Nike vs. Under Armour Apparel
I’ll save you the time of reading this whole blog post: If you’re splitting hairs by weighing the pros and cons or Nike vs. Under Armour apparel, you can’t make a wrong choice — but you can make a better choice, depending on your needs. These are two of the biggest names in athletic apparel, but each has strengths and compromises to consider on product-to-product basis.
It should come as no surprise that both of these athleticwear titans produce exceptional t-shirts in terms of performance, style, and quality. Both are premium options with instant name recognition built right into their iconic logos, and either option should be great for just about any application.
But if those performance apparel hairs really do need splitting before you make your choice, here’s a detailed comparison of some of the brands’ most popular comparable garment options.
Nike vs. Under Armour: Brand Comparison
Brand Overview
Nike
Based in Beaverton, OR, Nike is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Its celebrity partnerships, professional sports team sponsorships, and high-profile social initiatives prove it to be a global leader in sports gear, athleticwear, and casual apparel.
Under Armour
Coming onto the scene over three decades after Nike, Baltimore, MD’s Under Armour first entered the sports apparel world with innovative anti-odor/anti-sweat activewear in 1996. UA has its own impressive roster of partnerships and sponsorships though still has a long way to go to reach the global name recognition Nike enjoys.
Takeaway: Both U.S.-based companies are renowned by everyone from professional athletes to casual gym-goers.
Products
Nike
Nike creates a massive array of products ranging from sportswear and sports equipment to casual attire and fan gear. It’s probably best known for specializing in basketball gear and stylish sneakers with highly anticipated releases.
Under Armour
Under Armour got its start as an innovator in microfiber t-shirts that wicked moisture rather than absorbing it. Today, the company manufactures athleticwear, athleisure, and performance apparel and is most commonly associated with football.
Takeaway: Nike produces a wider range of apparel and products.
Sustainability
Nike
Nike has also gained a reputation as a progressive company with global values, including a commitment to a zero-carbon/zero-waste future and the use of recycled materials. The company is very transparent about progress toward sustainability goals.
Under Armour
For its part, Under Armour is also transparent about its sustainability initiatives like circular product systems, recycled and sustainable material sourcing, investment in material research and innovation, and pursuit of low-impact manufacturing.
Takeaway: Both companies have strong, transparent commitments to sustainability.
Nike vs. Under Armour Apparel Matchup
Comparing Under Armour vs. Nike on a brand level isn’t the end of the story. One brand may be better known for a given sport or have a better reputation for a certain fabric type, but that doesn’t mean every product it makes is always better.
Below, we pit similar products from each brand against each other in a one-on-one comparison to see how they stack up in terms of quality, characteristics, and cost:
- Performance Tee: Nike Team rLegend Tee vs. Under Armour Team Tech T-Shirt
- Hoodie: Nike Club Fleece Pullover Hoodie vs. Under Armour Hustle Pullover Hoodie
- Crewneck Sweatshirt: Nike Club Fleece Crew vs. Under Armour Rival Fleece Sweatshirt
- Polo: Nike Dri-Fit Classic Polo vs. Under Armour Tech™ Polo
- Quarter Zip: Nike Dry Half-Zip Cover-Up vs. Under Armour Team Tech Quarter-Zip
- Hat: Nike Dri-Fit Stretch Mesh Sandwich Bill Cap vs. Under Armour Blitzing Curved Cap
Performance Tee: Nike Team rLegend Tee vs. Under Armour Team Tech T-Shirt
When it comes to performance short-sleeve tees, Nike and Under Armour are pretty evenly matched. Both of these options are lightweight, made from 100% recycled polyester, and feature moisture-wicking properties that keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.
The Team rLegend Tee has a slightly more fitted collar that may be less prone to stretching over time, though some wearers may prefer the wider neck of the Team Tech T-Shirt. Nike’s range of colors is also better, with 13 options compared to Under Armour’s 10 (plus, Nike’s colors are also a bit richer).
From a value perspective, you’re going to save a tiny bit on Under Armour, but they’re pretty comparable with about a dollar separating each for a single unit. These are both such solid options that it’s too close to call, so we’ll consider this one a draw.
Our recommendation: Both
Hoodie: Nike Club Fleece Pullover Hoodie vs. Under Armour Hustle Pullover Hoodie
Everybody needs a go-to hoodie, and either of these options could fit the bill. Both are 80/20 cotton/polyester blends with front pockets and ribbed knit cuffs and hems for added durability.
If you’re looking for custom colors, you’ll find a bit more variance in the Under Armour option, though Nike technically has one more — Nike just dedicates most of its options to darker matte tones. You’ll also find prices are nearly identical, with Under Armour’s hoodie coming in just over a dollar more for a single unit.
