Sportswear giant Nike launches sports hijab for Muslim athletes

The Nike “Pro-Hijab” has come about as a direct result of Muslim female athletes telling Nike that they need a hijab that would help them perform better.

Finding a suitable hijab for exercising, of a suitable material and shape, is challenging, especially in the West, and many hope that this initiative from Nike will bring a much needed product to them. The multinational giant will start selling the product, called Nike Pro Hijab, from next year.

Al Haddad and a number of elite hijab-wearing athletes, including Rostom and Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari, have been testing these features in Nike’s prototypes since early 2016.

Nike says it was a carefully planned decision to put their trademark “swoosh” above the left ear to “highlight the hijab’s pinnacle performance nature”.

The hijab, which will be available to purchase from next year, is inspired by Muslim athletes themselves, who told Nike they’ve experienced performance problems when wearing a traditional hijab during competition.

Following last week’s news that Nike will launch a plus size active wear range for women, comes another boundary-pushing announcement from the brand. It has strategic tiny holes for breathability and an elongated back so it will not get untucked.

According to recent news Nike was included in the list of Most Reputable Companies in the Forbes magazine.

“Everyday athletes from around the Middle East, including runners and cyclists, also assessed the hijabs”, Nike writes in the release.

Debenhams recently announced a partnership with modest fashion brand Aab, making it the first major United Kingdom department store to sell hijabs.

As part of Muslim beliefs, the hijab – which, unlike the niqab or burka, covers the hair and neck but not the face – must be worn when in the presence of any males who are not family members.

In its strive for greater inclusivity, the brand also launched a plus-size line for women this week, with tops and bottoms ranging up to size 3XL and sports bras to 38E.