Founded in 1996 by University of Maryland graduate Kevin Plank, Under Armour has become the leading supplier of the athletic performance apparel industry. Under Armour began with simple idea to create a t-shirt that would enhance athletic performance by regulating body temperature and removing perspiration without absorbing it. Under Armour was based out of Plank's grandmother's basement in D.C. until he moved the headquarters to, and built a manufacturing plant in, South Baltimore.
Initially, Under Armour focused on selling their products to Division I college football programs. As a former captain for the Maryland Terrapins football team, Plank got tired of wearing heavy cotton t-shirts under his football pads in the hot summer months, and multiple turtlenecks under his pads during the cold late fall months. As a business major at College Park, Plank developed the idea of Under Armour for a management class.
After graduation, Plank traveled to New York City's garment district to test various materials and eventually designed a material out of spandex and lingerie to be worn under the football pads of athletes. Under Armour's product lines include HeatGear, ColdGear, TurfGear and LooseGear, which can be found in more than 8,000 retail stores and on Under Armour's website. The idea was a major success at the college football level and Under Armour has diversified itself to all sports for athletes of all ages and gender. Many professional sports leagues and teams, including Major League Soccer, National Hockey League, and US Ski