Coming off of the heels of its campaign geared to Arabic women, Nike has announced plans to add a hijab offered in performance fabrics. The item will be offered under its Pro umbrella, a higher-priced collection of high-tech performance apparel.
Nike was inspired to offer the item after a visit to its offices by Amna Al-Haddad, a United Arab Emirates weightlifter, who visited Nike’s Oregon headquarters in July 2016. Al-Haddad told Nike she had only one hijab for competition and wished she had something with performance properties.
“We’re in a place where we can bring Nike’s first performance hijab to select athletes in this region, with plans to have it commercially available in early 2018 to athletes around the world,” Megan Saalfeld, a spokeperson for Nike told Arab News.
Nike has taken its time to make sure the garment makes sense for its wearers. “Our designers met with people from all areas of the Dubai and GCC community,” Saalfeld said, adding, “From athletes to local historians, writers to artists these sessions allow our teams to learn more about the region, what athletes here want and need to perform better, and allow them to take this inspiration back to Oregon.”
Nike said the hijab is being worn by a handful of athletes including Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari.
The Nike Pro hijab initially will be offered in black, grey and obsidian and will be priced around $35. It is expected to hit retail in spring 2018.
