INTRODUCING VICTORY SWIM, NIKE'S FIRST MODEST SWIMWEAR LINE

Words by Sunayah Arshad, Shayma Bakht & Jameela Elfaki

Edited by Evar Hussayni

The Nike Pro Hijab launched in 2017. As the first of its kind to be created by a global sports brand, it was a huge moment for aspiring athletes within the Muslim community, especially hijabi women. Global brands consistently ignore the modest market, but Nike - for the second time now – are paving the way for modesty, inclusivity and progression in sportswear. On 1st February 2020, coinciding with World Hijab Day, they’re introducing their own line of modest swimwear, the Victory Swim Collection, and we’re excited to share our involvement in the new campaign!

The relationship between Muslim women and swimming has been a difficult one. In French cities, women of faith are still policed on the beach, their modest wear is banned, and some have even been forced to strip in public. Only a couple of years ago, women in the UK were not allowed to wear burkinis (full bodysuits) in amateur swimming competitions and many resort to DIY costumes made from cotton leggings or cycling tights. The lack of options combined with concerns over modesty often result in young Muslim girls not learning how to swim. As a sport and recreation that is linked to improving health - both physical and mental - this new line offers a promising solution to encourage them into the sport. The Victory Swim Collection, which consists of a full-coverage swimsuit along with separate options of a hijab, tunic and leggings, was made with the vision to broaden possibilities, inspire and invite more women to discover the joys of swimming.

The design of each piece within the range has been specially crafted to allow swimmers reach their full potential in the water, without worrying about limitations such as their hijab coming off or clothes weighing them down. The ability to move freely, with comfort and confidence, were key elements taken into consideration during the design process. Unlike many DIY options, this collection is made from lightweight, chlorine-resistant, warp-knit fabric. It is designed to be seamless, breathable and quick-drying. Similar to Nike’s main swimwear range, this modest swimsuit also offers women protection from the sun, with it being rated UPF 40+.

We had the incredible opportunity to be involved in the creation of this important campaign by going behind the scenes, spending time with the women in the images, and capturing all the action. Nike joined forces with figure skater Zahra Lari, diver Nouf Alosaimi, and models Ikram Abdi Omar and Arinna Erin Wira, to test the performance of the new range in style.

Born and raised in Taif, Saudi Arabia, Nouf is a diving instructor passionate about helping women overcome their fear of swimming. She is also the founder of ‘Pink Bubbles’, a female-only diving community that encourages women to get involved in diving, whilst also challenging the perception of female divers in the country. It was breathtaking to see Nouf in her element underwater.

Zahra is the first figure skater from the United Arab Emirates, inspiring young women within the region. She is an incredibly humble woman and it was wonderful to hear more about her inspiring journey. Zahra says that if she wasn’t a figure skater, she would’ve pursued being a pro swimmer, which was evident to see as she remained both focused and calm in the water.

Malaysian Arinna is a vivacious, energetic student, runner and influencer with an adventurous spirit. First to jump in the pool and first to flip off the diving board, it was great to see her embracing the fun in swimming. The Victory Swim Collection is not just for athletes, but for anyone who enjoys the water, and Arinna embodied this perfectly.

Alongside Nouf, Zahra and Arinna, taking both the pool and the fashion industry by storm, was Ikram - a British model and basketballer from London. A vision of elegance in the Victory Suit, she brought her infectious energy, style and confidence to the shoot. Seeing these women glide through the water, have fun and be at ease was an uplifting experience which we hope to see more of. The development of modest wear has the potential to change the way sports is viewed by many women, but also to change the way women (who choose to dress modestly) are viewed.

The number of Muslim women associated with water sports is on the rise. With swimmers like Rubab Raza and Rania Elwani winning records at the Olympics, Halima Aden becoming the first to wear a modest swimsuit in Sports Illustrated, and women defying the burkini ban in French pools country-wide, among many other locations, the Victory Swim Collection will bring inclusivity into sports. We’re looking forward to seeing how it encourages women of all ages and abilities to swim, especially hijabi girls!

AZEEMA will be diving further into the subject of swimming. More to come soon...

The Nike Victory Swim Collection, consisting of the Victory Swim Hijab (£32), Victory Swim Tunic Top (£65), Victory Swim Leggings (£55) and Victory 2-piece set (£500) is available from February 1st on nike.com and at select retailers globally, including the below retail stores.

North America

Nike Santa Monica

Nike New York City House of Innovation

Europe

Nike London

Middle East

Nike Dubai

See more at: nike.com // @nikewomen

VICTORIOUS