I shop in Men’s
Today a representative from Under Armour’s female clothing line joined my running group to share some samples and ask for feedback. Around mile 4, I explained to her that as a Muslim woman, I have a hard time finding comfortable shirts and pants in the women’s section: everything is made way too tight. She thought about it, and went through different options
- Yoga sweatpants–light and loose, but not made out of technical fabrics
- Winter running pants–“only tight around the hips so that they stay on, then they’re loose at the legs”
- No luck in shirts; perhaps jackets.
I explained that I prefer technical lightweight fabrics, and need the pants to remain loose from hips to ankels for full religious and athletic comfort. After trying on hundreds of women’s running pants and tops, I finally discovered that they don’t make what I want, so I turned to another avenue: MEN’S!
“Really? How interesting.”
Yup, I buy all my running stuff (except socks, shoes, hats, and stuff like that) from the men’s section, where they actually make pants that are loose the whole way through, and shirts that don’t stick to the skin.
How do the pants “stay on” even though they’re not tight at the hips? Why is clothing made tight for women and loose for men? Until we establish equal clothing options for men and women, I have no problem shopping in men’s. Any other ladies wish we had equal options in women’s?
I guess the options available relate to the demand, perhaps most women don’t like baggy clothes? I know I prefer clothes that fit me, but I definitely don’t like how tight and revealing some exercise clothes are, and I think a lot of people wearing hijab would agree with me! Unfortunately, other than you, I don’t know too many people wearing hijab who also like to run… so I guess there’s less demand from people who dress like us. It’s great that you got to talk to a rep from a female clothing line! maybe it’ll spur them to provide more alternatives for us.
I’m slowly meeting more Muslim women who love to run :o) I hope that less revealing clothing would appeal to all women. For instance, a lot of my running friends of other faiths complain about the difficulty in finding a reasonable tank top that doesn’t ride up and reveal the back, which is both uncomfortable and tacky. So I think there’s a common call for longer shirts, even if it’s in the form of a tank top. haha.
I’m a muslim and a runner too. Me too, have difficulties in finding such a loose attire for ladies. Even the yoga pants is still tight for me. And the shirt is too small… is XL a new S for ladies.? I’m living in asia, so mostly they perceive asian ladies are petite. I’m 164cm tall and 65kg, people call me fat instead. So yeah, if some one could invent less revealing attire and yet very light attire for ladies runner, I’m the 1st one who will buy it.
Dyna–it’s nice to meet you! I’m so happy to meet more Muslim women runners! I think that women’s running clothes is made to be tight, short, and revealing. So the extra fabric that comes on an XL is usually necessary for a more modest fit.
Also, I spent a summer in Hong Kong and found that the clothing sold there was marketed several sizes smaller than it would have been in the US. And all I could fit into there was L and XL.
But since religious modesty and athletic comfort are our priorities, I wouldn’t worry about the numbers or labels for sizes, just keep on running in whatever works for you! I’ll keep you posted when I find out about special products made for female runners who would rather reveal less.
This is in fact how I found your blog. Have been trying a number of options (currently transitioning from yoga pants to leggings with loose shorts over) but still not ideal.
I’ve checked the mens section but they usually only have heavy cotton sweatpants or the “swishy” water repellant fabric.
What do you usually go for? And how about shirts?
In terms of hijab, I intend trying Friniggi in a near future. Right now I run in buffs made of tech fabric, one on my head and another around my neck 🙂
Awesome, thanks for visiting! My favorite running pants are the Nike Free Men’s Running pants made with the Dri-Fit fabric and no lining. Here’s the latest version, the one I have is an older model, but this looks good: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-652965 I tend to buy them online because I usually can’t find them in stores.
For the hijab, I usually wear the Amirah cotton style. For really hot days, I’m thinking about sewing something more breathable, just haven’t gotten to that yet! Let me know what you think about the Frinigi!
So I have searched and searched on the internet and could not find any Nike Free Men’s running pants. This is the only one I found on their website http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/stretch-woven-running-pants/pid-652962/pgid-652964 and I also ran across this one http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens-flex-pant/pid1204186-002. I get really hot and sweaty when I work out so I am looking for ideas.
Oh no, it looks like they don’t make the Nike Free Men’s running pants anymore! The new Nike pants you found look very similar; my pants all have holes in them now, and the patches I sewed on are coming off, so I will be due for a new pair soon, too. I’d try the Nike Stretch Woven model–if you get it first, please let me know how it works.
Subhan Allah, I came over to check out your recommendation for pants and found, like Lateefah did, that your go-to bottoms are discontinued!
In looking for something for my wife, we came across these:
http://www.nuu-muu.com/home.html
Seeing that the hips might be better covered, and with the right top to go over the nuu-muu, do you think that this might open up some different possibilities with running pants?
Yes, I think that running/dresses skirts could make it easier to find suitable pants! However, I’d still choose Men’s styles because they tend to be looser all the way through. I’ve recently added a running skirt to my usual running wear, and it’s not quite perfect yet because the built-in shorts become excessive on top of my pants…
OK- these have nothing built-in, so I went ahead and ordered one. Now we just need to find the right top and pants! This is a challenge!
Sounds like a good start! I look forward to hearing about how it goes.
Yay abusajidah. I have been thinking about tennis dresses too since I don’t want to discard my old compression tights.. I still plan to wear those under the men’s pants. I also have tons of skirts that I usually wear over tights… looks more like scarpris.. Sarah ..Maybe you can cut the shorts off your skirts to reduce the amount of fabric you have going on.
