Burkini Nike Combining Style and Functionality in Swimwear for Muslim Wome

Nike Victory Swim Collection - Combining Style and Functionality in Swimwear For Muslim Women

Nike is taking a major step toward normalising modest sportswear by launching their own swimsuit collection for Muslim women, the Victory Swim Collection. This innovative collection combines performance innovation with aesthetic flair and functionality.

The Nike Victory swimsuit has been tested and approved by hijabi athletes, boasting a built-in sports bra, mesh hair pocket to keep your locks out of your face, and UPF 40+ sun protection. Plus, its stylish design includes detailed detailing on the wrists and ankles for added appeal.


Style

Nike's Victory Swim line of modest swimwear takes a major step in their mission to make sport safer and more inclusive. Their two-piece suits are stylish, comfortable, and dynamic in the water with an inbuilt sports bra, mesh hair pocket, and UPF 40+ sun protection.

Nike recently collaborated with figure skater Zahra Lari, diver Nouf Alosaimi and models Ikram Abdi Omar and Arinna Erin Wira to test out their suit's performance. Additionally, Nike creative director Martha Moore joined them during research trips to Asia and Africa which informed their design process.

On their trips, the designers were struck by how many female swimmers would cover up completely when competing in competitive pools, yet feel weighed down and clingy when it was time for them to move on with other aspects of life. Thus, they sought an answer for making swimwear more functional for Muslim women so that they could compete and achieve their personal bests in water-based sports.

The designers sought to create an all-in-one solution that would protect their bodies from neck to ankles while still providing movement and flexibility. They used warp-knit fabric with a breathable, quick-drying structure and UPF 40+ sun protection. Furthermore, gill-like mesh was included behind the neck, under the bodice, and at the knees to prevent ballooning in water - which can cause burkini-style swimsuits to get stuck or cling to bodies.

Women should feel confident wearing a swimsuit without feeling restricted, and that the suit fits properly. That is why Nike designed various sizes from XXS to XXL to accommodate different body types.

Nike is not the first company to provide modest sportswear, but their approach is culturally sensitive and tailored to Muslim women's needs and limitations. As such, more Muslim women will feel empowered to participate in physical activities.

This will give them a voice in an industry which has traditionally been male-dominated, and be an important step towards Muslim women feeling proud and confident wearing the hijab in public places. Additionally, it gives them an opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess while celebrating their Muslim identity.


Coverage

Nike, the world's leading sportswear company, has taken an historic step by creating swimwear tailored specifically for Muslim women. This follows on the success of their bestselling Nike Pro Hijab head-covering gear which was the first athletic brand to create head covering gear with Muslim athletes in mind.

Victory Swim Collection, available in February 2020, is Nike's newest modest apparel offering for Muslim women. Combining performance innovation and coverage, this line provides a comfortable option for Muslim athletes looking for more coverage while in the water.

Fast Company reports the collection will feature a full-coverage swimsuit as well as separate options of swim hijab, tunic top and leggings. All pieces are crafted from warp-knit fabric which is lightweight, quick-drying and offers UPF 40+ sun protection.

Nike designers used inspiration from around the world during the design phase. While children played in the water, heavily garbed mothers stood guard at the pool's edge. To broaden possibilities and encourage more women to experience swimming's joys, the Nike team sought a solution that could inspire and invite more women to dive in.

Nike collaborated with an Emirati figure skater who regularly swims to design this swimwear for Muslim women, which features quick-drying nylon fabric that sheds water immediately after exiting the pool. Her feedback proved essential in developing this product.

The Nike Victory swimsuit features a headpiece that allows for movement when diving and prevents hair from tangling in the swimming cap. It has mesh pockets to keep hair in place underwater and an adjustable headband to secure it securely in place.

Nike's Martha Moore stressed the importance of giving women confidence in the water with Victory Swimwear. Furthermore, Muslim women will now have more options in terms of modesty and sizing with this suit.

From February 1, 2019, Nike Victory Swim Collection will be available in select retailers around the world and online. It consists of a full-coverage swimsuit and matching hijab, both sold separately as the Nike Victory Swim Tunic Top and Leggings.


Functionality

Nike, renowned for their sports apparel ads, now offers modest swimwear to Muslim women. Their Victory Full-Coverage Swimsuit pairs a tunic with a hooded hat that acts as a hijab and allows Muslim women to be active without worrying about waterlogging or being unable to move freely.

According to a New Yorker article, Nike worked closely with swimming instructor Mona Almadhoun from the Muslim Educational Trust to test their product in water and ensure it wouldn't cling or weigh down like burkinis often do. This is significant as swimwear that doesn't function well under water can be an enormous barrier for female athletes.

Unfortunately, burkinis are typically not designed to withstand competitive swimming's rigorous demands, meaning swimmers cannot perform at their peak performance while wearing them over their head and legs. Furthermore, burkinis tend to cling and become waterlogged over time which makes them uncomfortable and reduces efficiency in the water.

Nike's new swimwear solves these issues and gives Muslim women something they've never had before: a modest swimming suit that allows them to move freely and perform at their best. It marks an important step forward for inclusive sportswear, demonstrating how big brands like Nike can be part of the conversation about Islamophobia and gender equality.

Many Muslim-Americans who wear hijabs are pleased with Nike's decision to accommodate their needs, but others question its timing or potential competition with smaller sportswear companies that have been serving the Islamic community for decades. Sherin Sultana, an occupational therapist and Muslim-American who wears a hijab, has mixed opinions regarding Nike's Pro Hijab initiative.

"This product sends a powerful message," she said. However, she noted that it comes "a little late and at an expensive price point"; furthermore, she fears the company may be piggybacking off smaller brands who have been designing modest sportswear for years.

Nike should take their fight for representation and inclusivity in sports to the next level by testing this concept out themselves. It will be welcomed by Muslim women who love sports, making them feel more at ease while they participate.


Value

Nike has created the Nike Victory Swim Collection to give Muslim women more confidence when swimming. This modest swimwear line includes a two-piece full coverage swimsuit and hijab that are designed for comfort, style, and dynamic movement in the water.

Nike has already made history with their Pro Hijab initiative, but now has taken another important step toward mainstreaming modest sportswear. After researching a research trip, designers noticed that while some Muslim children played in pools, their heavily-garbed mothers stood guard at the edge.

This was the driving force behind the creation of swimwear specifically tailored to Muslim women. This two-piece set includes leggings and a tunic top with an integrated hijab, retailing at $600.

Nike also provides a selection of separates at lower price points, such as the Nike Victory Swim Hijab (PS32), Tunic Top (PS70) and Leggings (PS68). All items are constructed with the same quick-drying warp-knit fabric used in their main swimwear range for added durability.

Nike claims the product has been tested by female athletes, including figure skater Zahra Lari - the first athlete in her sport to wear a hijab during competition. She expressed her delight at how positive an impact the Nike Victory Swim will have on how Muslims perceive sport around the world.

She is thrilled that Nike is encouraging Muslim women to continue their fitness journey and be seen in a positive light. Nike has done an excellent job creating something that looks good and feels great in the water, but most importantly it has demonstrated that sport is for everyone.

Contrary to what some countries have been dictating, Nike's products will give Muslim women a chance to participate in sport without fear of judgement for their modesty. This is an enormous step forward and one which will transform both the world of sports for Muslim women and all others alike.

Whispers of Hijab and Heart 7 47 127

Modest fashion is a mirror of our inner elegance. 7 47 127

May these words stay wrapped around your heart. 7 47 127