MANY years ago, it was hard to find tudung made for sports. I remember those days when I used Uniqlo's hijab inner and a sports tudung made of thick material because options were limited.
Things have changed tremendously over the past few years. Global sports brands like Nike and Under Armour have their own sports hijab now. Locally, names like Airdry, Tudung People and Inner Sejuk make products that give great value for money.
Late last month, Puma officially launched its Puma Hijab locally, and one was sent for me to try.
This is the brand's first activewear hijab with a homegrown design, specifically aimed to help local Muslim women in tudung move more freely and comfortably all day, especially when they're powering through their fitness and exercise routines.
Launched as part of the brand's #FlexHijabku campaign, this one is made of high quality, lightweight and breathable fabric which offer flexibility and versatility.
SPORTS AND CASUAL
The brand says it is meticulously designed not just for the track, field, court, or gym; but for a stylish and comfortable all-day wear as well.
"As everyone gradually returns to the outside world post lockdown, having the right attire would make a world of difference in resuming our everyday activities again. The Puma Hijab was designed with that notion in mind – to provide a versatile activewear hijab that is not just suitable for sports and fitness, but complementary to everyday, casual outfits," Puma Southeast Asia head of marketing Eleanor Wang says.
The Puma Hijab is tailored to provide sufficient and comfortable coverage past the chest area – a feature that many other activewear hijab lack.
This is true. Personally, however, I prefer a shorter hijab. I run, and this one flails when I do so. I ended up having to tuck it under the neckline of my running top.
GOOD COVERAGE
But that said, this is the most Shariah-compliant sports hijab I have come across. If you are looking for a wider chest coverage, this one would definitely suit you. If you brisk walk, this is perfect, but for running or dynamic exercises like HIIT, this may not be very suitable.
The hem at the back of the hijab is slightly heavy to give it a good drape. There are small slits near the ear for your earphones or earbuds.
Fabric-wise, it's light and moisture-wicking. I have no complaints. But I have only used it twice so I can't say if it will eventually turn smelly. Some sports hijab that I have tried smell of sweat after many washes.
The smell disappears when you wash it, but the next time you wear it and when you start sweating, the smell comes on again.
I will use this when I brisk walk or when I go out for grocery runs. For my runs, I need something shorter that's fitting around the neck so it doesn't flail.
The Puma Hijab is available in black, with S and M sizes. As an Al-Ikhsan Sports exclusive, it is now available across its stores and on alikhsan.com at only RM89.
Discover modest activewear from popular brands at reasonable prices by applying Zalora Discount Code.