Some critics said Nike was “profiting off oppression.” Others (including some Muslim voices) argued that a global brand shouldn’t define what “modest sportswear” looks like.
How a single piece of performance wear sparked a global conversation about inclusion, identity, and innovation in sports. Introduction: The Moment Everything Changed Back in 2017, Nike dropped a 60-second commercial featuring weightlifter Amna Al Haddad, figure skater Zahra Lari, and parkour athlete Amal Murad. They were running, flipping, and lifting—all while wearing a sleek, dark hood. By the end of that spot, the Nike Pro Hijab wasn’t just a product; it was a statement. nike hijab pro
“It doesn’t budge during box jumps. But if you have a very small head, it might feel loose. I had to sew a tiny pleat in the back.” Some critics said Nike was “profiting off oppression
It proved that a Fortune 500 company could design for a minority market—and do it respectfully, not as a diversity checkbox. More importantly, it gave millions of young Muslim girls a visual cue: You belong on the track, in the pool, on the court. Exactly as you are. They were running, flipping, and lifting—all while wearing
Nike’s response was surprisingly quiet but effective: they let athletes speak. When Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad wore the Pro Hijab on the cover of TIME magazine, she said: “This isn’t about Nike saving anyone. It’s about them seeing us. We were already playing. We just needed gear that worked.”
