Under Armour offers tons of benefits to consumers. Including high quality and durability. However, for businesses, it poses one major con: the high price point.
That’s why our fitness apparel manufacturers have put together this article to provide you with a better option.
Know the TOP COMPETITORS of Under Armour, offering similar quality fitness wear at a cheap price. I’ve included a few sportswear manufacturers with similar pricing as well. But makes a good alternative for product variety and a few other aspects.
Offer customers products that don’t break the bank. Don’t let those big gym clothes brands hinder you from growing your brand.
Keep on reading!
Table of Contents
10 List of Under Armour Competitors That Are Good as Alternatives
| Brand Name | Founding Year | Area of Expertise | Target Audience | Pricing and Affordability | User Ratings |
| ASICS | 1949 | Performance Sports Apparel | Fitness runners and athletes | Mid-range to premium | ★★★★★ |
| Decathlon | 1976 | Outdoor Products | People of all ages | Affordable, budget-friendly | ★★★★★ |
| Fruit of the Loom | 1851 | Underwear & Casual Wear | Aspirers and Amateur athletes | Affordable, value-focused | ★★★★★ |
| Lululemon Athletica | 1998 | Athletic Apparel | Yoga & Fitness Enthusiasts | Premium | ★★★★ |
| Hanes | 1901 | Athleticwear | Active Individuals to Casualwearers | Affordable, value-focused | ★★★★★ |
| Sweaty Betty | 1994 | Activewear | Athletes & Active Women | Premium | ★★★★ |
| Starter | 1971 | Sports Apparel | Sport Teams | Affordable to mid-range | ★★★★★ |
| SPORT-TEK | 2004 | Athletic Wear | Athletes, Businesses, & Casual Wearers | Mid-range | ★★★★ |
| Gymshark | 2012 | Fitness Apparel & Accessories | Fitness Freaks & Fashion-conscious Individuals | Mid-range to premium | ★★★★ |
| Columbia | 1938 | Sportswear | Outdoor Enthusiasts, Adventurers, & Athletes | Mid-range to premium | ★★★★★ |
Top 6 Competitors of Under Armour
Introducing the top contenders of Under Armour.
1. ASICS – Renowned Global Shoe Brand
ASICS’ roots started in 1949. About 47 years prior to Under Armour.
It initially started as a small hometown shoemaker. Now, it’s a renowned global shoe brand raking in BILLIONS of revenue annually. Talk about a MAJOR upgrade.
Currently, ASICS also offers athletic clothes and other sportswear accessories. Similar to Under Armour.
How it compares to Under Armour:
- Focus on footwear. ASICS’ footwear categories are MUCH BROADER than Under Armour’s. And, of course, it has way more experience in the field. By default, ASICS is the best shoe supplier.
- Focus on comfort and practicality. The company is best known for offering COMFORTABLE and PRACTICAL shoes. If you’re targeting customers serious about working out, it won’t disappoint. Under Armour, on the flip side, doesn’t offer the best comfort. But it provides much more design options.
- Price. UnderArmour and ASICS have similar price points. Budget won’t be a BIG FACTOR when choosing between the two brands. Spend a similar amount of money.
Popular Products:
- Sportstyle Shoes
- Sportstyle Apparel
2. Decathlon – Best for Cheap Outdoor Products
If most of your customers are outdoor enthusiasts, Decathlon is the brand to reach out to.
The company was born in France. Where some of the best outdoor activities take place. Decathlon took this chance to offer game-changing outdoor products. WITHOUT a premium price tag.
Popular items this gym clothes suppliers offers include high-performance hiking, camping, and cycling gear.
How it compares to Under Armour:
- Shipping coverage. Decathlon only ships to 72 countries. While this might be lower than Under Armour’s shipping coverage. It still ships to EVERY major city.
- More affordable prices. Decathlon is MUCH CHEAPER than Under Armour. A goldmine for higher profit margins.
- Expert engineering team. Their ENGINEERING TEAM doesn’t just involve designers and engineers. Pro athletes and industry leaders are engaged in the process, too. The results? Sportswear that’s effective, practical, and lasts a long time.
Popular Products:
- Bags & Backpacks
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Base Layers
- Tents
Recommended Reading: Catchy Gym Clothing Brand Name Ideas
3. Fruit of the Loom – 200 Years of Blank and White-Label Apparel Expertise
A brand with a century-long legacy and a STAPLE in the apparel and underwear industry. That’s Fruit of the Loom. It has been dressing generations with its well-priced apparel.
