When athletes prepare for a new season, one question always comes up:

Should I wear HeatGear or ColdGear?

Under Armour created these two technologies for one purpose — to keep your body performing at its highest level in any weather. But they serve completely different functions. In this 2026 guide, we break down how each material works, when to wear them, and which athletes benefit most.

 

What Is Under Armour HeatGear?

HeatGear is designed for warm weather, high-sweat, and intense training.

Key Benefit:

• Ultra-lightweight & breathable
• Wicks sweat instantly
• Keeps your skin cool
• Perfect stretch for performance
• Second-skin compression feel

 

Best For:

• Summer workouts
• Indoor gym training
• Running
• Football practice
• Basketball
• Everyday sport use

Typical HeatGear Pieces:

• Short-sleeve compression shirts
• Long-sleeve lightweight tops
• Leggings
• Shorts

 

Athletes love HeatGear because it never feels heavy, even when you are sweating hard.

What Is Under Armour ColdGear?

 

ColdGear is engineered for cold temperatures, wind, and winter training.

 

Key Benefits

• Thermal insulation for warmth
• Locked-in compression fit
• Smooth exterior with soft warm interior
• Reduces heat loss
• Keeps muscles warm and protected

 

Best For:

• Winter workouts
• Outdoor football
• Running in cold weather
• Snow training
• Layering under jackets

 

ColdGear’s double-layer fabric traps heat close to your body, so you stay warm without wearing bulky clothing.

 

HeatGear vs ColdGear: What’s the Difference?

Feature	HeatGear	ColdGear
Purpose	Hot weather	Cold weather
Feel	Cool, breathable, thin	Warm, insulated, thicker
Best Temp	75°F+ (24°C+)	Below 55°F (13°C)
Ideal For	Summer sports	Winter training
Fabric	Lightweight	Dual-layer thermal
Sweat Control	Maximum	Moderate

 

 

Simple Rule:

HeatGear = Keeps you cool

ColdGear = Keeps you warm

 

Which One Should Athletes Wear in 2026?

 

Football Players

• Warm season → HeatGear
• Winter & late season → ColdGear (under pads)

Runners

• Hot weather → HeatGear shirt + shorts
• Cold weather → ColdGear base layer long sleeve

 

Gym Athletes

• HeatGear works best indoors because of sweat control.

Daily Use

• HeatGear for comfort
• ColdGear for winter commutes, outdoor work, or training

Your training temperature decides everything.

2026 Recommendations From Zitto.shop

 

Best HeatGear Choices

✔ Short-sleeve compression tops

✔ Lightweight long sleeves

✔ HeatGear compression shorts

 

Best ColdGear Choices

✔ ColdGear long-sleeve fitted shirt

✔ Thermal leggings

✔ Winter training base layers

These pieces allow athletes to stay prepared for any season, any sport.

 

Can You Wear HeatGear in Winter?

Yes — but only indoors.

HeatGear is not warm enough for outdoor cold conditions.

 

Can You Wear ColdGear in Summer?

No — ColdGear will feel too warm and will trap heat, reducing performance.

 

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

 

If you train mostly indoors → HeatGear

If you train outside in cold weather → ColdGear

If you train all year → Both are essential for maximizing performance.

Under Armour built HeatGear and ColdGear for athletes who don’t take days off. With the right gear, your performance never depends on the weather.