Looking for the best Italian sportswear brands to have in your gym bag? You’re in the right place!
Italy is without a doubt home to some of the most sought-after luxury brands in the world. From Gucci to Valentino, it is not surprising how Italian luxury catapulted in the books – its influence was a major hit, a household name, a lasting legacy.
In this article, however, we are not talking about Italian fashion brands. Rather, we put the spotlight on the best Italian sportswear brand names that have been known for crafting the best pieces for casual wear, cycling clothing, and sports attires that cater to the standards and the aesthetics of all kinds of sporting events.
We give emphasis on the Italian activewear brands that have made their marks in the sports industry as well as brought the sports into fashion, staging amazing runway shows to further boost the presence of sportswear in the stylish world of fashion.
Also, we feature the sportswear brands from Italy that have been the staple of some of the most successful athletes, the sports-minded elites, the sportswear brand enthusiasts, and the likes. However, if you’re interested in the best American brands for sportswear, click here.
When a badminton match, a simple cardio, or just little push-ups call you for a quick go to the court or gym and you cannot think of a befitting outfit for a particular sporting activity, you might want to check out this Italian sportswear brands list for inspiration.
10 Best Italian Sportswear Brands
This article also goes out to the ones who are partial to the “Made in Italy” label. From Lycra razorback to sweatshirts, here are 10 of the best Italian sportswear brands you should have in your duffel or gym bag.
1. Giorgio Armani (EA7 Emporio Armani)
Giorgio Armani, an acclaimed Italian fashion genius behind his multi-million dollar eponymous company, is not only known for creating ready-to-wear and couture pieces. With his love for sport, he capsuled a sportswear collection that would suffice his desire, hence EA7 Emporio Armani was born.
Launched in 2004, the sports line is dedicated in modernized clothing both for men and women in order to cater the needs of different sporting events. Particularly in the brand’s core are water and mountain sports, tennis, and others.
This Italian luxury sportswear brand is considered one of the top manufacturers of sportswear in the world alongside Brunello Cucinelli and Moncler.
As a brainchild of a fashion genius, EA7 is a tribute to Italian sports – dealing with sportswear and offering a range of various sportswear options.
As a sister company to Giorgio Armani, EA7 Emporio Armani is “fashion meets sports” with its dynamic sports and leisure technology – a signature Armani trait.
2. Fila
Fila is definitely one of the most popular Italian activewear brand names. Its clean lines; elegant cuts; and the classic red, white, and blue color palette make up the brand’s famous signature logo.
Founded in Biella, Italy, in 1911, Fila draws back its heritage over 100 years ago, evolving into one of the most notable sports lifestyle Italian brand recognized around the world.
With its vision of “Life in Motion,” the brand continues to cater the needs of their consumers whether going for tomorrow’s challenge or keeping up with today’s tight competition. Fila’s legacy will continue to inspire every generation.
Considered the world leader in sporting and lifestyle shoes and apparel, Fila never wavers in their dedication to deliver European sports aesthetics.
3. Diadora
One of the best-known sportswear brands in Italy is Diadora.
Founded in 1948 by Marcello Danieli, Diadora is a product of a boy’s dream of becoming a businessman in his younger years. Danieli made use of his experience and expertise in making clothing and shoes so he could expand Diadora which today has reached the global market.
Initially, Diadora only manufactured mountain climbing boots. It was supervised and headed by Danieli’s wife. Years later, Diadora expanded into making ski boots, tennis shoes, and running shoes, among others.
Danieli was encouraged to cultivate quality and excellent service and craftsmanship to their products, further escalating into the Italian signature reputation of finest service to the consumers.
A LITTLE TRIVIA: Danieli’s friends were the ones who coined the term “Diadora,” which is derived from a Greek word that supposedly means “by means of gifts.”
4. Kappa
You often see celebrities and athletic personalities wear sweatshirts and joggers with “Kappa” print on them. For sure you have come across this Italian label more than once – the iconic Italian sportswear brand Kappa.
In 1978, Marco Boglione founded Kappa as a branch of Robe di Kappa, an already existing brand he owned. A brand worn by the brightest stars and biggest teams all over the world of sports, Kappa prides itself as a leading Italian sportswear brand.
One distinction of Kappa’s aesthetic is their signature slim line pieces for sailing, basketball, autoracing, and football, among others.
Over the course of years, the company has expanded to street-style sportswear in order to fit into the hip-hop culture – carrying their emblem of sports line without compromising the brand’s premise.
5. Lotto Sport Italia
Soccer enthusiasts must be familiar with the Italian sportswear brand Lotto Sport.