Most of their clothing comes in BLANK or WHITE LABEL. Providing a much BROADER selection than Under Armour. Easily customize and make it your OWN!
Friendly Tip: Want to save big? The secret is buying in BULK! It’s a simple way to cut costs while stocking up on your needs.
How it compares to Under Armour:
- Sustainable practices. Fruit of the Loom PROTECTS the planet by using sustainable fabric materials. It also guarantees fair compensation and a healthy working environment for workers. It’s a brand your customers will ethically support.
- Offers an entire section for its wholesale offerings. Fruit of the Loom has a DESIGNATED wholesale site page. Choosing products is much faster. Guarantee you don’t buy knock-offs from other suppliers. Protect your investment.
- Wide range of white-label products. Establishing a brand is much easier with Fruit of the Loom’s t-shirt line. Simply stamp your LOGO and DESIGNS. And the product is ready to be yours.
Popular Products:
- T-Shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- Shorts
- Tanks
- Sleepwear
- Thermals
4. Lululemon Athletica – Turning Athleisure into a Stylish Statement
Of course, it’ll be a crime not to include Lululemon as one of Under Armour’s toughest competitors. It’s a TREASURE TROVE of good stuff. Whether you want bodybuilding clothing for warm weather or cool temperatures.
It uniquely brands itself in ways other fitness wear suppliers wouldn’t normally do. Instead of promoting the product. They highlighted the lifestyle THAT COMES with wearing Lululemon. Showing customers how it feels like to be a part of the brand.
Prices and brand standing are similar to Under Armour. But Lululemon’s products are definitely MORE FASHIONABLE. Discover Lululemon similar brands! I wrote an entire article about it.
How it compares to Under Armour:
- Promotes inclusivity. This gym wear supplier is all about DIVERSITY and EQUITY. It puts its customers and business partners at the center. So, expect genuine and practical support to grow your brand.
- Source only from ethical suppliers. They don’t just source from any suppliers. All of its fabric and cotton are from TRUSTED, INDUSTRY-LEADING sources. Get the stamp of approval from eco-conscious buyers.
- Robust digital ecosystem. Lululemon has a STRONG online presence. Their products are available on all platforms. Contacting them through live chat is also possible.
Popular Products:
- Leggings
- Workout Tanks
- Sports Bras
- Loungewear
- Shoes
- Gym Bags
5. Hanes – Industry Leader in Casual Wear
Nope, this isn’t the tomato ketchup brand—but it’s just as essential!
Hanes is an iconic everyday apparel brand in the United States. 70 percent of its clothing is made right at its OWN manufacturing facilities. The same way that’s happening inside Under Armour factories. Where it produces most of its products in-house.
Only a few clothing brands receive peer-leading A-score. But Hanes is one of them! Making it a great Under Armour competitor.
Expert Tip: Hanes A-score is a powerful selling point. Leverage this when promoting your products to attract MORE BUYERS.
Christos Vafias, Clothing Sourcing
How it compares to Under Armour:
- Performance basics line. Hanes performance wear collection competes pretty well with Under Armour. It features moisture-wicking, lightweight, and breathable cloth material for gym. The best part? It’s a LOT CHEAPER than Under Armour!
- Price point. Priced lower. More stylish. More accessible. That’s the difference between Hanes and Under Armour. Offer a more ECONOMICAL CHOICE to your customers.
- Brand Positioning. Although Hanes is known for its affordability and comfort. It’s a GOOD ALTERNATIVE for those who can’t afford Under Armour’s premium price.
Popular Products:
- Sports Bras
- Sweatshirts
- Socks
- Underwear
- Leggings
6. Sweaty Betty – Activewear and Lifestyle Brand for Women
This one is for all the girls out there! Sweaty Betty is an gym apparel manufacturer EXCLUSIVELY made for women. Unfortunately, though, its clothing isn’t for everyone.
Unlike Under Armour, which started its footprint with a shirt and Armour cold gear. Sweaty Betty’s global presence made a mark as a top-rated gym clothing manufacturer. With just a pair of leggings. I’m honestly a HUGE FAN of Sweaty Betty’s legwear myself.
How it compares to Under Armour:
- Product range. Sweaty Betty does not offer accessories or any footwear items. This brand is more on offering flattering fits like athleisure apparel. Compared to Under Armour which has a diverse offering for every athlete.
