Commuting - UnderArmour vs. Wal-Mart Brand spandex shirt

Have anyone tried both? Is there really a difference between the two?

I own a couple of Wal-Mart brand (Starter and Athletic something-something) spandex shirts. I wear them either as outer garment or as undershirt for the less casual occassions. I think the Wal-Mart stuff keeps me dry and my musce supported pretty well.

Under armor is nice. My only issue with it is that I can't justify it being 10x nicer than the walmart ones.

The one thing I've noticed about higher-quality compression garments is that they don't quite get that nasty stink like lower-pricepoint garments. For that reason alone, my closet is filled with UnderArmour.

It comes down to the blend (percentages) of materials and stitching. If I had my choice, I would buy (microfiber) garments made up of 20 to 30% polyamide and 70 to 80% polyester. Absorbs/wicks and dries faster but very expensive.

As far as (polyester) stink in lower priced garments, adding a cup of vinegar into the wash with your favorite liquid detergent-without any dye/additives or perfumes in it (cold or warm water only...many make the mistake of washing in hot water and using fabric softeners), will take care of any smells plus will clean your washing machine tub at the same time...lol.

As a policy, all cycling-related garments (whether compression shirts, jerseys, bibs, socks, gloves, jackets, vests, etc.) seem to do better in cold water.

bought some similar items on ebay called T3k.. Pretty similar quality to under armour..

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&satitle=t3k&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sadis=200&fpos=91786&sabfmts=1&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&seller=1&sass=masscloseouts&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&fgtp=

As a policy, all cycling-related garments (whether compression shirts, jerseys, bibs, socks, gloves, jackets, vests, etc.) seem to do better in cold water.

I'm making a hypothesis here.

It's like drying cars with chamois, you have to wet it first before it would absorb water well. Therefore, wetting the garment might help it to draw moisture out. Also, the cooler liquid on the clothings helps cool your skin first with its inherently lower temperature and as it dries.

Human body is a marvelous piece of engineering. It uses one of the best way of cooling (evaporative). Phase change of sweat (from liquid to vapor) zaps lots of heat energy from your body.

FYI: Bad to use dryer softener on performance materials. It coats the fabric in an oil, negating the fabrics wicking/breathing properties... Wash cold, then hang dry.

I have a bunch of Dri-Duke brand moisture wicking T-shirts, they are $10 at a military base/post exchange. They make loose (regular) fit and compression. I have only seen them in military colors though: brown, olive green, tan, and black. Maybe they make other colors, google "dri-duke".

Have anyone tried both? Is there really a difference between the two?

I own a couple of Wal-Mart brand (Starter and Athletic something-something) spandex shirts. I wear them either as outer garment or as undershirt for the less casual occassions. I think the Wal-Mart stuff keeps me dry and my muscle supported pretty well.

I wear both a "high end" and Wal-mart compression shirt when I work out and for riding as a base layer under my jersey or shirt. (Losing 143 pounds creates a mess of loose skin.) The better shirts fit better and are more comfortable, but the Wal-mart ones are fine.

I find no difference in comfort between my collection of "microfiber" t-shirts from Target, Costco, Old Navy, or the BX, and any of my bonafide "cycling jerseys."

My decision to wear one over the other generally centers on whether I need the back pocket that day or not.

Have anyone tried both? Is there really a difference between the two?

I own a couple of Wal-Mart brand (Starter and Athletic something-something) spandex shirts. I wear them either as outer garment or as undershirt for the less casual occassions. I think the Wal-Mart stuff keeps me dry and my musce supported pretty well.

The thing is, Starter is NOT a Wally-World house brand. They're a major athletic company who makes good stuff. I'm sure that they consider themselves a direct competitor to UnderArmour and vice-versa. UnderArmour does make some good stuff but I doubt it's functionally any better than Starter. They just market themselves as a "premium" brand and do some fancy stuff with mixing of materials, etc. And they don't sell their stuff at Wally-Mart. And Wally-mart just sells stuff cheaper. If you go someplace like Dick's that sells UnderArmour you'll find that they sell Starter too and for not much cheaper than UnderArmour.

