Nike launching the “Pro Hijab” for Muslim Women

The athletic apparel giant Nike is finding a way to target Muslim women athletes with their new performance hijab.

As the athletic apparel company Nike continues to make it clear that they’re all about equality for all people, they are now launching a new product targeted directly towards Muslim women.

Nike has been in the process of developing a performance hijab for Muslim women athletes. The company reportedly began developing the product after complaints from athletes came about them having to wear traditional headwear that wasn’t focused on performance during their respective competitions.

According to Zahraa Alkhalisi from CNN Money, the product took 13 months to develop, with the final product expected to be released in the Spring of 2018.

“I was thrilled and a bit emotional to see Nike prototyping a Hijab,” figure skater Zahra Lari said according to Alkhalisi. “I’ve tried so many different hijabs for performance, and … so few of them actually work for me. But once I put it on and took it for a spin on the ice, I was blown away by the fit and the light weight.”

This announcement comes just a few weeks after Nike released a commercial focused on equality and equal opportunities for all. You can watch the commercial in the YouTube video below.

As the largest athletic apparel company in the world, this was a sound strategy for Nike. Discovering an untapped market for performance hijabs with athletes openly calling for that exact product not only will lead to what will likely be strong sales numbers, but also maintains Nike’s brand for being as inclusive as possible.