People Love Nike's New Pro Hijab, But Some Say the Trending Ad Excluded Disabled and Black Arab Women

posted on: Mar 10, 2017

BY: Julia Jahanpour/Contributing Writer

The leading sportswear producer, Nike, has just released plans to start selling the Nike Pro Hijab in Spring 2018. The design comes after consulting with many female Muslim athletes about what they need from a hijab while participating in sports. Breathability, endurance, streamlined style, and strength were all requirements. The Pro Hijab is made entirely with Nike’s Pro Power Mesh, their lightest and airiest material. It will allow good airflow and circulation to the head as the performer heats up during sports activities.

Nike’s main ad campaign features a video with many Muslim women athletes showing off various skills and competing in sports. They are all of Arab descent. The video was viewed over 1.5 million times on YouTube, and shared across many social media platforms.

Backlash has ensued, however, regarding the inclusion of black Arabs and disabled athletes in the ad. Nike has commented that they wanted to showcase the potential of female Muslim athletes wearing the Pro Hijab, and many feel that the failure to include more minorities was an oversight. There are Arab women athletes who compete in the Paralympics, and many women believe they should have been represented in the ad. Nike has yet to release any further videos regarding the Pro Hijab, so whether or not those minorities will be represented is yet to be known.

There is a lot of excitement for the new product to roll out next year, with many Muslim athletes waiting to train in the streamlined hijab. However, quite a few notable women have questioned whether or not they want to wear Nike’s infamous swoosh on the side of their head. Malika Bilal tweeted, “Nike set to launch ‘Pro Hijab. Part of me says YAY, the other part says, a logo on my head? Plus, is it cute enough?”

Nike is not the first company to offer sport hijabs; a few choices already exist. Asiya Modest Headwear is one brand that also aims to provide a practical solution to Muslim headwear during sports. Aquila is another such brand.

Nike’s Pro Hijab will likely do well once it hits the market, and that market seems to be growing for female Muslim athletes. With Nike’s leg-up into the Arab world, the region is likely to see and feel more inclusion in sports organizations, athletic wear companies, and representation around the world.