Shared Research: Performance Apparel

By: Wes Benoit


As promised, I am going to share my insight on performance apparel. My friends at PACE Outfitters in Altamonte carry these products, and this is for their customers as well as our club members. Specifically, we are discussing Under Armour’s “Heat Gear,” and 5.11’s “Muscle Mapping” shirt. These products are designed for professional sports and the law enforcement community. Their purpose is to transport perspiration out away from your skin for evaporation. This helps to keep you cooler and protects you from the chaffing of outer garments or equipment. While professional sports teams wear them under pads and uniforms, law enforcement officials wear them under their ballistic vests and uniforms.

"designed for professional sports and the law enforcement"

As a fair skinned individual, I need to protect myself from sun exposure, as well as the chaffing associated with wearing layers of clothing in such a humid environment. I have found that inner layer to be most comfortable in concealed carry, keeping the holster and gun off of my skin. It also keeps that sweat soaked outer shirt from clinging in a suffocating fashion.

The traditional Under Armour “Heat Gear” is designed to fit like a second skin. The compression helps avoid injury in sports, but in every day wear, I would suggest buying one size larger than you normally would… large instead of medium, etc. When bought in the size you normally wear, it feels like you’re putting ten pounds in a five pound sack, but when you make the size adjustment, it makes for a very comfortable experience. The wicking factor makes an incredible difference in how well your body temperature is regulated. For the ladies, there is a version with a built-in sports bra. Under Armour also comes in “Loose Gear” and “Cold Gear.”

I have recently tried the new “Muscle Mapping” shirt from 5.11. This shirt is designed with different areas of compression. While having the wicking capabilities of the “Heat Gear,” this shirt has different levels of compression built into the shirt, as well as a higher level of wicking built into the underarm area. The sizing works on the same principle, and I suggest buying one size larger. This is the most comfortable shirt of this type I have yet to wear. For those among you who carry a concealed weapon, they are now making a version with built-in pockets under the arms (I can’t wait to try it).