Sportswear giant Nike has unveiled its first range of modest active wear, dubbed the Nike Pro Hijab.
Designed with the needs of female Muslim athletes in mind, the Nike Pro Hijab aims to provide women and girls in predominantly-Muslim countries the chance to take part in physical exercise and sport, especially when it their families or communities frown upon them for doing so.
Prior to developing it, the retailer spoke to female athletes who wear the hijab, like Emirati weightlifter Amna Al Haddad, to ensure its new modest range met their needs.
The product was also tested by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari and Egyptian athlete Manal Rostom.
READ MORE: Debenhams partners with modest-wear brand Aab
The Pro Hijab took over a year to develop, is lightweight, durable and breathable, and available in a range of dark colours.
“By providing Muslim athletes with the most groundbreaking products, like the Nike Pro Hijab, Nike aims to serve today‘s pioneers as well as inspire even more women and girls in the region who still face barriers and limited access to sport,” Nike said in a statement.
The Pro Hijab is set to launch in Nike stores across the globe next year and comes on the back of other retailers tapping into the growing modest fashion market.
While reaction to the Nike’s hijab debut has been mostly positive, some on Twitter questioned if they were launching a truly groundbreaking product or if they were normalising the stereotype that all Muslim women wear a hijab.
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