Now I don't shop at Wally-World on principle, but I do shop at Target and have a couple of fantastic Champion shirts that were on sale for like $10 or something.....

To me a cycling jersey is considerably different just because it's a specialized piece of gear. Three pockets in the back and I only buy full-zipper jerseys. But I only own 3 short-sleeve jerseys and two long sleeve. I don't mind paying $75 or so for a good one.

Under Armour is pretty over-rated in my book. After about 10 washes, the sweat just sits on the outside of the shirt. Good luck wearing it as a base layer in the winter...:eek:

Has anyone who rides in winter noticed how under armor steams after a long ride? When I commuted in the snow and parked my bike in the bike locker (the good ol days) at the train station i'd turn into a portable steam room.
For most days all I ever needed in Connecticut winter was a long sleeve underarmor and a very thin cheapy rain jacket that I still have. One blocked the wind the other insulated. I carried a little thinsulate vest to keep my core up if it wasn't windy to use instead of hte rain jacket.

Under Armour is pretty over-rated in my book. After about 10 washes, the sweat just sits on the outside of the shirt. Good luck wearing it as a base layer in the winter...:eek:

I have some of both the hot and cold weather, so I wouldn't be wearing the ones I sweat into in the winter. The warm weather shirts came from a class I taught (wilderness med) and the cold were from a buddy who bought the wrong size (I paid, not free :( )

I don't have problem with washed UnderArmour, but I agree that the Heat Gear isn't worth the price. In the summer, I prefer Ansi Class II lime-green shirts that I buy from alertshirt.com.

But in the winter, the UnderArmour ColdGear is fantastic. The shirt and a nylon shell get me down to about 20F. The shirt + a wool sweater + a shell get me down to about 10F. The shirt + a wool sweater + a leather jacket + a shell get me down to about 0F. It's pricey, but really, really good.

I can't tell the cheap stuff from the good. My body sweats the same and feels the same no matter what I use or where I bought it or how much I paid for it. The one thing I will say, loose fitting jerseys are cooler then tight fitting ones.

I read the washing labels on all my gear after I decided to buy some of the synthetics, and you can get a lot of milage out of any of them if you wash cold and avoid softner and dryer sheets like the plague. That said I do use Arm & Hammer detergent on my UA and cycling gear to keep the stink factor under control and I've found that to work pretty well. YMMV

I've noticed that the UA stuff stains pretty easily, but then I did get a white and a yellow heat gear last time around and they obviously aren't the best colors for avoiding the occasional spot.

All of my UnderArmour HeatGear and ColdGear is the same color...basic black. It is generally worn beneath something else, so the appearance of a black undergarment matches anything I might be wearing on the outside. They absolutely should never see a clothesdryer or a fabric softening sheet.

I don't have problem with washed UnderArmour, but I agree that the Heat Gear isn't worth the price. In the summer, I prefer Ansi Class II lime-green shirts that I buy from alertshirt.com.

But in the winter, the UnderArmour ColdGear is fantastic. The shirt and a nylon shell get me down to about 20F. The shirt + a wool sweater + a shell get me down to about 10F. The shirt + a wool sweater + a leather jacket + a shell get me down to about 0F. It's pricey, but really, really good.

Two walmart brand underarmor knockoffs plus a shell got me down to -15. WALMART BABY!

You rode with just two thin, tight shirts and a nylon windbreaker in -15* Fahrenheit? Wow, that's cold.

My layering usually consist of the underarmor type shirt and with a illuminite vest on top. The vest has many zippered pockets in it and it holds everything (cellphone, wallet, keys, flashlight, or even a
camera...). It's also quite breathable.

Here is the link for the Illuminite vest. I got it from Nashbar:
http://www.illuminite.com/Catalog/Cycling/81602V_c.html

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=19153&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Show%20All%20Products

The Illuminite vest is very high quality. However, I would recommend against getting alert yellow, which is what I have. It stains too easily and I can't get grease spots (what the chain sling out when riding) out of it.

