Versarien has announced the launch of Umbro's ProTraining Elite range, including garments incorporating the company's Graphene‐Wear™ technology.

The Gloucestershire-based advanced materials engineering group has been working with Umbro since 2018 and these are the first products to be launched in Europe incorporating the company's technology.

Umbro's new ProTraining Elite long‐sleeve running tops, base layers and running tights have Versarien's Graphene‐Wear™ ink formula printed on the inside.

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.

In particular, these three garments will benefit significantly from applying Graphene‐Wear™ as they are being worn in circumstances where maintaining core body temperature is more desirable and difficult to achieve.

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

In developing its proprietary Graphene‐Wear™ technology, Versarien has invested in extensive wearer trials in partnership with University of Gloucestershire and in January 2023 Graphene‐Wear™ secured OEKO‐TEX® Eco Passport certification, all aimed at giving the company's partners, such as Umbro, confidence in the technology.

Neill Ricketts, chief executive officer of Versarien, said: "We are delighted that Umbro are launching their new Pro‐Training Elite range onto the market, incorporating the company's Graphene‐Wear™ technology.

"This technology is designed to provide the garments with novel properties, in particular regarding their thermo‐regulatory properties and the ability to maintain optimum body temperature, that will significantly enhance the user experience.

"We look forward to the Umbro ProTraining Elite garments, incorporating Graphene‐Wear™, being on sale and showcasing the viability and attractiveness of using this technology for future products."

Versarien, which is based in a state-of-the art facility at Longhope in the Forest of Dean, employs around 70 people and is currently involved in a number of exciting projects.