Choosing Under Armour men’s clothing: a practical guide to shorts, hoodies and long-sleeved tops

Finding the right Under Armour men’s clothing seems simple, until you have to choose between tight compression shorts, loose training shorts, a fleece hoodie or a long-sleeved top. Marketing copy often focuses on breathable fabrics, quick-drying properties and support. But that doesn’t always tell you enough about the fit, ease of use or suitability for your training.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

• Confusing a tight fit with good support. Compression clothing should fit snugly, but it shouldn’t feel uncomfortably restrictive when you move.
• Choosing a fabric without checking the full composition. Polyester and elastane are practical for intense training, while cotton is often more comfortable for everyday wear but handles moisture differently.
• Overlooking the details. A phone pocket, drawcord, mesh panel or sturdy waistband can make more of a difference during running and fitness sessions than a prominent logo.

What should you look for in men’s sportswear?

1. Fit: compression, fitted or regular

Under Armour uses several different fits. A compression fit is ultra-tight and designed to sit close to your body. You’ll find this, for example, in the Under Armour HG Armour Shorts. According to the product description, these shorts are designed for training, as a base layer and for active everyday wear. If you’re between sizes or prefer a less tight fit, the size information suggests considering a size up.

A fitted style sits close to the body but generally offers a little more room. The Under Armour Launch 7'' 2-In-1 Shorts fall into this category. A regular fit, as found in the Rival Fleece hoodie and Rival Terry shorts, gives you more room to move and is often more versatile for warming up, relaxing and everyday wear.

Always check the size guide as well as the S, M, L or XL label. Look at:

• waist measurement for shorts;
• hip measurement for 2-in-1 shorts;
• chest measurement for hoodies and long-sleeved tops;
• inside leg or short length;
• the description of the fit.

2. Fabric and moisture management

For intense fitness sessions, running and interval training, moisture-wicking clothing and breathable sportswear are practical choices. According to the product descriptions for the Under Armour styles mentioned, polyester fabrics wick away moisture and dry quickly. That doesn’t mean every style will feel dry in all conditions: ventilation, temperature, intensity and fit all play a part too.

Check the fabric composition:

• Polyester: lightweight and practical for training clothes.
• Elastane: provides stretch and freedom of movement.
• Cotton: soft and comfortable for everyday wear, but can hold on to more moisture.
• Cotton-polyester blend: a compromise between comfort and easy care.

According to the product information, the HG Armour Shorts are made from 84% polyester and 16% elastane; the mesh sections contain 92% polyester and 8% elastane. The Launch 2-In-1 Shorts combine a 100% polyester outer layer with an inner short made from 90% polyester and 10% elastane.

3. Details that make a difference in practice

Good sports shorts should stay in place, avoid unnecessary chafing and offer enough storage. Look for:

• a waistband with a drawcord;
• flat or strategically placed seams;
• mesh panels for ventilation;
• a phone pocket;
• reflective details for running in low light;
• pockets that don’t get in the way as you move.

For a hoodie or long-sleeved top, cuffs, hem, collar and comfort when layering matter more. A fleece hoodie is suitable for warming up and everyday wear, while a lightweight long-sleeved top is easier to wear under a coat or training jacket.

Our recommendations for different types of users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Under Armour Men's Launch 7'' 2-In-1 Shorts Black Sportstyle Collection XL

Why it suits this profile: The combination of lightweight outer shorts and built-in compression shorts makes this a versatile choice for beginners looking for one pair of shorts for fitness, running and training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fitted design is less extreme than an ultra-tight compression fit. The product description also mentions an internal phone pocket, a drawcord and mesh panels.

Key benefit & features

100% polyester outer layer, inner shorts with 10% elastane, reflective details and an internal drawcord closure.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Under Armour Men’s Ua Rival Fleece Logo Hd Black / White Rival Collection M

Why it suits this profile: This hoodie is ideal if you want to wear your sportswear outside the gym too, whether you’re commuting, warming up or enjoying a relaxed weekend.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The regular fit means you won’t end up with a training layer that’s only suitable for close-fitting exercise. According to the product description, the brushed interior is designed to provide extra warmth.

Key benefit & features

80% cotton and 20% polyester, a kangaroo pocket, and ribbed cuffs and hem.

Suitable for: Specific activities & intensive users

Under Armour Men's Hg Armour Shorts Black Sportstyle Collection M

Why it suits this profile: The compression fit is designed for athletes looking for a tight base layer for strength training, intense fitness sessions or wearing under a pair of sports shorts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size information clearly states that this style has an ultra-tight fit. That means you can make a more informed choice between your usual size and a size up.

Key benefit & features

84% polyester and 16% elastane, mesh panels, a gusset construction and a storage pocket on the right-hand side, according to the product description.

Frequently asked questions about Under Armour men’s clothing

Which Under Armour shorts are suitable for fitness?

For intense fitness sessions, consider Under Armour compression shorts if you want an ultra-tight fit. If you’re looking for more coverage, pockets and flexibility, Under Armour 2-in-1 shorts may be a better option. Regular-fit training shorts, such as the Rival Terry 6-In Short, are better suited to warming up, light training and everyday wear.

How can I stop Under Armour clothing wearing out quickly?

Always follow the care label. For the styles mentioned, machine washing at a low temperature is recommended. According to the product information, don’t use fabric softener or iron the garments, and choose a low tumble-dryer temperature if tumble drying is permitted. Also check the seams, elasticated waistbands and mesh panels regularly for signs of wear.

Is a fleece hoodie suitable for exercising in?

An Under Armour men’s fleece hoodie is most practical for warming up, layering and everyday wear. The cotton-polyester blend and soft interior can feel comfortable, but for intense workouts in a warm gym, a lightweight long-sleeved top or breathable training layer is often a better choice. The right option depends on the temperature, intensity and your personal preference.