Training kit from Umbro, which makes shirts for West Ham United, Werder Bremen and the England’s rugby union team among many others, will incorporate technology from Versarien PLC next year.
Umbro will integrate the AIM-listed company’s Graphene-Wear technology into its Elite training clothing range, initially for the 2023 spring/summer collection.
Building on other projects with Umbro since 2018, Versarien said this was the first to lead to products being launched.
It said that with the Graphene-Wear ink printed on the inside of the training, its novel properties will provide “enhanced thermal transmittance, increased moisture management, with improved drying rate, without compromising air or water vapor permeability”.
To develop the Graphene-Wear technology in sportswear, Versarien said it has carried out extensive wearer trials with the University of Gloucester and a recognised testing house, leading to the publication of a white paper designed to give confidence to potential partners such as Umbro.
"As a brand, we are dedicated to constantly pushing the boundaries of our product innovation,” said Umbro’s head of global product, Colin Lomas.
“This is another major step forward for us and we are pleased that after a long experimentation phase with Versarien, we can now introduce this innovation."
Versarien chief executive Neill Ricketts added: “Graphene-Wear is a novel technology with benefits for the wearer in terms of performance and comfort. This technology was developed in Manchester, which is also the home of Umbro. We are very excited to work with a brand with Umbro's deep-running experience in performance products and we look forward to the products going on sale to consumers."
The garments will have Versarien's Graphene-Wear™ trademark applied.