Sportswear giant Nike has unveiled a new performance hijab that it hopes will make more Muslim women take up competitive sport.
Nike said it developed the headwear after complaints from women who had to compete in a traditional hijab. It reportedly took 13 months to develop.
Called the Nike Pro Hijab, it’s made from lightweight polyester in dark, neutral colours. The fabric’s tiny holes make it breathable while remaining opaque, a requirement for hijab-wearing women.
The sports-specific hijab is already being worn by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari (below).
“I was thrilled and a bit emotional to see Nike prototyping a Hijab,” Lari said in a statement. “I’ve tried so many different hijabs for performance, and … so few of them actually work for me. But once I put it on and took it for a spin on the ice, I was blown away by the fit and the light weight.”
Nike’s Pro Hijab will be available in three different colours – black, grey and obsidian – and go on sale early next year.
