If I asked you to name a brand of athletic sunglasses, chances are, you’d say Oakley. While the company is practically synonymous with eyewear, it’s also quietly made a name for itself with quality custom activewear. But can it compete as a relative newcomer to the space with a much stronger reputation for producing athletic apparel?
We compared Under Armour vs. Oakley to see which one of these popular premium brands produces the best product for the price (say that five times fast). From quality to customization options to features and beyond, we’ll help you decide which is right for your next custom performance garment.
Under Armour vs. Oakley: Brand Comparison
Brand Overview
Under Armour
Under Armour was founded in 1996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank with a humble office in his grandmother's basement. Frustrated with the cotton t-shirts he remembered wearing as an athlete, Plank set out to create a performance-based alternative, landing on a moisture-wicking t-shirt designed to keep athletes dry and comfortable. The company moved to Baltimore, MD the next year, where it remains to this day.
Oakley
Founded in 1975 by Jim Jannard with just a $300 investment, the brand initially focused on motocross grips. However, it wasn't long before Jannard extended to eyewear (which still incorporates the original grip material into its design). The company continues to design the majority of its products in-house in its California offices.
Takeaway: Both companies started small with enterprising founders before achieving the massive companies they enjoy today.
Products
Under Armour
Under Armour’s calling card since day one has been its signature moisture-wicking athletic apparel, but these days, the company manufactures a huge range of activewear and sports gear. With a focus on performance, Under Armour’s clothes and accessories are designed to appeal to athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
Oakley
Known mainly for performance eyewear as well as casual sunglasses, Oakley is probably known less for its own activewear and accessories. From tees to hoodies to hats to bags, Oakley’s innovative designs apply to a much bigger catalog of apparel than just goggles and glasses.
Takeaway: Under Armour makes a wider range of apparel types, but Oakley’s eyewear sets the industry standard.
Sustainability
Under Armour
Under Armour has taken big strides in its sustainability initiatives. Its overarching goal is to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining product performance via material innovation, water conservation, reduced emissions, and promotion of circular materials and products. The company is also aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Oakley
Like Under Armour, Oakley is transparent about its commitment to sustainability, including a pretty impressive innovation called BiO-Matter, a frame material made from renewable castor bean bio-resin. This cuts down the brand's reliance on traditional, petroleum-based plastics in its apparel eyewear. For its apparel, Oakley is also committed to sourcing more sustainably farmed cotton as a member of the Better Cotton initiative.
Takeaway: Both brands are undergoing multiple compelling sustainability initiatives, but Under Armour’s are more comprehensive.
Under Armour vs. Oakley: Product Matchups
Are Oakley’s more specialized designs superior to Under Armour’s material innovation? We break down a few of their comparable product makes across a few different categories to help you make a decision.
- T-Shirt: Under Armour Team Tech T-Shirt vs. Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix T-Shirt
- Hoodie: Under Armour Storm Armour Fleece Hoodie vs. Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix Hoodie
- Sweatpant: Under Armour Hustle Fleece Jogger vs. Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix Sweatpants
- Quarter-Zip: Under Armour Team Tech Quarter-Zip vs. Oakley Team Issue Podium Quarter-Zip
- Duffel Bag: Under Armour Undeniable LG Duffle Bag vs. Oakley Gym to Street Duffel Bag
For the most part, Under Armour gets wins for its materials and design. Oakley’s products have similarly premium builds, while their apparel tends to have more athletic profiles compared to Under Armour’s more casual fits.
Here’s how some of those products compare head-to-head.
T-Shirts: Under Armour Team Tech T-Shirt vs. Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix T-Shirt
If you exercise at all, you probably need a t-shirt like one of these. Both options are made of 100% polyester, though only the Team Tech features Under Armour’s signature Tech Fabric, a natural-feeling, quick-drying, odor-resisting material designed to keep you free from unsavory scents and wetness as you work out.
Oakley’s short-sleeve t-shirt is also designed with performance in mind. With a slightly slimmer profile, flat lock seams, left hem woven jock tag, and a nifty reflective element on the back, this shirt helps you stay cool, look good, and remain visible while you work out.
Oakley’s option is a bit over $4 cheaper for a single unit and has a similar range of size and color options. We also like its profile a bit better, as well as the sleeve logo placement (vs. the upper chest for Under Armour).
