A regular scarf and pins are not made for sprinting, lifting or swimming. A sports hijab is designed to stay in place, wick sweat and let you move freely. Sports hijabs have become mainstream since football’s world governing body FIFA approved head covers in 2014 and basketball’s FIBA followed in 2017, the same year Nike announced its Pro Hijab.
Types of sports hijab
- Pull-on (slip-on) hijabs – one piece, no pins, often with a built-in under-cap. The easiest option for most sports.
- Two-piece hijabs – a separate under-cap and tube scarf, so you can adjust coverage.
- Swim hijabs – made from swimwear fabric that dries quickly and resists chlorine.
- Hijabs with ear openings – useful for runners wearing earphones or players who need to hear a whistle.
What to look for
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric – lightweight polyester or nylon-elastane mesh keeps you cooler than cotton.
- A snug but comfortable fit around the face, with no pressure on the ears or forehead.
- Enough length to tuck into your top or cover the neck and chest, as you prefer.
- No pins or sharp fasteners – important for contact sports and for safety rules in many competitions.
- Reflective details if you run outdoors in the dark.
Sport-by-sport tips
- Running: choose the lightest mesh you can find and a style with ear openings.
- Gym and lifting: a pull-on style that stays put when you lie on a bench.
- Football, netball and basketball: check your league’s kit rules; most now allow head covers that are safe and have no loose ends.
- Swimming: use a dedicated swim hijab – see our burkini guide.
Where to buy
Compare brands in our sports hijabs directory and pair with modest activewear. Looking for a place to train? Try a women-only gym.
Make sports hijabs? List your brand for free.
This article is general information, not medical, financial or religious advice. Please speak to a qualified professional about your own situation, and to a qualified scholar about specific religious rulings.
Sources
- Al Jazeera – “FIBA allows hijab in professional basketball” (May 2017).
- Al Arabiya – “Nike set to launch the ‘Pro Hijab’ for female Muslim athletes” (March 2017).