- Inclusivity in sizing. They cater to all body types. Yup—regardless of size, weight, and shape, there‘s always a shirt for every woman.
- Material Technology. Sweaty Betty uses luxurious and soft materials. Often featuring sweat-wicking and sculpting properties. Under Armour, on the other hand, is known for its innovative fabric technologies. Such as Armour heat gear and Cold gear.
If your customers are more into soft fabrics, Sweaty Betty is a good choice.
Popular Products:
- Leggings
- Sports Bras
- Base Layer
- Trousers
- Accessories
How to Choose the Right Under Armour Competitors for Your Brand?
Step1: Identify Your Target Market
Customers are the heart of every SUCCESSFUL business. So, when choosing Under Armour alternatives. First, you have to know who your customers are.
You can start by identifying the segmentation of your customers.
Begin with their age. Where are they located? And most importantly, their LIFESTYLE.
Note that EVERY fitness clothing suppliers has its own market segmentation. They DON’T just sell products. They tailor them to the needs of their customers. So, by identifying who your markets are, you’re also narrowing your choices.
Even Under Armour itself has made efforts to understand its market better.
Recommended Reading: How to Start A Gym Clothing Line?
Step2: Shortlist Competitors
Once you’ve successfully segmented your target audience. It’s time to shortlist at least 3 candidate brands. Considering that all your segmentation criteria are met. And they offer private-label clothing services.
But why shortlist 3, you ask?
Having more than one alternative makes it EASIER to compare and contrast.
You increase the chances of finding the RIGHT FIT for your brand. At the same time, you’re putting in less effort. Compared to listing 10 options and calling them one by one.
Step3: Compare Pricing
It’s no secret that Under Armour stands as a premium brand. Its clothing is EXPENSIVELY PRICED unless they’re on sale.
In short, it’s NOT for everybody. The reason why people are turning to other gym clothing suppliers. Others even look for knock offs for a more CHEAPER alternative.
That’s why it’s crucial to compare the prices of your top three picks.
You can request each competitor a QUOTATION. Not only will you know who offers the best prices. But you also avoid hidden fees.
Pro Tip. The way your products are priced deeply affects your customers’ purchasing behavior. As much as possible, align your prices to their expectations. Or at the very least, way cheaper than UA stuff.
J. Felipe Munera, Strategic Procurement
Step4: Test Quality Through Samples
In order to solidify what brand you’re gonna pick. Don’t forget to request samples.
Samples give you a sneak peek of what to expect in terms of quality. You get to check out their craftsmanship UP CLOSE. A chance to admire (or critique!) the stitching. And even feel the fabrics they use.
It’s your chance to see firsthand just how well-made the product really is. And whether it lives up to the hype!
And that’s it! Hopefully, you’ll find good alternatives to Under Armour in these 4 easy steps.
People Also Ask About Competitors of Under Armour
1. What sets Under Armour apart from its competitors?
It’s not just their products and how innovative they were. The way Under Armour differs is how it fills the gap in the market that other brands failed to see. They offer t-shirts that provide real and tangible benefits to the wearer.
2. Why are people looking for similar brands like Under Armour?
Price is definitely the ultimate reason why. Under Armour’s most basic workout clothes cost about $20 – $30. And people don’t usually spend that much on a single shirt. Unless they can afford it. But for those who can’t, an alternative brand is the solution.
3. Is Under Armour a premium brand?
Yes, the quality alone says everything about it being a premium brand. Under Armour shirts last for a long time. Fits well and is resistant to fading even if you wash them several times. The brand is also endorsed by a bunch of famous celebrities and athletes around the world. Stephen Curry is one of them.
4. Does Under Armour offer retail partnerships with small brands and start-ups?
Yes, Under Armour accepts retail partnerships. They also do brand collaborations. This expanded the company’s offerings. Leading to its growth today.
Conclusion
Under Armour’s reputation in the sportswear industry is truly remarkable. Come on, who doesn’t love Under Armour cold gear?
But remember, it’s not only the brand that shines. Other brands have also been winning customers’ hearts for many years.
ALL the brands on this list have earned a SOLID reputation. They’re trusted sportswear leaders. Offering high-quality products that withstand both intense sports and laid-back moments.
Yes—Under Armour is great. But as always, it’s not your only option.
Feel free to contact JaceApparel if you can’t find a suitable partner on this list. We’ve been the go-to of start-ups for a decade. We offer cut and sew, private label, and sublimation printing. Only at a cheap price.