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Several years after the successful rollout of a hijab designed explicitly for athletes to wear while running, biking, or playing basketball, Nike has extended its offerings to include swimmers. New swimwear for women includes tunics and leggings, as well as a head covering that tucks away their hair and stays in place, even as they cut through waves or dive into pools. The innovative warp-knit fabric dries quickly and does not get soggy, and the clothing designs integrate other clever features, including built-in sun protection, sports bras, and mesh pockets to secure long hair. These moves reflect Nike’s determination to meet the needs of diverse athletes, regardless of their body types, clothing preferences, background, or genders. In this case, female athletes who prefer to avoid gear that might reveal their arms, legs, or hair represent a notable and promising segment. The appeal of this market became abundantly clear when Nike first introduced a non–watersport hijab for runners and bicyclists, so this line extension constitutes a continuation of its efforts. Yet the goal is not solely altruistic; by meeting female athletes’ demands better, Nike has enjoyed double-digit growth on its women’s product line side.

Source: Tatiana Walk-Morris, Retail Dive, December 12, 2019; see also Daphne Howland, “Nike Designs ‘Pro Hijab’ for Muslim Women Athletes,” Retail Dive, March 8, 2017