Under Armour vs. Champion UMD Apparel: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to University of Maryland apparel, two names stand out for Terps fans: Under Armour and Champion.
Both brands offer great ways to represent the University of Maryland, but they have very different styles. Under Armour tends to lean toward an athletic, performance-inspired look, while Champion is known for classic collegiate sweatshirts, comfortable fleece, and timeless campus style.
So which one should you choose?
Whether you're a University of Maryland student, alumnus, parent, or lifelong Terps fan, this guide will help you find the UMD apparel that fits your style.
Under Armour UMD Apparel: Athletic, Modern & Game-Day Ready
Under Armour is a natural fit for Maryland fans looking for a more athletic style. From lightweight T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts to basketball hoodies, lacrosse apparel, shorts, and baseball caps, Under Armour UMD apparel works especially well for active days and sporting events.
At Maryland Gifts, you'll find a growing selection of Under Armour University of Maryland apparel, including officially licensed Terrapins styles.
Featured Pick: Official Under Armour University of Maryland Athletic T-Shirt
One of our favorite everyday choices is the Official Under Armour University of Maryland Athletic T-Shirt in Grey.
Its lightweight, breathable design makes it easy to wear for class, workouts, football weekends, campus visits, or everyday casual outfits. The grey color also pairs easily with Maryland's traditional red, black, white, and gold.
Shop the Under Armour UMD Athletic T-Shirt
Featured Pick: Under Armour University of Maryland Basketball Hoodie
For cooler weather, the Under Armour University of Maryland Basketball Hoodie combines a sporty look with unmistakable Maryland style.
It's an especially good choice for basketball fans, game days, campus life, or anyone who prefers an athletic-looking hoodie rather than a traditional collegiate sweatshirt.
Shop the Under Armour UMD Basketball Hoodie
You can also explore the complete collection:
Shop All Under Armour Maryland Apparel
Champion UMD Apparel: Classic College Style & Everyday Comfort
If Under Armour represents the athletic side of Maryland apparel, Champion brings the classic college look.
Champion hoodies, crewnecks, sweatpants, T-shirts, and fleece styles are easy choices for students and alumni who want comfortable apparel they can wear well beyond game day.
Think cool fall mornings in College Park, studying on campus, weekend errands, traveling, or relaxing at home.
Featured Pick: Champion Maryland Reverse Weave Hoodie
The Champion Maryland Reverse Weave Hoodie is a great example of traditional collegiate style.
The bold MARYLAND lettering gives it a timeless campus look, while the heavier sweatshirt style makes it especially useful during Maryland's cooler fall and winter weather.
Shop the Champion Maryland Reverse Weave Hoodie
Featured Pick: Champion Women's Maryland Terrapins Cropped Fleece Hoodie
For a more modern women's silhouette, the Champion Women's Maryland Terrapins Cropped Fleece Hoodie offers a completely different look.
It combines Maryland Terrapins branding with a contemporary cropped design, making it easy to pair with jeans, leggings, or sweatpants.
Shop the Champion Women's UMD Cropped Fleece Hoodie
Your homepage currently features this women's Champion hoodie as part of the apparel assortment.
Under Armour vs. Champion: What's the Difference?
Here's the easiest way to decide.
| If You're Looking For... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Athletic or performance-inspired style | Under Armour |
| Classic collegiate style | Champion |
| Lightweight athletic T-shirts | Under Armour |
| Traditional hoodies & crewnecks | Champion |
| Basketball or lacrosse styles | Under Armour |
| Reverse Weave sweatshirts | Champion |
| Athletic shorts & sports apparel | Under Armour |
| Comfortable sweatpants & fleece | Champion |
| Game-day outfit | Either |
| UMD gift for a student or alumnus | Either |
The good news is that you don't really have to choose just one.
A Champion Maryland hoodie can pair perfectly with an Under Armour UMD baseball cap, while an Under Armour T-shirt works naturally with Champion Maryland sweatpants.
Which Brand Is Better for UMD Students?
For students, it depends on how the clothing will be worn.
If you're walking across campus, heading to the gym, attending a football or basketball game, or prefer a sportier fit, Under Armour is an excellent choice.
If comfort is the priority—especially for class, studying, dorm life, cool-weather walks, and relaxed weekends—Champion hoodies, crewnecks, and sweatpants are hard to beat.
Many students will find room for both brands in their wardrobe.
Which Is Better for Maryland Game Day?
For a warm early-season football game, try an Under Armour Maryland T-shirt with a UMD baseball cap.
When temperatures drop, switch to a Champion Maryland hoodie or sweatshirt.
You can also layer them: wear an Under Armour UMD T-shirt underneath a Champion hoodie, then add a Maryland cap to complete the look.
That gives you an outfit that works from tailgating through the final quarter.
Which Makes the Better University of Maryland Gift?
Both brands make excellent gifts, but knowing the recipient's style helps.
Choose Under Armour for someone who:
- Loves sports or working out
- Prefers athletic clothing
- Follows Maryland basketball or lacrosse
- Likes lightweight performance-inspired apparel
- Wants a UMD hat, T-shirt, shorts, or sports hoodie
Choose Champion for someone who:
- Loves traditional college apparel
- Prefers comfortable hoodies and sweatshirts
- Likes relaxed everyday clothing
- Wants classic Maryland lettering
- Loves fleece, crewnecks, or sweatpants
If you don't know someone's clothing size, an adjustable Under Armour University of Maryland baseball cap can also make an easy gift. Your white UMD cap, for example, is adjustable and designed as a one-size-fits-most style.
Build Your Own UMD Outfit
One of the best things about carrying both brands is that Maryland fans can mix and match.
Try these combinations:
Classic Campus Look
Champion Maryland Reverse Weave Hoodie + jeans + Under Armour UMD Baseball Cap
Athletic Game-Day Look
Under Armour UMD Athletic T-Shirt + Under Armour shorts + Maryland cap
Comfortable College Look
Champion UMD Hoodie + Champion Maryland Sweatpants
Fall Terps Look
Under Armour UMD T-Shirt + Champion hoodie + jeans + UMD cap
You don't need every piece to come from the same brand—the Maryland colors and Terrapins graphics bring the outfit together.
So, Under Armour or Champion?
There's no single winner.
Under Armour is our pick for athletic, performance-inspired University of Maryland apparel.
Champion is our pick for classic collegiate comfort, hoodies, sweatshirts, fleece, and relaxed campus style.
For many Terps fans, the best UMD wardrobe includes a little of both.
Maryland Gifts carries University of Maryland apparel from both Champion and Under Armour, giving students, alumni, parents, and fans plenty of ways to show their Maryland pride. Your current UMD collection includes Under Armour shirts, hats, hoodies and shorts alongside Champion hoodies, sweatpants and crewnecks.