You rode with just two thin, tight shirts and a nylon windbreaker in -15* Fahrenheit? Wow, that's cold.

No, not a nylon windbreaker.

An Arcteryx Gamma SV.

And I was nice and toasty too.

Arcteryx...nice high-quality stuff!

I have tried a number of different brands of synthetic shirts (I sweat a lot and it is nice to just wear them around instead of cotton). Under Armour are the best ones I have found. I have some cheaper and more expensive brands and nothing compares. BCG (I think), Northface, Adidas, Duofold, 5.11, Sugoi. Some of them wick very well, but UA is by far more comfortable. Cold gear works especially well when it gets a little chilly out.

In the winter, i find UnderArmour Coldgear to be complete crap.
Great materials, great styling, good workmanship, awesome marketing, but works like crap compared to stuff at 1/2 the price.
Coldgear is trying to work as both a base layer, and a thermal layer.

The best proven solution to cold temp, high aerobic activities is a skin tight thin base layer, then a thermal layer, then a wind/weather shell if needed.

Coldgear tries to act as both the base and the thermal. Looks great, feels awesome, even pulls moisture off your skin, but then holds it instead of transferring it to the next layer.

I arrive at work after an hours commute in the winter and its half soaked. If i wear dryfit, or even a underarmour heatgear as a base layer and a proper thermal layer, i arrive dry. To me, Underarmour is proof that marketing wins vs function and effectivness.

Two walmart brand underarmor knockoffs plus a shell got me down to -15. WALMART BABY!

I'm glad the knockoff's work for you, but you bought a much more insulated (and expensive) shell than I was wearing ($181 current sale price at backcountry.com). My shell was just a nylon windbreaker.

In any case, I'd be happy for specific recommendations on what to replace the ColdGear with when it wears out.

The only difference I noticed between Wally's, UA, AlertShirt.com and Nike variants is price. I do not notice any difference between BO absorption in the long haul, but I have found the Nike snags the most. AlertShirt is a heavier but more durable material that is very comparable to UA. I even took a 20 mph dive with the AS and it provided very nice cushioning and did not even snag.

My extremely informal evaluation seems to indicate that pricier wicking shirts:
• Stink less
• Are cut and sewn to fit more comfortably, in terms of not seams chafing my armpits and neck, and having long enough sleeves to acommodate my simian limbs.
• Wear better
• Pull my body hair less

spendy, ftw!

your mileage may vary

I have both UA and I picked up one of the walmart branded clones.

Initial impressions of the wally-world brand were great. Good quality, great breathing and wicking. However a "month later" not so much. I can't get the smell out (seriously, not pleasant), it's turned from white to a white/yellow/mcnasty sweat color (a little bleach last night didn't help) and it likes to stick to me. Hrm.

My UA, OTOH, has been great. I have two "loose gear" shirts that I adore. One is long sleeved, and I've had it for a hair over two years now. Still works great, and is great in literally any weather. Summer I wear it as a regular layer and in fall/winter it works as a base layer very well. The t-shirt I've had for a year and used on countless rides - it's awesome! I've had two gnarly "biffing" incidents while wearing it, and you can't tell on the shirt.

Both of the UA shirts, also, have no smell issues. In fact if I have to, or forget to do laundry, I can go two days of riding until they start getting stinky. My better half has even noted that when they come out of the laundry they smell great, as opposed to the Wal-Mart one that "just stinks". :)

Summary? UA has the marketing, but they also have a good product. The Wal-Mart stuff is cheaper, but I'll pass until the quality gets back up there.

Seam placement is crucial on a form-fitting garment. Nobody wants to be in the middle of nowhere with an abrasion forming on their neck that could become infected. Choose carefully!

I've tried lots, and UA works the best for me, though it costs too much and I usually only get it on sale or at a cheapo store. It feels good and wicks well. Oddly my second favorite is some cheap thing I found at a TJ MX called Layer 8.

BTW, anyone else notice the aroma UA has? I really like it, even though it's a bit weird.