Yeah, I’ve been meaning to do that. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Alright- the Nuu Muu was a wash. If you’ve got the waif thing going, it might work out, but we sized up and it was way too clingy. These do not drape at all, which I guess I should have known. Anyhow, we’re doing pretty good on top with a technical, long-sleeved base layer and an over-sized, technical tee. Also on order is the Capster Sports Runner XL hijab (from the Netherlands, I think):
https://www.capsters.com/runner-xl.jsp
When that gets in, we’ll let you know how it goes, insha Allah.
Still need pants!
That’s disappointing about the Nuu Muu.
Thank you for sharing the Capster link–it looks perfect!!! I can’t wait to hear about it!
Wife hates the Capster 😦
Her head is small and she doesn’t do well in the Amira-style hijabs, but I thought I’d take a chance. I tried it on and it fit me fine, even if I did look like one of the knights of the Round Table.
I think we might have to build something from scratch. We’ve got an accomplished seamstress in the family and I’ve found a source for technical fabrics:
http://www.rockywoods.com/
Men’s clothing is a practical workaround, Sister Sarah, but there’s got to be a better way. If that way does not yet exist, then we are going to create it, insha Allah.
The saga continues . . .
Such a disappointment to hear about the Capster.
I like your attitude and I’m in! None of the products out there work as they are, and we constantly improvise or sometimes compromise. Making our own is the way to go!
I am a muslim and a new runner and I do also have difficulties finding clothes that are loose and appropriate for a muslim woman. I searched on google and your blog was the first I saw. Thank you very much for sharing your tips. I live in Denmark where most of the year it is very cold so I was thinking if you cold tell me if the Nike free mens running pants are warm enough – the cold will get inside when the pants are loose? + you didn’t tell what kind of shirts you use? Most of the shirts are too small and usually above the hips. HEELPPP!
Hope you can help! I am to run a half marathon next year so I have to start my exercise as soon as possible 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog! I think that cold weather is the best for Muslim runners because the layers needed to stay warm also help cover up and stay modest on the run. However, the Nike free mens running pants usually are not ideal for cold weather because they do not contain any lining. It would work if you pair it with tights underneath. I usually wear over-sized men’s technical running shirts. I’m not selective about the brand, as long as it is lightweight and a couple sizes too big so that it covers my curves.
It’s great to hear that you are running a half marathon soon and I hope you have a fabulous training experience!
Hello everyone, I do hope you try out friniggi Sportswear. http://www.friniggi.com. Our first range Pioneer collection, consists of long sleeved, longer length tops. Fabric is moisture management, (like Dri-fit material) wicks moisture from your body, dries quickly and is lightweight. It is just like a sports shirt, but made for Muslim women both in design and modest cuts that are not overly baggy. No more oversized men’s shirts! And no more compromising trendy modern tastes in design for modesty either. Our sportswear fuses design, sports performance and modesty in one garment. No layering required.
Our online store re-opens in January 2014. To sneak a peek of what will be on offer, please visit our facebook page timeline : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friniggi-Sportswear-for-Muslim-Women/108052779241269
We also do sports hijabs and our speciality is to avoid that alien-head look. It comes in five different sizes, and covers the chest. One piece, no pins required. Slip on style that keeps you cool and dry.
Thanks for the mention above. And hope to serve you soon.
Best of luck with your running and sports!
As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
waAlaikumAsalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Thank you for the info–Friniggi sounds like just what we need! I look forward to the store opening and hope to try it soon!
JazakAllahuKhayr,
sarah
Asalamu Alaikum,
I am glad to read this post and all the helpful comments, the products that were mentioned are unfamiliar to me but, will look into them 🙂
Being an official runner for over a year, I have found many clothing options to wear when running (long sleeve t-shirts and pants), sadly a large majority are from the men’s department (which I have sized up to fit more looser). This can be frustrating with limited fabric options it is either heavy and/or clinging to my skin when running (not too pretty when its hot outside…lol lol).
I am always on the lookout for modest and frugal exercise clothing, but unfortunately most of the clothing I like are either too expensive, revealing and/or hug the body.
Salaam Aasyah, I’m just interested to know what you consider a reasonable price for muslimah sportswear e.g. sports tops and sports hijabs?
I still wear men’s clothes for everyday wear, the jeans especially fit much better than women’s jeans. Unfortunately I’m just not used to the low cut fit of most women’s jeans. Men’s are cut higher and looser, though I go for slim fit for a better fit.
Wa Alaikum Salam Sister Fatima,
Thank you for your reply 🙂 For me a reasonable price for Muslimah sports wear (tops, pants and sports hijabs) depending on the quality of the design, type of fabric and of course the fit, I would say in the range $30-$50. Which I am willing to pay for if I can get plenty of use over the years. A few local stores have sports wear that were priced for close to $100 or more and the quality of design and grade of fabric were not nice.
For now my workout gear are light cotton hijabs, men’s long sleeve t-shirts (which come just above my knees), men’s sweatpants (they fit loose and are comfortable: but when it’s hot not good lol). But until then, I am keeping a look out for sales online and department stores. 🙂
Well if you are interested, please check out my online store friniggi Sportswear at http://www.friniggi.com. We specialise in moisture wicking sports tops and sports hijabs especially for this reason, so that we do not have to resort to ill-fitting mens clothes, or layering. It’s performance sportswear with design in mind, keeps you cool and dry.You could still wear the tops with your current track bottoms. There are some options in that price range.
Salaam fellow hijabi runner!!! ❤ ❤ ❤ Indeed we are a rare species to be seen running in the great outdoors but by the grace of Allah we are slowly taking over!!! Running is a great tradition within our religion.. what with Aishah, radiaAllahu anha, racing the Prophet s.a.w., and our mother Hajar alayha salaam racing between the hills of Safa and Marwa… many prayers and love for your future training, may Allah make you stronger with every step
waAlaikumAsalaam! Thank you for your comment, duas, and encouragement! It is wonderful to meet you, and I’m inspired to pick up the blogging 🙂