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Sukoon Activewear: The hijabi girl's answer to workout gear

Sukoon Activewear: The hijabi girl's answer to workout gear

The venture has raised $12,660 on Kickstarter so far
Updated 16 Jun, 2016

If there was one normcore trend that has reigned supreme and spilled into 2016 from last year, it would have to be athleisure; a multi-billion dollar industry, propelled by women who are opting for apparel with both functionality as well as style.

However, one demographic has been grossly ignored and that's the Muslim market. Working out is hard enough as it is, imagine not being able to find the right attire to wear while doing it.

Exercising in traditional hijabs and headscarves is often uncomfortable and can deter women from exercising. So one fitness enthusiast Arshiya Kherani thought to change that. The idea for Sukoon Active came to her after she ran her first half marathon.

Here's the Facebook status where it all started:

And when she couldn't find anything that fulfilled her need for a non-slippery, gym-friendly hijab, she decided to take matters into her own hands and did what any good millennial entrepreneur would: she turned to Kickstarter.

Arshiya (L) felt that traditional athletic wear brands consistently overlooked consumers with her cultural and religious background
Arshiya (L) felt that traditional athletic wear brands consistently overlooked consumers with her cultural and religious background

With the help of her friends, Shabbir Chaudhury and Anum Ahmed, Arshiya got the ball rolling; Anum is now the Business Development Lead at Sukoon.

She has since raised $12,660 (and counting!) while her original goal was $10,000.

That being said, Sukoon certainly isn't the first workout hijab line out there, but here's why it's better, according to Kherani: "The handful of modest activewear brands that exist outside of Sukoon define modesty through a specific lens and aesthetic and the reality is that there are so many women that don’t fit into that box."

"The world of Muslim and hijabi bloggers is flourishing with varying aesthetics and as a brand we want to be more inclusive of the way women cover, whether or not they wear hijab."

"That’s why our Signature Collection offers hijabs as well as short and long-sleeved shirts that women of any cultural or religious background can be comfortable in."

The A-line silhouette of the classic tee complIments every body type and has a slightly U-shaped drop-tail hem giving you a little extra coverage right where you need it
The A-line silhouette of the classic tee complIments every body type and has a slightly U-shaped drop-tail hem giving you a little extra coverage right where you need it

Over time, the New York-based innovator has learnt exactly what works and what doesn't through trial and error.

"I made our first prototype by cutting a Uniqlo Airism tank top in half and sewing it together in the middle. I was thinking that the material is so breathable that it would be perfect, but it was way too slippery on my hair. That helped me figure out what qualities to look for in fabrics I wanted to try."

"It also led me to think about how fabric and design could complement one another instead of just focusing on one part and then the other."

Expanding on their aesthetic, she adds, "We have always aimed to bring a modern aesthetic to our collection. We’ve researched everything from headbands to snapbacks to inspire our designs, and of course, we keep a close eye on Muslim bloggers for tips and tricks on scarf-wrapping techniques."

Also read: H&M model rocks a hijab in the clothing giant's new campaign

"I prefer to wear my hijab in tie-back style while I’m working out, but others don’t. We wanted to bring both sets of options to the market so that women could choose which better suits their needs and preferences."

The Up-Do Hijab (L) and The Classic Hijab (R)
The Up-Do Hijab (L) and The Classic Hijab (R)

Each design has been meticulously created by Arshiya, who incorporated input from family and friends.

"My mom and grandmother were instrumental in sewing some of our most ground-breaking prototypes, and then I started working with a patternmaker and seamstress here in NYC to fine-tune them," she shares.

Who can sew better than grandmother, right?
Who can sew better than grandmother, right?

"At this point, we’ve had nearly 20 women test both our hijabs and short and long-sleeved shirts during workouts that include running, yoga, spinning, hiking, kick-boxing etc. Through our focus groups, we’ve had positive and constructive feedback that have influenced the next iteration of each prototype."

Will we be seeing new additions to the existing line?

Arshiya reveals, "Absolutely! Once we get off the ground, we hope to introduce pants/leggings, accessories and swimwear into our line."

Comments

Farooq Jun 16, 2016 01:07pm
Could someone explain that by covering ones head how does it makes us pious.
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Haroon Jun 16, 2016 01:48pm
Its not just about the head, Hijab is for the entire body. There is no hijab if you are wearing tight yoga pants while wearing a scarf
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sana Jun 16, 2016 01:56pm
My husband and family give me enough work that I dont need to do anything else.
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Sri Rama Jun 16, 2016 01:59pm
Looks like a ski cap to me, with hair tucked in.
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divergence Jun 16, 2016 02:20pm
@Farooq you must respect how anyone chooses to dress up, the real difference should be where nobody should enforce their views on others forcibly.
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lafanga Jun 16, 2016 02:34pm
@Farooq Looking pious is one part, feeling and thinking pious are others.
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khan Jun 16, 2016 02:49pm
Why do we have to adjust and bend our Islamic values just to mix in with the lot who stands for "accept me for what I am" and "I will not change for anyone". Cant we just be ourselves and ask people to accept us as we are.
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Zak Jun 16, 2016 02:54pm
@Farooq how does wearing torn jeans or a branded T-shirt make one cool?
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samunderkerang Jun 16, 2016 03:56pm
Where can I buy those tight yoga pants?
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Fahad Jun 16, 2016 07:31pm
I want you to imagine a Muslim woman riding a camel, leading a war with pious Muslim men under her charge, in the other i want you to imagine a Muslim woman running a market place, in another I want you to imagine a Muslim women running an incredibly successful business, falling in love with her employee and then proposing to him, imagine a woman fighting on the battle field. These imaginations are from the time of the Prophet (s) and not now (two cases are of his wives). This whole construct of keeping women inside the house did not exist during the prophets time. Men have distorted this religion to what it is now. As God says, there is no compulsion in religion.
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Agha Ata Jun 16, 2016 07:33pm
These girls are fighting a power, that's all. What a pleasant feeling.
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Ehsan Jun 16, 2016 07:59pm
We are so impressed by Arab culture.
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Intrepid Jun 16, 2016 08:12pm
Question: Does covering the hair/head imply and/or infer that the person is religious or in this case is it a matter of style, being socially acceptable or just conforming to social norms? What would happen if the head was not covered?
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Ehsan Jun 16, 2016 08:42pm
Imported from Arab culture
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Tango Tango Jun 16, 2016 09:05pm
Hide the hair only to show the less desirable curvey parts of the body. I just do not get it. Living on the edge of piety with all options on the table .
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ghazi Jun 16, 2016 09:27pm
How does this hijab make one more muslim? Isn't it just a semitic tradition to cover the hair. Orthodox Jewish women do it, the Catholic nuns do it. How is it muslim?
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Romaisa Jun 17, 2016 04:48am
its a good way to exercise in this type of hijab
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Tkh Jun 17, 2016 05:17pm
This is not hijab but an idea to sell to some Muslim women who would like to wear such style. The better idea practically applied by many is a long loose shirt with full scarf while exercising.
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Fareed Jun 18, 2016 11:54pm
@Farooq No guarantee. But then what are you trying to say? Going by your logic, women should not cover their heads. Correct?
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KB Jun 19, 2016 11:03am
What is the point and need of all this...
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