Nike has unveiled a Muslim women-friendly swimwear collection called the Nike Victory Swim Collection. It features a full-coverage swimsuit and separates in the form of a hijab, tunic top and loose leggings.
The American brand released a sportswear hijab in 2017, and athletes shared their difficulty in finding good swimwear options that do not require them to choose between modesty or performance.
But Nike says its collection offers full coverage and full range of motion in the water. They are constructed from warp-knit fabric and are lightweight, breathable and quick-drying. They also provide wearers protection from the sun with a head-to-toe UPF40+ rating.
The full coverage swimsuit and tunic top both have built-in sports bras. The leggings have a streamlined yet modest silhouette that enables speed and agility without excessive cling. The hijab features an integrated mesh pocket to hold hair in place.
Meanwhile, one of the models for the collection is Malaysian Arinna Erin Wira. She is based in the UK and is signed with an agency there. She also recently graduated with a Masters degree from Brunel University London.
“We all know the struggle of looking for the perfect swimsuit that covers our aurah and for some, they’d just avoid swimming altogether,” she says on her Instagram account.
“(But) the moment I put on the Nike Victory swimsuit, it felt right. It served its purpose and swimming in it was effortless.”
The collection will be available in Malaysia next year starting Feb 1.