In the winter, i find UnderArmour Coldgear to be complete crap.
Great materials, great styling, good workmanship, awesome marketing, but works like crap compared to stuff at 1/2 the price.. . .
Any specific suggestions?

does method-brand detergent work well with these shirts?

Any specific suggestions?

The best base material I have found is Polartec Power Dry. I find it similar to capalene but at half the price. Heres an example. You can also get some that has silver thread added as anti bacterial treatment which makes it not stink.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=G8nfhth6yVtvWPZJVqNwhqcdVnyQr5MyVRQ1stFS8GsssC285w6y!1180075007?PRODUC T%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442620703&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699185&bmUID=1186754291803

They dont have the designer look or that body hugging feel of UA, but they do what base layers are supposed to do a lot better.

A base layers purpose is : Remove moisture from the surface of your skin, transport it to the other side so it can be picked up by the next layer, and spread it over as wide an area as possible so it evaporates faster.

I have some cold gear which i still wear some winter days when i dont catch up on laundry. It feels great, but i still arrive at work with it moist compared to the power dry.

I've shifted over to smartwool from the plastics. Love it!! (year-round even) Need to shop sales though.

In the winter, i find UnderArmour Coldgear to be complete crap.
<snip> I arrive at work after an hours commute in the winter and its half soaked. If i wear dryfit, or even a underarmour heatgear as a base layer and a proper thermal layer, i arrive dry. To me, Underarmour is proof that marketing wins vs function and effectivness.

I wonder if something changed. My Coldgear was great. The only time it was wet was when I wore a shell over it which trapped all the water in. If I just wore my vest I was warm and the coldgear was dry.
When I wore the shell is when I was a portable steam room. I tried dryfit and normal jerseys with another layer on top and the layer on top would be soaked along with the dryfit.
Whatever I wore I'd be stuck in it for 1.5hrs+ on the train after my bike ride and I hated not having my cold gear.




does method-brand detergent work well with these shirts?

I use method and it doesn't seem to destroy anything athough I think I'm going to try vinager to get out the smell from my non UA shirts.

I avoid Wal-Mart whenever possible based on the sprawling, not-bike-friendly, traffic messes they have created in all four cities I've ever lived in. This topic is a different thread in itself, but it is still my reason for not buying the Wal-Mart brands.

I wonder if something changed. My Coldgear was great. The only time it was wet was when I wore a shell over it which trapped all the water in. If I just wore my vest I was warm and the coldgear was dry

Well like any blanket statement, there are exceptions. Yours is one. Your wearing coldgear and a vest, so your not in a very cold climate. So its getting moist, but because its directly exposed to the air its evaporating and your never noticing its shortcomings.

As you mentioned, wearing a shell over it, it became soaked. Most people in climates that require winter gear will also require a shell. In the pacific northwest, it can be pouring raining and about 3 degrees above freezing. Wearing a waterproof shell in cold pouring rain is a good test as to which materials work at moving away moisture and evaporating it.

But the end result is if it works for you, keep using it :)
For me, in my climate, UA is a fashion item not a performance item :p

I avoid Wal-Mart whenever possible based on the sprawling, not-bike-friendly, traffic messes they have created in all four cities I've ever lived in. This topic is a different thread in itself, but it is still my reason for not buying the Wal-Mart brands.

Because Lowes, Targe, Circuit City and all the other big boxes have set better examples? Your reason is simply because you're a Cause-Head.

Wal-Mart for World Domination

Thought I'd post about this --

I have a few UA shirts and recently got a cheaper Champion kinda-wicking polo shirt from Target.

To my surprise, the Champion shirt's fabric didn't stand up very well to the shoulder strap from one of my messenger-style bags. I didn't even ride the bike with it, yet some fibers got pulled from the weave and were fraying.

I'll have to try the same bag with one of my UA shirts to see what happens.

No matter what, though, they're ALL better than cotton. Jeezus... I've spent so many days this summer wearing synthetic shirts outside of work that even a plain cotton t-shirt feels like wearing a sleeved towel.

Because Lowes, Targe, Circuit City and all the other big boxes have set better examples? Your reason is simply because you're a Cause-Head.

