Nike Is Releasing a Hijab Collection and We Are All About It

(Instagram / Vivienne Balla)

Muslim female athletes now have a high-profile athletic company in their corner. Nike announced this week their plans to release a Pro Hijab collection as part of their Spring 2018 line. While not the first sportswear company to sell modest athletic apparel, Nike is the definitely the biggest, and we think that’s only a good thing.

Nike designers were inspired to create a performance hijab line after watching Sarah Attar of Saudi Arabia compete at the 2012 Olympics in London. Nike consulted with Attar and other elite female Muslim athletes like Olympic weightlifting champion Amna Al Haddad to find out what they needed in a sports hijab.

“What we heard was that women were looking for a lightweight and breathable solution that would stay in place without concern of shifting,” Global Nike Spokeswoman Megan Saalfeld told Al Arabiya English. The pull-on design is constructed from Nike Pro power mesh and will come in dark, neutral colors. The Pro Hijab collection will also be adjustable depending on the sport, and will be extra-long so it doesn’t come untucked during vigorous physical activity.

The new line is sure to increase awareness and inclusion amongst hijabi athletes. Nike+ Run Club Coach Manal Rostom, who helped test the new line, agrees. “For a brand like Nike to come out and say that these people exist and are inclusive of hijabis is a big deal. It not just about making a product available for Muslim and Arab women but it is also giving a chance to those women who are putting off the idea of wearing the veil completely in order to compete,” Rostom said in an interview with Al Arabiya English.

Anything that makes it easier for these amazing athletes to do their thing and inspire another generation of girls is A-OK by us!