Our recommendation: Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix T-Shirt
Hoodie: Under Armour Storm Armour Fleece Hoodie vs. Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix Hoodie
A good hoodie has a few key qualities: comfort, warmth (just not too much of it), and, ideally, your custom design. Both these options check all three boxes, but does one check them a little more than the other?
That depends mostly on your taste in fit, similar to the t-shirts in the last section. Both of these are 100% polyester for a perfect blend of warmth and breathability, but the Armour Fleece has the benefit of UA Storm technology for maximum water protection if you get caught in the rain.
The Armour Fleece also has less traditional shorter bungee drawstrings for the hood along with a somewhat more relaxed fit. The Hydrolix features longer capped drawstrings and reflective detailing, which adds a nice subtle aesthetic touch. Plus, it has a truly massive front pouch pocket and a more athletic fit, so your choice may come down to the style you prefer.
Note that the Under Armour option costs considerably more for that quality, while Oakley’s comes in more colors for customization.
Our recommendation: Under Armour Storm Armour Fleece Hoodie
Sweatpants: Under Armour Hustle Fleece Jogger vs. Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix Sweatpants
Both the Under Armour Hustle Fleece Joggers and Oakley Team Issue Hydrolix Sweatpants offer equal parts comfort and durability, but they also have distinct features that cater to personal preferences and needs.
Each of these sweatpants has a classic design with a relaxed fit, tapered leg, ribbed cuffs, two side pockets, and an elastic waistband with drawcord. However, their compositions are different, with Oakley’s being made from 100% polyester while Under Armour’s is a blend of 80% cotton and 20% polyester.
You could qualify both as performance sweatpants, but Under Armour’s is a bit more of a performance garment with its moisture-wicking properties and lightweight design. Since they come in at virtually the same price with similar color options, we’ll give this one to Under Armour.
Our recommendation: Under Armour Hustle Fleece Jogger
Quarter-Zip: Under Armour Team Tech Quarter-Zip vs. Oakley Team Issue Podium Quarter-Zip
When a hoodie is a bit heavy, a quarter-zip is the perfect layer to give you just a bit of warmth without getting too stuffy. Performance quarter-zips should pack up easily and fit well beneath a jacket, and both options from Under Armour and Oakley fit the bill.
Both feature this style’s signature chest-length zipper with a standing collar, along with a left-breast logo placement when you customize with your choice of design. Oakley offers four more color options to help you get just the right scheme.
Oakley’s quarter-zip also features a slightly more modest collar and athletic fit, along with its 92% solid micro polyester brushed / 8% lycra construction, which gives it a bit more stretch and layering versatility. It also has reflective details to help you stand out on those early morning or late evening jogs.
The Team Tech quarter-zip, on the other hand, is 100% recycled polyester. It also has (like other Under Armour products) the brand’s prized moisture- and odor-fighting properties.
Our recommendation: Oakley Team Issue Podium Quarter-Zip
Duffel Bag: Under Armour Undeniable LG Duffle Bag vs. Oakley Gym to Street Duffel Bag
If water resistance is important in performance shirts, it’s vital in the gym bags that carry them. Under Armour’s Undeniable LG makes good on that requirement by offering UA Storm technology that keeps your gear protected from the elements, whether you’re sprinting through a gym parking lot or preparing for a rainy spring day on the field.
This versatile bag also has a removable, padded HeatGear® shoulder strap, padded handle, scratch-resistant base, breathable laundry pocket, and multiple compartments for organization. Plus, it’s available in three colors.
Made with 600-denier polyester and an abrasion-resistant base for a tough exterior and fortified on the inside with ripstop lining, the Oakley Gym to Street duffel is also strong enough to hold up to wear and tear for the long haul.
Its removable shoulder strap isn’t as luxe as the Undeniable LG’s, but it does have slightly thicker walls and more robust exterior storage. It also features fleece-lined interior pockets, so this bag is still a solid option — albeit with only one color choice.
Our recommendation: Under Armour Undeniable LG Duffle Bag
Under Armour vs. Oakley: Which Brand Should You Choose?
If you’re still picking between Under Armour and Oakley, both options are great in different ways. These are both premium brands with comfortable yet durable performance apparel.
For these popular product options, Under Armour gets the overall win with three head-to-head selections to Oakley’s two. But really, your preferences could come down to a matter of specific characteristics like color choices (Oakley tends to have more), fit (Under Armour is generally more casual), or material.
If you’re not sure whether either of these is the perfect option, explore our full catalog of popular brands.
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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.