Pro Hijab for Muslim Athletes

Nike, famous for their constant encouragement for equality and diversity, has launched their newest campaign for an athletic hijab, catering to Middle Eastern women and redefining what it means to be a Muslim woman pursuing an athletic dream.

After 13 months of development, the Nike Pro Hijab is constructed to guarantee a lightweight and flexible fit with optimal breathability, and will be available in three different colors; black, gray, and obsidian, by Spring of 2018.

This revolutionary design marks a breakthrough for Muslim women internationally. Nike is challenging the stereotypical image of a hijabi woman, and redefining what it means to be a strong female athlete. In Western culture, the hijab is often associated with a submissive woman that doesn’t carry the stamina or endurance to pursue the large goals and aspirations that athletes strive for. However, Muslim women see this article of clothing as a symbol of empowerment. It represents a drive to defeat all odds, and is a beautiful way to showcase their culture and tradition. Nike has embraced this and taken a step to advertise its acceptance into a more westernized society.

“The Nike Pro Hijab may have been more than a year in the making, but its impetus can be traced much further back, to an ongoing cultural shift that has seen more women than ever embracing sport,” Nike said in a statement on their website.

By encouraging Muslim women to play sports and stay active despite preconceptions in today’s society, which tends to question hijabi women competing and training, Nike has taken a step to make girls comfortable in their skin, and encourage open mindedness and equality to athletes everywhere.

Picture Credits: Elle