Kappa USA is the official American online store and direct-to-consumer hub for the iconic Italian sportswear and streetwear brand. Beginnings: The company started in Turin, Italy, in 1916 as a sock and underwear manufacturer named Maglificio Calzificio Torinese (MCT). The Name: In 1956, a batch of products underwent a strict quality check marked with a German “Kontroll” label using the letter K. Sales grew, and in 1967 the line was officially named Kappa, after the Greek letter. Sportswear Expansion: Kappa began producing dedicated sportswear in 1978, famously sponsoring major football teams like Juventus.