Under Armor creates alternative materials. In January, the sports fashion company and Celanese, a specialty chemicals and materials company, partnered to develop a new fiber for high-performance stretch fabrics called Neolast. Fiber provides an alternative to spandexthe elastane fiber predominantly used to give elasticity to clothing.
According to Under Armour, Neolast offers durability, comfort and better absorption Unlike other performance fibers, it uses a patented solvent-free melt extrusion process that eliminates hazardous chemicals typically used to create stretch fabrics with spandex.
The sports brand has already created its first product using Neolast, a high-performance t-shirt that has been added to its training offering. Vanish Pro T-shirts are lightweight, stretchy, breathable and quick-drying, and will be offered in white with a black logo or black with a white logo. They will be sold for $40 on the Under Armor website, initially available only to UA Rewards members.
Under Armor has created the first product with this material, a training t-shirt
“We took a minimalist approach to the design of this shirt, eliminating distractions for the athlete and opting for classic lines that allow the Neolast material to shine,” said John Hardy, senior product director at Under Armour. “The durable material of Vanish Pro Ts will not only increase its lifespan, but will also offer consistent fit and stretch throughout the life of the garment,” he added.
“Vanish Pro is a high-performance, highly durable stretch t-shirt made without elastane or solvents, and It’s just the beginning of Neolast’s potential; “We look forward to introducing this revolutionary performance fiber into additional product lines as we work to scale and evolve it in the broader industrial landscape,” said Kyle Blakely, senior vice president and chief innovation officer at Under Armour.
Under Armor plans to expand its use of the fiber and will use it instead of spandex/elastane in several product lines. in the future, including Heat Gear for men in spring and summer 2025.
