The Future of Stretch
In 1996, Under Armour proved a single shirt can change the game forever. The brand’s original performance stretch, compression technology wicked away sweat faster than anything else out there and kept athletes cool, dry and light.
In 1996, Under Armour proved a single shirt can change the game forever. The brand’s original performance stretch, compression technology wicked away sweat faster than anything else out there and kept athletes cool, dry and light.
Ever since, Under Armour has continued to change the game with innovative performance gear. Now, it honors its innovation heritage as it ushers in the future of stretch.
-Starting in 2026, Under Armour will launch HeatGear® Elite featuring NEOLAST™, a high-performing elastane alternative in stores and on UA.com .
With HeatGear® Elite, Under Armour has remastered its original revolutionary compression shirt— making the best even better. NEOLAST™ fibers deliver greater stretch and superior shape retention, giving athletes total freedom of movement and durability for any type of training.
Announced in January 2024, NEOLAST™ addresses key sustainability challenges of elastane (commonly called spandex), including recyclability and solvent-use. Additionally, NEOLAST™ fibers feature the powerful stretch, durability, comfort, and improved wicking expected from elite performance fabrics.
With improved performance and sustainability, this light, stretchy, breathable, fast drying material helps athletes perform better—and feel better about what they’re- wearing.
“Our HeatGear is one of the most iconic pieces of athletic apparel ever created. With HeatGear Elite we set out to elevate something already great with the introduction of groundbreaking NEOLAST— delivering better performance, better quality, and better impact on the planet. HeatGear Elite also features bold, disruptive design lines that honor our heritage while bringing a fresh, youthful expression to our performance gear. We’re proud to have developed the first compression apparel with this innovation and are excited about bringing more performance garments that utilize the future of stretch to athletes everywhere” said Brooke Watt, Vice President, Product, Under Armour.
"WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE DEVELOPED THE FIRST APPAREL WITH THIS INNOVATION AND ARE EXCITED ABOUT BRINGING MORE PERFORMANCE GARMENTS THAT UTILIZE THE FUTURE OF STRETCH TO ATHLETES EVERYWHERE.”
“At Under Armour, our innovation heritage inspires us to relentlessly pursue better performing gear that is better for the athlete and planet. Part of the beauty of this material innovation is the value we’ve been able to add by taking things away. HeatGear Elite is a highly durable, compression stretch tee made without elastane or solvents - and it’s just the beginning of NEOLAST’s potential. We look forward to introducing this revolutionary performance fiber across additional product lines as we work to scale it and evolve the broader industry landscape,” said Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Development & Testing, Under Armour.
"HEATGEAR ELITE IS A HIGHLY DURABLE, COMPRESSION STRETCH TEE MADE WITHOUT ELASTANE OR SOLVENTS - AND IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING OF NEOLAST’S POTENTIAL”
Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Development & Testing, Under Armour
Under Armour is committed to using its materials innovation muscle to support the apparel, footwear and accessories industry’s transition to a circular economy. The brand’s NEOLAST™ fiber innovation will support its effort to reduce spandex across products.
Originally published by Under Armour.
