Training Tops Kappa

From Turin hosiery to Omini

The history of Kappa begins in Turin in 1916, with the founding of the Maglificio Calzificio Torinese, a factory for socks and underwear. The name Kappa, derived from the Greek letter K, was adopted in 1967. Two years later, the Omini was born, the logo made up of two silhouettes sitting back to back, a man and a woman, drawn from a photograph taken against the light. The Italian brand then made its mark in sports from the 1970s onward, dressing many clubs. It retains from its origins as a hosiery manufacturer a strong preference for fitted cuts and close-fitting jerseys.

The other brands

Training tops also come in:

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

All training tops are gathered on the training tops page.

Kappa and the Union Bordeaux-Bègles

In French rugby, Kappa is mostly associated with the Union Bordeaux-Bègles, which it equipped from 2013 to 2018 before returning in 2023. Its training tops, zip pullovers, and warm-up sweats reflect the brand's codes: the Omini prominently displayed, lightweight technical fabrics, and a close fit. For an amateur player, a Kappa top is worn during warm-ups over an under-jersey, then taken off for the match. Its narrow fit, which limits grabbing during contact, does require checking the size before ordering.

Fit, size, and care of a Kappa top

Kappa tops are often cut close to the body, in the Italian tradition of the brand. For a warm-up top meant to go over a jersey, you measure your chest circumference and choose the next size up if in doubt, to allow for ease of movement in the shoulders during passes. For everyday use, the usual size is sufficient. The decorative bands of the Omini, often printed or heat-sealed, are sensitive to heat: wash the top inside out at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, and avoid using the tumble dryer or iron on the logos. Flat drying maintains the shape of the collar.

Good deals

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

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Kappa come from?

From the Greek letter K, adopted in 1967 by the Turin-based company founded in 1916 under the name of Maglificio Calzificio Torinese. The name, short and international, has accompanied the brand's rise in sport.

What does the Kappa logo represent?

The Omini shows a man and a woman sitting back to back, in silhouette. It was born in 1969 from a photograph of two models taken against the light, and has appeared on the brand's clothing ever since.

Does Kappa dress rugby clubs in France?

Yes, the brand is particularly linked to the Union Bordeaux-Bègles, which it outfitted from 2013 to 2018 and then again from 2023. Its warm-up tops accompany players before each match.

Do Kappa clothes run small?

The cuts are often fitted, which gives that impression to those who wear loose. One should refer to the chest measurement of the brand's guide and take the next size up for layering.

Can a Kappa top be worn off the field?

Yes, the Omini striped tops are classics of the brand and are willingly worn in the city. For this use, one can choose their usual size, without needing to allow for space for an under-jersey.