Five decades of evolution: How our athletic gear has transformed

Five decades of evolution: How our athletic gear has transformed

At Joma, we showcase the technological journey that has reshaped our athletic apparel over the past 50 years.

For more than half a century, Joma has been designing garments that support athletes on their path to excellence. Since our beginnings, we’ve embraced innovation and technology as the way forward, accompanying generations of elite athletes in major national and international competitions. Thanks to our high-performance athletic gear, historic moments have been made—like Fermín Cacho’s gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Today, we support more than 15 federations — including RFEA and FIDAL — and an international elite team. This journey would not have been possible without a consistent commitment to cutting-edge technology, reflected in our growing annual investment in R&D.

A journey of continuous improvement

To illustrate this evolution, we present a comparison between two iconic garments: a high-performance shirt from 1983 and the latest version of the Élite shirt, currently worn by our professional team. These two designs highlight how we’ve refined our technical lines over time, adapting to the demands of elite sport.

The 1983 shirt represented the highest level of textile development of its time and reflected the first technological advances applied to athletics. That design marked the beginning of a path Joma has followed with dedication, research, and passion for sport—leading to today’s Élite shirt.

Technology in Service of Performance

This comparison clearly shows how innovation has transformed every fabric and detail to meet the needs of elite athletes:

  • Flatlock seams and laser-cut finishes, which eliminate chafing and reduce weight
  • Ultra-lightweight construction, offering maximum freedom of movement
  • Strategic microperforations, enhancing breathability and sweat evacuation
  • High-performance fabrics, more resistant to friction and wear from repetitive motion
  • Advanced elasticity, with a fabric that fits the body like a second skin

Ultimately, this analysis represents the culmination of more than five decades of evolution. Once again, Joma proves that innovation is the driving force that propels sport into the future.