Nike unveiled the new swimwear collection

When Nike launched the Pro Hijab in 2017, worn by figure skater Zahra Lari during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, it started a global conversation about the inclusiveness of Muslim women in the sports world that continues now with the Nike Victory Swim Collection.

'As we continue broadening our vision for innovation, we’re excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport by thinking creatively and designing inclusively,we can make more and more women feel comfortable playing sports.'

These are the words of Martha Moore, vice-president and creative director of the brand, who continues highlighting that in order to overcome stereotypes and create a functional, innovative and beautiful product, the company worked with a team of 25 women.

The result is an innovative collection, made of lightweight, breathable, quick-drying mesh fabric. The selection includes Nike Victory Full-Coverage, a full-coverage swimsuit consisting of tops and pants, completed with a tunic, leggings and a hijab. Both tops are equipped with a sports bra with perforated cups incorporated; while the hijab has an integrated mesh pocket that holds the hair in place throughout underwater movements.

If the existing products were not sufficiently covering or functional and the athletes had to fight against bulky garments or worry that their hijabs and covers would remain in place, the new Nike collection gives a feeling of connection with the water, as evidenced by Zahra Lari:

'I feel super light and confident in this. It doesn’t weigh you down, and it helped me swim better. It’s so different than any of the swimsuits I’ve ever seen, and I know I can wear this confidently.'