Global sportswear brand Umbro will integrate Gloucestershire-based Versarien's Graphene-Wear™ technology into its elite pro-training kit range, initially for the 2023 spring/summer collection.

Versarien, the advanced engineering materials group based at Longhope, has been working on several projects with Umbro since 2018 and this is the first to lead to products being launched.

Versarien's Graphene-Wear™ ink formula will be printed on the inside of the new elite pro-training kit garments. 

The Graphene-Wear™ formula features novel properties that will allow wearers to experience enhanced thermal transmittance, increased moisture management, with improved drying rate, without compromising air or water vapor permeability.

The garments will also have Versarien's Graphene-Wear™ trademark applied.

In developing the Graphene-Wear™ technology, Versarien has invested in extensive wearer trials in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, product testing to international standards with a recognised testing house and the publication of a white paper, all aimed at giving the company's partners, such as Umbro, confidence in the technology.

Colin Lomas, head of global product for Umbro, said: "As a brand, we are dedicated to constantly pushing the boundaries of our product innovation. In the nearly 100 years since Umbro was founded, we have created many world-firsts, such as the introduction of Sportswool and X-Static on football kits in the early 2000s or more recently the use of ProWeave on football boots.

"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's CEO, Neill Ricketts, said: "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."