The New ‘Pro Hijab’ is Introduced by Nike

This Wednesday was International Women’s day, and no better day than for Nike to introduce

its new product directed to Muslim Women, the “Nike Pro Hijab”.

The head cover has a single- layer pull- on design made from lightweight polyester. The fabric’s

tiny holes will make it breathable while remaining opaque. It will be available in dark, neutral

colors.

Nike said it began developing the hijab after some female Muslim athletes complained about

wearing a traditional head scarf during competition.

The move comes just weeks after a controversial Nike ad released in the Middle East.

It featured five successful female professionals from different parts of the Arab world pursing

their athletic dreams while a voice asks, "what will they say about you?" It's a rhetorical

question that many young Arab women face if they step out of cultural and traditional norms.

The video went viral with a million of views on social media, prompting a debate over its

message.

It took 13 months to create the design, and the final product will be available for sale in spring

of 2018.

The hijab is already being worn by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari.

"I was thrilled and a bit emotional to see Nike prototyping a Hijab," Lari said. "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."

This will hopefully bring encouragement to female Muslim athletes to work hard for their

ambitions.