The hijab, a headscarf worn by many Muslim women as a symbol of faith, modesty, and identity. It is not just a piece of cloth. It is a powerful expression of culture, creativity, and empowerment. In recent years, Muslim women have been innovating the hijab in various ways, challenging stereotypes, breaking barriers, and making their mark in the fields of fashion and sports.
Hijab fashion is also gaining recognition and appreciation from the mainstream fashion industry, as well as influencing and inspiring other women to embrace modesty and diversity.
Fashion Forward: How Hijab Designers are Changing the Industry
One of the most visible and vibrant aspects of hijab innovation is the emergence of hijab fashion designers, who are creating stylish, comfortable, and diverse hijabs for different occasions, seasons, and preferences. These designers are not only catering to the needs and tastes of Muslim women, but also attracting attention and recognition from the mainstream fashion industry.
For example, Haute Hijab, a leading online hijab brand, launched its Haute Hijab Sport collection in 2023. It featured four types of sport hijabs made of eco-friendly, breathable, and cooling materials. The collection was designed with the input of Muslim athletes and fitness enthusiasts and aims to provide women with hijabs that are secure, comfortable, and beautiful.
Another example is Verona Collection, a modest fashion brand that made history in 2022 by becoming the first hijab brand to be sold at Macy’s, one of the largest department stores in the United States. The brand offers a range of hijabs, dresses, tops, pants, and accessories that are affordable, fashionable, and modest.
These and other hijab designers are not only meeting the demand for hijab fashion, but also creating a positive impact on society. They are empowering Muslim women to express their individuality, creativity and confidence through their hijabs and inspiring others to appreciate the diversity and beauty of hijab culture.
Sporty and Spirited: How Hijab Athletes are Breaking Boundaries
Another area where hijab innovation is making a difference is sports. Muslim women have been facing challenges and discrimination for wearing hijabs. In some cases, hijab-wearing athletes have been banned, disqualified, or harassed for competing in their sport of choice. However, many Muslim women have overcome these obstacles and proven their talent, skill, and passion for sports.
For instance, Ibtihaj Muhammad, an American fencer, became the first Muslim woman to wear a hijab while competing for the United States at the 2016 Olympics. She had won a bronze medal. She also became the first hijabi to be featured on the cover of Time magazine and to have a Barbie doll made in her likeness3.
Another example is Zahra Lari, an Emirati figure skater, who became the first hijabi to compete internationally in figure skating. She also became the first figure skater to represent a Persian Gulf state at the Winter Universiade in 2017. She is an ambassador for the Nike Pro Hijab, a sport hijab that was launched in 2018 and designed with the feedback of Muslim athletes.
Hijab athletes are not only achieving excellence in their sports, but also changing the perception and attitude of the society. They are challenging the stereotypes and prejudices that associate hijab with oppression, weakness, or lack of interest in sports. They are also inspiring other Muslim women to pursue their dreams and goals, regardless of the barriers they may face.
Conclusion: The Future of Hijab Innovation
Hijab innovation is not a new phenomenon, but a continuation of a long and rich history of Muslim women’s creativity, diversity, and empowerment. Hijab innovation is not a contradiction, but a reflection of the dynamic and evolving nature of hijab culture. Hijab innovation is not a trend, but a movement that is reshaping the fields of fashion and sports, and beyond.
The future of hijab innovation is bright and promising. More Muslim women are expressing their ideas, needs, and aspirations through their hijabs. As they do so, they are creating new opportunities, possibilities, and solutions for themselves and others. They are also contributing to the social and cultural progress of the world, by promoting values of inclusion, respect and harmony.
