A short history of the sports hijab

The sports hijab feels everyday now, but it took decades of design work and rule changes to get here. A short, sourced timeline.

Timeline

1999: Capsters

Dutch designer Cindy van den Bremen created Capsters as her graduation project at Design Academy Eindhoven, prompted by a girl being excluded from PE over her hijab. Capsters describes it as the first sports hijab, and pieces are in the collection of MoMA. (Salaam Gateway, MoMA)

2014: FIFA allows head covers

After a trial period requested by the Asian Football Confederation, football's rule-makers approved head covers for players, as reported in March 2014. (Al Jazeera)

2016: Rio Olympics

Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad became the first American to compete at the Olympics in a hijab, winning bronze in the team sabre. (Ahram Online)

2017: FIBA changes its rules

Basketball's governing body ratified a rule allowing religious headgear in May 2017, effective that October, after a public campaign. (Al Jazeera)

2017: Big brands arrive

Nike announced the Nike Pro Hijab in March 2017 and released it that December, tested with athletes including Amna Al Haddad and Zahra Lari. (Nike) Other sportswear brands followed with their own designs.

2019: Swim hijabs go mainstream

Nike announced its Victory Swim collection, including a swim hijab, in December 2019. (CNN)

2022: SABA SG Lite Sports Hijab

In Singapore, SABA SG launched the Lite Sports Hijab: a semi-instant design with a built-in headband and tie-back, made in breathable mesh and quick-dry fabric for training in tropical heat and humidity.

Why it matters

Each step removed a barrier: first practical (a hijab that stays on and breathes), then official (rules that allow it), then access (affordable options in local stores). Today, the question is no longer whether you can train in hijab, but which one suits your sport and your climate.

Common questions

Who made the first sports hijab?

Capsters, created by Dutch designer Cindy van den Bremen in 1999, is widely credited as one of the first, and describes itself as the first sports hijab.

When did FIFA allow the hijab?

Head covers were approved in 2014 after a trial period.

When did FIBA allow the hijab?

FIBA ratified religious headgear rules in May 2017, effective October 2017.

When did Nike release the Pro Hijab?

It was announced in March 2017 and released in December 2017.