Where are Under Armour Clothes Made? Unveiling the Global Supply Chain

Under Armour, the powerhouse brand synonymous with athletic apparel and innovation, doesn’t operate its own factories in the traditional sense. Instead, Under Armour clothes are manufactured through a vast network of independent contractors spread across the globe. These contractors operate primarily in countries like Vietnam, China, Jordan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Mexico. The specific country of origin for any given garment will usually be indicated on the garment’s label.

Understanding Under Armour’s Global Manufacturing Strategy

Under Armour’s reliance on independent contractors is a common practice in the apparel industry. This business model, often called outsourcing, allows Under Armour to leverage the expertise and cost-effectiveness of specialized factories in various regions. This strategy helps them to focus on their core competencies: design, marketing, and brand building, while leaving the complexities of manufacturing to their partners.

The Benefits and Challenges of Outsourcing

Outsourcing provides numerous benefits. It grants access to specialized manufacturing capabilities, reduces capital investment in factories and equipment, and offers flexibility in scaling production up or down in response to market demands. However, it also presents challenges, including the need for stringent supply chain management, ensuring ethical labor practices, and maintaining consistent quality control across diverse manufacturing locations.

The Importance of Supply Chain Transparency

In today’s world, consumers are increasingly concerned about the origins of their clothing and the conditions under which they are made. Under Armour recognizes this and is actively working to improve supply chain transparency. While complete traceability can be complex, they are committed to providing information about their suppliers and the steps they are taking to ensure responsible sourcing.

The Role of Different Countries in Under Armour’s Production

Each country in Under Armour’s supply chain often specializes in particular types of manufacturing or offers unique advantages in terms of cost or expertise.

• Vietnam: Plays a significant role in manufacturing a wide range of apparel, including performance wear, athletic shoes, and accessories. The country’s established textile industry and competitive labor costs make it an attractive manufacturing hub.
• China: Despite rising labor costs, China remains a crucial player due to its extensive textile infrastructure, skilled workforce, and capacity for large-scale production. They manufacture a variety of Under Armour products.
• Jordan: Benefiting from free trade agreements with the United States, Jordan serves as an important manufacturing location, particularly for apparel destined for the North American market.
• Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Mexico: These countries offer varying degrees of specialization and cost advantages, contributing to the diverse range of Under Armour’s product offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Under Armour Manufacturing

1. Does Under Armour own its factories?

No, Under Armour primarily uses a network of independent contractors for manufacturing its apparel, footwear, and accessories. This outsourcing model allows them to focus on design, marketing, and brand development.

2. How can I find out where a specific Under Armour garment was made?

The country of origin is usually indicated on the garment’s label. Look for a tag sewn into the clothing, typically on the inside seam, which will state the country where the garment was manufactured (e.g., “Made in Vietnam,” “Made in China”).

3. Is Under Armour committed to ethical labor practices in its supply chain?

Yes, Under Armour publicly states its commitment to ethical labor practices. They have a code of conduct for suppliers and conduct audits to ensure compliance with labor standards, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the prohibition of child labor.

4. What is Under Armour doing to improve supply chain transparency?

Under Armour is actively working to improve supply chain transparency by increasing visibility into their supplier network. This includes efforts to map their supply chain, publicly disclose supplier information, and engage with stakeholders to address social and environmental concerns.

5. Are Under Armour products made in the USA?

While a significant portion of Under Armour’s products are manufactured overseas, some limited production may occur in the United States. This is often for specialized items or for quick-response manufacturing to meet specific market demands. Check the garment label for the country of origin.

6. How does Under Armour ensure quality control across its global supply chain?

Under Armour implements a comprehensive quality control program that includes regular factory audits, product testing, and training for suppliers. They also have quality control teams stationed in key manufacturing regions to monitor production and ensure that products meet their quality standards.

7. Does the country of origin affect the quality of Under Armour clothes?

The country of origin alone doesn’t determine the quality of Under Armour clothes. Quality depends more on the specific manufacturing processes, quality control measures, and the capabilities of the individual factory. Under Armour strives to maintain consistent quality standards across all its manufacturing locations.

8. Has Under Armour ever faced criticism regarding its manufacturing practices?

Like many apparel companies with global supply chains, Under Armour has faced scrutiny regarding labor practices in its supplier factories. They have responded by strengthening their auditing processes, engaging with labor rights organizations, and working with suppliers to address identified issues.

9. How is Under Armour addressing sustainability in its supply chain?

Under Armour is taking steps to improve sustainability in its supply chain, including promoting water conservation, reducing waste, and using more sustainable materials. They are also working with suppliers to improve their environmental performance and adopt more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

10. What is the impact of trade agreements on where Under Armour clothes are made?

Trade agreements, such as free trade agreements, can influence where Under Armour chooses to manufacture its products. These agreements can provide tariff reductions or other benefits that make certain countries more attractive as manufacturing locations.

11. Are there differences in the types of products manufactured in different countries?

Yes, there can be differences. Some countries specialize in specific types of apparel or have particular expertise in certain manufacturing processes. For example, one country might be known for its expertise in performance wear, while another might specialize in footwear production.

12. How often does Under Armour review its supply chain and manufacturing partnerships?

Under Armour regularly reviews its supply chain and manufacturing partnerships to ensure they are meeting its standards for quality, ethical labor practices, and sustainability. This includes ongoing assessments of supplier performance and adjustments to its sourcing strategy as needed.