Well, this brand is a favorite among soccer teams A.C. Milan and Juventus F.C.. Elite soccer players like Andriy Shevchenko and Dino Zoff, even A-list athletes such as Francesca Schiavone and John Newcombe – both Grand slam champions – swear by this premium Italian activewear brand.
Lotto Sport is an internationally-recognized sports equipment company established in 1973 by Giovanni Caberlotto in Montebelluna, Italy.
The signature double-diamond logo is the Italian brand’s iconic identity. It’s a character always present in most of its products which has become a symbol of Italian excellence and craftsmanship.
For over 40 years, the Italian sportswear brand has always been the staple of sporting teams around the world, especially sports personalities from the soccer world.
As of this writing, Lotto Sport products are in distribution in well over 100 countries, further strengthening its presence in the western and Asian markets. Lotto Sport has been worn by more than 50 soccer teams worldwide, more than 300 professional soccer players, and more than 200 professional tennis players.
6. C.P. Company
Dubbed as the “OG” or the original sportswear brand in Italy, C.P. Company specializes in Italian garment dyeing technology, specifically in sports equipment.
Founded in 1971 by Massimo Osti, C.P. Company prides itself as the pioneer of Italian sportswear fifty years on. The brand’s iconic sports-infused collection is a mirror of a storied history – an enduring legacy that spans more than five decades.
Considered one of the biggest Italian sportswear brand names, C.P. Company’s functionality of workwear and sportswear has earned them a heavy cult following. Reportedly, former Oasis band vocalist and sports enthusiast Noel Gallagher owns every color of C.P. Company’s iconic garment-dyed outerwear.
One signature product of C.P. Company is the 1988 La Mille, also known as the Goggle Jacket. It is a windbreaker hooded jacket which has since been a staple for sports personalities and celebrities alike.
Up until today, the brand continues to push the limits – maintaining the excellence, quality and innovative sportswear pieces.
A LITTLE TRIVIA: The company used to be called “Chester Perry” – as per suggestion by founder Massimo Osti’s friend – until 1978, when Osti was sued by Chester Barrie and Fred Perry for the use of their first names without permission.
7. Givova
Seventh on our Italian sportswear brands list is among the fresh sportswear designers in Italy.
Founded in 2008 by Giovanni Acanfora, the brand’s prime goal is to give emphasis on sportswear, utility uniforms, and the likes at an affordable price.
Headquartered in the progressive city of Scafati in the region of Campania, Givova is a relative new player in the business. The range of the brand’s products includes outfits for swimming, soccer, tennis, and others.
8. Macron
As a European leader in crafting active sportswear, Macron (Macron S.p.A.) is deemed to be one of the best Italian sportswear brands.
Founded in 1971, the company is basically a brand that operates under the following areas: handball, rugby, volleyball, running, baseball and other sports products. The company is headquartered in Crespellano in the Metropolitan City of Bologna.
Macron also manufactures RTW, leisurewear, and accessories specifically for the supporters of the brand’s sponsored clubs.
As a major Italian sports equipment brand, Macron has created organizations or programs which support sporting events and teams.
Whether sponsored or purchased, the company has permeated some of the world’s sporting activities and supported sports groups like Hallmark Security League, Baseball League, South Australian Futsal League, Rouen Baseball 76, San Marino Baseball Club, Phoenix Brusells, Basket Femminile Le Mura Lucca, and many others.
9. Erreà
Second to the last in this Italian activewear brands list is Erreà.
Mostly known for its archery sportswear collection, Erreà has expanded into different sporting events just so they could render to a certain sporting discipline. Erreà now manufactures pieces for sports of all sorts – from volleyball to basketball and tennis, and many others.
What’s unique about Erreà is that they offer a wide array of choices for their consumers as their clothing line is not particular with gender and age.
Erreà has been an Italian staple in the field of sportswear since its founding in 1988.
10. Pantofola d’Oro
The last in the list is perhaps the most ancient among the sportswear brands from Italy and which continues to be one of the best Italian activewear brands.
Pantofola d’Oro is a name that’s synonymous with soccer. The history of the brand dates back to 1886, when the Lazzarini Family founded the house of Pantofola d’Oro. At least one of the family members took the helm of the business in the early 1950s in the person of Emidio Lazzarini, a wrestler himself who started crafting his own wrestling equipment.
Pantofola d’Oro is particular with the manufacturing of football equipment for the first few years of the business but later on ventured into multiple sporting events like basketball, tennis, among others.
From serving the world’s greatest athletes and champions this Italian sportswear brand has flourished into a world of exemplary and world-renowned Italian heritage. The rich history of Pantofola d’Oro continues to inspire today.