Wal-Mart for World Domination

Lowes, etc generally go in to more metro areas that are already a mess. Wal-mart tends to START the messes. They move into small towns and decimate the economy. My hometown had lots of nice businesses and a decent economy when I was growing up there. Wal-mart moved in, most of the businesses are closed now. I think the major economy there now is bathroom meth labs. The unemployment in town is crushing. It's not all Wal-mart's fault, but they sure didn't help.

Because Lowes, Targe, Circuit City and all the other big boxes have set better examples? Your reason is simply because you're a Cause-Head.

Wal-Mart for World Domination


Your words not mine. If you think Lowes, Target and Circuit City are the only alternatives to Wal-Mart I'm saddened.

Do we really need to go into the benefits of shopping at your local bike and running stores? And don't get me started on customer service. For the OP, you can get all your gear here and usually at a discount if you sign up for the local club. The quality products will last longer and support bike friendly organizations.

Good point. The problem with cycling and running stores is that they only carry the big $$$ brands.

OTOH, several here have suggested the local Army Surplus store. That's a good alternative - great prices, great service and you support a local business.:beer:

I don't shop at walmart.

Thought I'd post about this --

To my surprise, the Champion shirt's fabric didn't stand up very well to the shoulder strap from one of my messenger-style bags. I didn't even ride the bike with it, yet some fibers got pulled from the weave and were fraying.



Same here. My Champion shirts all started pilling after the first wear. But as long as I'm not off to any modeling job, I'll wear these until they fall apart. Lower cost may come at the expense of durability, but so far I haven't needed to replace any of them yet (the oldest being over a year old). I can afford to replace them if they last this long.

Good point. The problem with cycling and running stores is that they only carry the big $$$ brands.

OTOH, several here have suggested the local Army Surplus store. That's a good alternative - great prices, great service and you support a local business.:beer:

When I ride on trails, I like to wear BDU pants for protection whatever nature brings. I got mine at Army Surplus.

Problem with my LBS that got my bike is that they carry most items on average 20% markups compare to Nashbar. Although I got my 15% discount for buying my bike there but it's still cheaper to wait for a good discount at Nashbar.

I don't mind paying the premium for quality products. However, I must be sure of I'm getting what I'm paying for. UA and Wal-Mart stuff feels about the same when I inspect the items at the store. Clothes like that I can't try and return so I must seek other ways (i.e. this wonderful forum) to find out more.

The thread is an odd one, since its comparing almost the most overpriced base layer with the cheapest. Both perform their 'role' fine, but the cheapest one is also built cheap. The overpriced one will last much longer, look better, fit and feel better. Just not up to its increase in price.

There are many 'mid' level shirts that are probably the best bang for the buck.

The thread is an odd one, since its comparing almost the most overpriced base layer with the cheapest. Both perform their 'role' fine, but the cheapest one is also built cheap. The overpriced one will last much longer, look better, fit and feel better. Just not up to its increase in price.

There are many 'mid' level shirts that are probably the best bang for the buck.

I actually own one walmart special - a short sleeve spandex shirt. The finish is pretty good on it and after several washes (maybe 12-15 so far) there is nothing to distinguish this shirt from one you would find hanging in the store.

Even the little white logo on the chest is intact - I thought (and wished) this would come off to make the shirt all black, but alas it's hanging on like new.

I will buy more of the product based on this shirt :)

I also own a champion shirt - seems to have a smell to it. Brand new from the wash, it smells (kind of plasticky/chemical) I don't know how to describe it but lucky for me I don't wear it anywhere but on the commute - and nobody sniffs my shirt along the way :D

To my surprise, the Champion shirt's fabric didn't stand up very well to the shoulder strap from one of my messenger-style bags. I didn't even ride the bike with it, yet some fibers got pulled from the weave and were fraying.

I'll have to try the same bag with one of my UA shirts to see what happens.

Wore the bag with one of my loose UA shirts yesterday, and the fabric is completely undamaged. Score one for the boys from Baltimore.