When Was Under Armour Created

When Was Under Armour Created

Under Armour was created in 1996. Kevin Plank founded the company in Washington, D.C., driven by a simple idea: an athletic shirt that could keep athletes dry and cool.

The Founding Story

Plank, a former special teams captain for the University of Maryland football team, became frustrated with cotton T-shirts that soaked up sweat and became heavy during games. He used his grandmother's basement to prototype a moisture-wicking compression shirt made from synthetic fabrics. The prototype caught the attention of his teammates, and Plank began selling the shirts out of his car trunk.

Growth and Expansion

By the early 2000s, Under Armour had moved beyond its signature performance shirts. The brand expanded into footwear, outerwear, and accessories. Strategic endorsements from professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB helped the company build credibility and reach new audiences.

Becoming a Public Company

Under Armour went public in 2005, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol UAA. The IPO fueled a period of rapid growth, with the company opening retail stores and strengthening its digital presence.

Current Brand Position

Today, Under Armour is one of the most recognized names in sportswear alongside Nike and Adidas. The brand continues to innovate with technologies like HeatGear, ColdGear, and Threadborne, serving both professional athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts.