?** A: Look for HeatGear products with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, providing additional protection from harmful UV rays during outdoor activities. **Q: What’s the difference between HeatGear vs. HeatGear Elite?** A: With HeatGear® Elite, Under Armour took the blueprint of our iconic HeatGear® and remastered it to fit the needs of modern athletes. It features spandex-free NEOLAST™ performance stretch technology, which was made in collaboration with Celanese. **Q: What’s the difference between HeatGear and HeatGear OG?** A: HeatGear OG is our original, thicker HeatGear fabric, which helps keeps you protected under your gear—limiting pinching, snagging and chafing. **Q: What’s the difference between HeatGear and UA Base?** A: UA Base™ is our baselayer for cooler weather/the Winter, vs. HeatGear, which keeps you cool and dry.