When it comes to athletic brands for my family, Under Armour always comes out on top. It’s our go-to brand not only for our athletic apparel but our everyday wear too! We live in the Pacific Northwest and my kids participate in sports year round. The weather doesn’t stop us! In fact, my son played in SNOW in one of his first baseball tournaments of the year. My daughter plays soccer year round and is currently practicing in freezing temperatures. Under Armour helps keep our kids protected from the cold whether they’re outside playing sports or playing with friends. Their iconic ColdGear collection has been around for 20 years and has changed the way people dress for cold weather activities.
The cold can have negative effects on the body. In cold temperatures our bodies go into survival mode directing blood flow towards vital organs and away from muscles to help prevent hypothermia. The reduced flow of oxygen to muscles means they have to work harder which increases the risk of muscle tissue damage and potential injury. This video shows why it’s important to keep our bodies protected in cold weather:
Cold weather shouldn’t stop you from training outdoors but it is important to keep our kids bodies warm and protected. Under Armour ColdGear was developed to solve this problem by using science and technology to create it’s cold weather athletic wear. Below are ColdGear’s features:
WEIGHTLESS WARMTH
Layering is often a go-to strategy to keep warm, but adding weight actually increases energy expenditure, making it a less-than-ideal solution for athletes. On top of that, the added layers often restrict movement and add friction. UA ColdGear is a solution that keeps athletes warm with a lightweight fabric that sits next-to-skin, while still keeping the body’s core temperature warm, which leads to less distractions and frictional drags on the athlete.
Thorough testing on and off the winter field has also been done to prove the effectiveness of UA ColdGear as a baselayer by measuring the amount of time it takes the fabric to heat up and how long it takes to cool off. With UA ColdGear, the time it takes to cool off is significantly longer, proving that the gear conserves body heat.
4-WAY STRETCH
UA ColdGear is the optimal “second skin” for cold weather workouts. Under Armour has done extensive research to understand how much and what type of stretch is needed for different areas of the body to keep the fabric in place, as well as comfortable and supportive. UA ColdGear aims to correct the issues we face in the cold by helping the body maintain its internal temperature, while still feeling comfortable when worn.
ACTIVE ODOR CONTROL
Oftentimes the presence of sweat means bacteria build up, which can lead to an odor unique to locker rooms and gym bags. UA ColdGear is built with this in mind; a zinc-based anti-microbial is applied to the fabric, which helps mitigate odor build up and keep athletes distraction-free from sweat-causing odor.
QUICK DRY COMFORT
Wet clothing can be detrimental for several reasons. Not only is it uncomfortable – where wet fabric can lead to chafing – but it can lose 90% of its insulating properties, which renders it counterproductive to our body’s functions. ColdGear was designed to pull moisture away from the skin, keeping the athlete dry and comfortable.
Here are a few of my favorite Under Armour ColdGear products:
These long sleeve ColdGear shirts make a great base layer. My kids use these practically year round — especially my two pitchers. They are great for keeping their arms warm and ready for throwing. They fit well even under a uniform. These are our go-to for any cold weather activity. Right now my kids are doing winter training for softball/baseball indoors where they are protected from the rain/snow/wind, however the facilities they use are usually pretty cold inside. They are also doing basketball but they practice outside at home. My little is also doing soccer and currently practicing outdoors.
I love that Under Armor makes ColdGear athletic leggings. These are another great base layer for under sweats but are also great on their own. They are thick and warm but don’t hinder their movement at all!
My girls can wear their ColdGear to school then come home and get ready for practice. Even though my oldest daughter is indoor for softball, it’s still pretty cold in the warehouse. She might even throw on a sweatshirt over this! My younger daughter will put her soccer gear on over her outfit to layer up. Both of them tell me how much they love their ColdGear because it stops the cold from getting through to their skin!
Under Armour also makes ColdGear jackets. My son practically refuses to wear a coat because he feels like he can’t play and move well in it. This jacket is warm while staying lightweight and semi-fitted for ease of movement. When it gets really cold he’ll be thankful he has this warm and stylish jacket!
The full UA ColdGear portfolio is available on UA.com, DicksSportingGoods.com, and at UA Brand Houses and DICK’S Sporting Goods retail locations.