Kit & Gear

Modesty Sportswear Styling Part 1: Four Inspirational Looks

We take a look at modesty sportswear styling with Nike athlete Intisar Abdul-Kader and professional stylist Saleha Bagas.

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WHAT IS MODESTY FASHION?

The term modest fashion, or modest dressing, refers to women wearing less skin-revealing clothes, especially in a way that satisfies their spiritual and stylistic requirements for reasons of faith, religion or personal preference.

Sportswear, due to the nature of the fabrics used and the benefits it tries to achieve, often doesn’t lend itself easily to individuals wanting to dress modestly. Tight fitting, small or aggressively cut apparel pieces can be a real barrier for anyone wanting to buy technical sportswear, specifically running kit. This is not just limited to someone from a religious background, but also those who don’t feel confident with their body, or simply have a preference to cover up.

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MODESTY STYLING DONE RIGHT

We took the Nike FA22 collection, core and statement men’s jackets to a studio where Intisar and Saleha discussed Intisar's running needs. From this Saleha created an array of functional but stylish modest running looks. In addition, both Intisar and Saleha discussed what Modesty means to them, whether that’s from a religious perspective, safety, inclusive sizing or every day need. Saleha was then able to create four different stylish and modest running looks.

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MEET THE ATHLETE

Name:  Intisar Abdul-Kader (Nike Community Runner)

Based:  London

Career:  NHS Mental Health Professional

Hi, my name is Intisar and I'm from London. I was raised in Abu Dhabi, UAE and my family originates from Somaliland, Yemen, Sudan and Ethiopia. I work as a mental health professional for the National Health Service (NHS). Long distance running is my ultimate hobby and I’ve had the privilege to run three World Major Marathons out of six. Definitely aiming for the six stars achievement and I am really looking forward to running New York Marathon in November 2022.

I am huge advocate of making sports more accessible to everybody. There are so many barriers females face when trying to access sports; this might be because of where they live, ethnicity, religion or disability and not having enough role models around them to show that “Yes; I did it. So can you” you can’t be what you can’t see and I want to be there for others and show that they can do it too. 

I’ve said this before and I will say it again; I want to see more Muslim, Black, Hijab wearing females taking up running and lacing up at start lines!

You can follow Intisar Abdul-Kader here

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MEET THE STYLIST

Name:  Saleha Bagas

Based:  Bolton

Career:  Fashion Designer and brand owner

Hi, I'm Saleha! I love going to the gym, working out and hiking. I'm a mum to my two beautiful children and I work closely with the mosque and charities. I recently organised a charity event for the local community to raise money for the community hub which we raised £19000! I also love working! With having my own modest fashion brand SALEHABAGAS. I love seeing my designs come to life and seeing women that once struggled to find pieces that cover their bodies then wear my brand makes me so humbled.

I am very passionate about modesty and after graduating in fashion I felt I really could bridge the division between the east in me and the west in me, so that’s exactly what I did, as I feel modest dressers have really been marginalised over the years. I have seen women who enjoy working out simply stop working out because they feel as though there isn’t anything for them to wear that will keep them comfortable, safe and covered whilst working out. I love expressing myself through clothes and I love being covered - it’s a part of my faith and it’s my identity. Being covered for me is freedom. I decide who sees my body, not social pressure. "Modestwear is NOT Islamicwear. It’s for everyone that simply wants to cover up. 

You can follow Saleha Bagas here

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MODEST SPORTSWEAR: LOOK 1

• Saleha used the Men's GORE-TEX Trail Jacket to create an oversized look for modesty and comfort.

• Intisar sized up in the Women’s element top, which was used to compliment the orange on the trial jacket and Pegasus’s.

• The orange pop of colour on the socks, jacket and trainer allows the outfit to stand out, be stylistic but also practical for running.

• Saleha styled the look with a pair of tonal blue leggings which pulled the complete look together.

PRODUCT LIST:

Shoe: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Socks: Nike Racing Ankle

Leggings: Nike Yoga Dry Fit 7/8

Top: Nike Element Running Crew

Jacket: Nike Gore-Tex Trail

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MODEST SPORTSWEAR: LOOK 2

• Intisar sized up on the women’s half zip to create an over sized and longline look.

• Due to using a women’s top and the length still being shorter, the use of shorts over leggings created additional coverage, comfort and modesty.

• Saleha styled this look with the women’s long sleeved top which helped secure the hijab in place due to the smaller collar size. 

PRODUCT LIST:

Shoe: Nike Air Zoom Structure 24

Socks: Nike Everyday Max Cushion

Leggings: Nike Dri-fit One High Rise

Shorts: Nike Eclipse High Rise

Top: Nike Dri-fit Element Running

Half Zip: Nike Dri-fit Element Trail Top

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MODEST SPORTSWEAR: LOOK 3

• Intisar sized up in the women’s long sleeved top to create additional length in the body.

• Saleha completed this look with the women’s essential jacket in a larger size to create an oversized modest look.

• The contrast of the purple and lilac added vibrancy and impact to the look.

• Adding long line socks for additional ankle coverage.

Products List

Shoe: Nike Air Pegasus Zoom 39

Socks: Nike Everyday Max Cushion

Leggings: Nike Dri-fit One High Rise

Top: Nike Dri-fit Element Running

Jacket: Nike Essential Running 

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MODEST SPORTSWEAR: LOOK 4

• For a more ‘stand out’ look Saleha used bright contrasting yellows and greens to match back to the colour pops on the trainer.

• The use of a men’s top creates additional front and rear coverage meaning Intisar felt comfortable wearing coloured leggings rather than black.

• The jacket also provides modest qualities with the higher neck line and hood.

PRODUCT LIST:

Shoe: Nike Wildhorse 7 Trail

Socks: Nike Everyday Max Cushion

Leggings: Nike Epic Mid-Rise Pocket

Top: Nike Miler Running

Jacket: Nike Trail Jacket

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