Inspired after seeing the Body Shop and the Sock Shop in London, Sandro Veronesi founded Calzedonia in Italy in 1986. Based in Verona, Calzedonia was created with an aim of offering a new way of selling hosiery and beachwear for women, men and children through a franchising sales network.

All sales are through one-brand stores that are managed either directly, as franchises or by foreign distributors. Now present in 49 different countries around the globe, the Calzedonia group operates multiple brands specialising in underwear, swimwear and hosiery.