Where the big difference lies is the intention for these hoodies. Nike’s is a little more streamlined for activewear, while Under Armour’s is slightly more robust in design for everyday comfort. The Hustle has a bigger collar for warmth, a fuller hood, and a more substantial front pocket. With moisture-wicking properties, it’s also great for the gym — it’s just got more oomph to it overall.
Our recommendation: Under Armour Hustle Pullover Hoodie
Crewneck Sweatshirt: Nike Club Fleece Crew vs. Under Armour Rival Fleece Sweatshirt
From a composition standpoint, there are more similarities than differences between these two. Both feature 80/20 cotton/poly blends with super soft fleece for the perfect blend of softness and warmth. Each also has durable ribbed cuffs and hems and comes in at under 9 oz., making them surprisingly lightweight.
All that said, the Nike option is slightly lighter at 8.2 oz to Under Armour’s 8.11. It also offers an extra sizing option (3 XL) and twice the color choices (six).
Aesthetically, the Club Fleece Crew also has a cleaner look with a standard shoulder seam and the simple Nike “swoosh” logo on the breast. Meanwhile, the Rival Fleece features a more classic look with angled seams from the armpit to the collar and a centered Under Armour logo under the collar.
Our recommendation: Nike Club Fleece Crew
Polo: Nike Dri-Fit Classic Polo vs. Under Armour Tech™ Polo
No golfer’s wardrobe is complete without a dri-fit polo, and both of these products would fill the role admirably. With 100% polyester construction, moisture-wicking properties, and three-button designs, they’ll help you stay cool and look polished even if your golf game isn’t.
Nike’s option has a slightly roomier fit with longer sleeves, which adds sun protection nearly down to the elbow, but some may prefer Under Armour’s slimmer, shorter sleeves. UA’s option also features two additional color options, but Nike’s sizing goes a size smaller to XS.
If you’re looking for a bargain, both options are premium-priced, but Under Armour comes in at nearly $3 cheaper for a single unit.
Our recommendation: Under Armour Tech™ Polo
Quarter-Zip: Nike Dry Half-Zip Cover-Up vs. Under Armour Team Tech Quarter-Zip
For those who like to stay active year-round, a quarter-zip layer is the perfect performance companion. Both Nike’s and Under Armour’s offerings are 100% polyester and offer similar moisture-wicking capabilities to help keep you dry while you work out in any weather. Each is lightweight by design and features a cadet collar.
If you’re looking for color choices, each is somewhat limited, with Under Armour getting a modest win at five to four. Meanwhile, Nike has a slight edge in sizing with an additional XS option. However, Nike comes in at nearly $7 more for a single unit, but for good reason. The Dry Half-Zip Cover-Up has a more dynamic build with side vents for added breathability.
Our recommendation: Nike Dry Half-Zip Cover-Up
Hat: Nike Dri-Fit Stretch Mesh Sandwich Bill Cap vs. Under Armour Blitzing Curved Cap
If you’re looking for a custom hat with moisture-wicking breathability, cooling sweatband, flexible construction, and a mid-profile design, you’ll check all the boxes with either of these options. These six-panel athletic caps are the ideal outdoor companion for keeping the sun at bay and sweat at a minimum.
There are, however, a few key differences between these offerings. Nike’s boasts six color options against Under Armour’s two. Nike’s hat also offers the signature “swoosh” on the bill (if you’re into brand repping), while Under Armour presents its larger logo on the side. Sizing is also a bit more nuanced, with Nike offering a S/M (6 3/4 - 7 1/8) and L/XL (7 1/4- 7 5/8), compared to UA’s M/L (7- 7 3/8) and L/XL.
Our recommendation: Nike Dri-Fit Stretch Mesh Sandwich Bill Cap
Nike vs. Under Armour: Which Shirt Should You Choose?
If you’re prepared to pay premium pricing for custom products (say that five times fast), there may not be a right side to the Under Armour vs. Nike debate. Both activewear brands make high-quality products with plenty of performance features to keep you cool as you exercise.
However, we found Nike won a few more head-to-head product comparisons for comparable garments, so Nike may technically be a slight winner here. But if you’re still not sold, explore the full RushOrderTees catalog of custom garments to find just the right piece for your branded product or company swag.
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Bryce Emley
About the Author
Based in New Mexico, Bryce Emley is a seasoned content writer and expert in the realms of custom apparel and eCommerce. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing, he seamlessly blends his passions, specializing in insightful content that bridges the gap between innovative apparel solutions and digital commerce trends. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bryce is an avid creator, channeling his creativity into poetry, screenplays, and creative nonfiction. In his leisure time, he has a penchant for collecting unique, vintage anime t-shirts, showcasing his love for both rare finds and the artistry of apparel design.