Thirty years after the introduction of its original compression technology, Under Armour has unveiled a significant shift in its performance apparel lineup with the debut of HeatGear® Elite. This new collection centers on a proprietary material innovation known as NEOLAST™, which serves as a high-performance alternative to traditional elastane.
Designed to address long-standing challenges in athletic wear—specifically shape retention and material sustainability—the HeatGear® Elite range marks the beginning of a broader industry transition toward more durable and recyclable performance fibers.
The Mechanics of NEOLAST™
The primary innovation within HeatGear® Elite is the replacement of conventional spandex with NEOLAST™ fibers. While elastane has long been the industry standard for stretch, it presents significant hurdles in the recycling process and often requires the use of solvents during production.
The new fiber technology provides the same powerful stretch and compression expected by high-performance athletes but with improved durability. Key benefits include:
- Superior Shape Retention: The material is designed to maintain its original fit even after repeated high-intensity training sessions.
- Enhanced Moisture Management: Faster-wicking properties help athletes remain dry during endurance or strength training.
- Solvent-Free Production: The manufacturing process eliminates the use of specific chemicals often found in traditional stretch fabrics.
Toward a Circular Economy in Sportswear
Beyond physical performance, the introduction of NEOLAST™ is a strategic move toward more responsible material sourcing. Traditional blended fabrics containing spandex are notoriously difficult to recycle. By developing a high-performance stretch fabric that moves away from these traditional blends, the industry takes a step closer to a circular economy where apparel can be more effectively repurposed or recycled at the end of its life cycle.
Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Development, and Testing at Under Armour, noted that the potential of this fiber extends beyond a single product line. The goal is to scale this innovation across various sportswear categories to reduce the overall reliance on spandex in the coming years.
The HeatGear® Elite collection features design lines that pay homage to early compression gear while adopting a contemporary aesthetic. The range is engineered to provide total freedom of movement, making it suitable for a wide variety of sporting disciplines, from track and field to functional fitness.
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The UA HeatGear® Elite is currently priced between RM149 and RM219 and is available in both men’s and women’s sizing at Under Armour Brand Houses nationwide, as well as on Under Armour Malaysia’s official e-commerce site.
