The first collection blends classic racer vibes with Kappa’s streetwise aesthetic. There are 30 different garments and accessories for everyone from on-track staff to motorsport fans.
Italian sportswear giant Kappa has just shifted into high gear with the launch of its first-ever capsule collection for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
This marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between the two powerhouses, with Kappa taking the official outfitter’s wheel.
Get ready for a thrilling style fusion! The inaugural collection seamlessly blends classic racer vibes with Kappa’s signature streetwise aesthetic. This dynamic mix translates into a diverse range of 30 garments and accessories, catering to everyone from on-track staff to die-hard motorsport fans.
The collection cleverly divides into three distinct sub-ranges: Team Kit, Fanwear, and Heritage.
Designed with functionality and style in mind, Team Kit presents a refined and minimalist uniform for event staff. Think sleek zip-up tracksuits, comfortable sweatshirts, and classic polo necks – all in a versatile navy palette and designed to be effortlessly mixed and matched throughout the race.
Gear up for the big day with the Fanwear sub-range. Featuring Kappa’s iconic lightweight KOMBAT shirts, matching shorts, and a selection of accessories, each piece boasts reflective logos, a subtle nod to the endurance race’s nighttime element.
For a touch of vintage racing flair, the Heritage range brings out the big guns. Kappa’s premium Robe Giovani garments take center stage, adorned with motorsport-inspired motifs that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The star of the show here is the Alain jacket, a “Midnight Blue” carpenter-style number that pays homage to Le Mans’ rich history. The Pierre shirt, with its co-branded details and matching cap, completes this heritage-inspired ensemble.
Ready to embrace the high-octane world of Le Mans with Kappa? The new capsule collection is already available on Kappa’s website, with prices starting at a budget-friendly €30 (approximately $32).
Kappa’s journey began in 1916, not as a sportswear brand, but as a sub-brand of an underwear company named Maglificio Calzificio Torinese (MCT) in Turin, Italy. It arose from a production mishap – a quality control issue with the Aquila brand.
The solution? Marking the fixed products with a “K,” which stood for the German word “Kontrolle” meaning “control.” This “K” proved to be a lucky charm, boosting sales. By 1967, the “K” line officially became Kappa, adopting the Greek letter “K” for its name.
The brand truly found its stride under the leadership of Marco Boglione, who saw the potential for a dedicated sportswear line. Kappa embraced innovation and collaboration, sponsoring major teams like Juventus and FC Barcelona.
Their focus wasn’t just on functionality; Kappa brought a touch of Italian style to athletic wear. Their slimline designs transcended various sports like football, basketball, and even sailing.
The vintage vibes and focus on quality have garnered a loyal following. However, some online customer reviews mention occasional issues with product quality and online order fulfillment.
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