HeatGear, ColdGear, Iso-Chill, TECHFIT, Dri-FIT: what do the names mean?

Compression wear from Under Armour, adidas and Nike looks almost the same on a hanger. The fabric name on the label is what changes how it feels in training.

• HeatGear (Under Armour): a super-light fabric that wicks sweat and dries fast, with mesh panels for ventilation. Under Armour calls it the base layer you put on first and take off last.
• Iso-Chill (Under Armour): a fabric that helps disperse body heat so it feels cool to the touch, used on the Iso-Chill Compression Long Shorts.
• ColdGear (Under Armour): a dual-layer fabric with a warm, brushed inside and a smooth, fast-drying outside, used on the ColdGear Compression Mock.
• TECHFIT (adidas): AEROREADY jersey with a mesh back panel for a breathable fit.
• Dri-FIT (Nike Pro): moves sweat away from your skin so it evaporates faster. See all Dri-FIT styles.

Shirt, tank, shorts or leggings?

For the top half, choose between short-sleeve T-shirts, long-sleeve and mock-neck tops, and tanks. The HeatGear T-shirt and tank have mesh underarm and back panels and a raglan sleeve for range of motion. The Nike Pro Dri-FIT tank has a rounded hem for extra coverage when it is untucked. Browse men's tops and men's tank tops for more.

For the legs, there are HeatGear Compression Shorts and TECHFIT short tights, plus full-length and 3/4 leggings from TECHFIT, HeatGear and Nike Pro. See more men's shorts.

If you sweat a lot, start with a HeatGear T-shirt or a TECHFIT tee. If you train outdoors on cold mornings, the ColdGear Compression Mock is the warm option.