Training shirts Kappa

From a Turin hosiery to the Omini logo

Kappa was born from a Turin hosiery founded in 1916 by Abramo Vitale, the Maglificio Calzificio Torinese, which specialised in socks and later underwear. In 1956, after a manufacturing defect, the corrected products were marked with a K, for Kontrolle, the letter that gave its name to the brand in 1967. Two years later, the Omini logo appeared, featuring two silhouettes sitting back to back, which has become one of the most recognisable symbols in sportswear. Since 1994, the brand has belonged to the Italian group BasicNet.

Other brands

Training jerseys are also available from:

• adidas.
• Nike.
• Under Armour.
• Puma.
• Le Coq Sportif.
• Canterbury.
• Gilbert.

All training jerseys can be found on the training jerseys page.

The Kombat, a cut designed against grabs

Launched in 2000, the Kombat revolutionised the design of jerseys: a mix of polyester and elastane, shaped like a second skin. The idea boils down to two points. A fabric close to the body offers very little grip to an opponent, and when it is still grabbed, its elasticity allows the player to continue their movement while making the grab visible to the referee. In rugby, where the jersey is constantly pulled during tackles and mauls, this logic naturally finds its place on Kappa training jerseys.

Choosing the right size for a second-skin cut

A fitted cut requires more careful selection than a loose top. You measure your chest circumference and waist, then refer to the Kappa guide: the player who wants to feel the jersey tight against their torso keeps their size, while someone who prefers a bit more room for weight training or long sessions sizes up. For forwards with thick arms, the fit of the sleeves is also checked. To preserve the elastane, avoid hot water, tumble drying, and fabric softener, as these wear down the fibres and relax the fabric.

Good deals

Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and articles shipped in 24 hours are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, and then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Does Kappa dress French rugby clubs?

Yes. The Turin brand has equipped clubs such as Union Bordeaux-Bègles, FC Grenoble, and Stade Français Paris. It is therefore well aware of the demands of a professional club, both in training and in matches.

Where does the name Kappa come from?

From the letter K, which was placed on products in 1956 after a manufacturing defect, for Kontrolle. In 1967, the brand adopted the name of this letter in Greek, kappa, which it still carries today.

What does the Omini logo represent?

Omini means "little men" in Italian. The logo, created in 1969 from a backlit photograph, shows a man and a woman sitting back to back, a silhouette used across all lines of the brand.

Does a Kombat-inspired jersey restrict movement?

No, it’s actually the opposite of the intended effect: the elastane follows every move, pass, tackle, or sprint. The feeling of support can sometimes surprise on the first try, but it quickly fades away during warm-up.

Is a fitted jersey suitable for children too?

Yes, as long as you choose the size based on chest measurement rather than age, since growth varies greatly from one child to another. Also, a stretchy fabric better accommodates changes in body shape throughout the year.