Modesty meets movement: The vision behind Nazla's activewear collection

Necessity fuels innovation - Nazla's foray into modest activewear is a case in point. From experimenting with different fabrics to perfecting designs honouring modesty, the vision for Mona and Mariam, the brand's founders, was to encourage modest fashion enthusiasts to embrace their active lifestyle aspirations without compromising on style. 

Can you tell us a bit about Nazla, and the mission behind the brand? 

NAZLA began as a response to a need we personally encountered. About four years ago, we couldn’t find opaque modal hijabs anywhere, and that frustration led us to develop our own signature modal fabric. It solved that problem for us, and to this day it’s still our best-selling piece. We started NAZLA as sisters myself, Mona, studying design, and Mariam, studying medicine, two very different paths but driven by the same gap we both felt when it came to the hijab. NAZLA became the space where those worlds came together. From the start, our mission has been to create pieces that are thoughtful, functional, and things women like us actually want to wear every day. For us, it’s never just been about scarves, it’s about building a brand that makes women feel confident and connected, with quality and intention always placed above fast trends. 

What is the inspiration behind launching a modest activewear collection?

Movement has always been such a natural part of life whether that’s going for a walk, heading to the gym, or just keeping up with a busy day. But for so long, modest women had limited options when it came to activewear. We were inspired to fill that gap. This collection is about giving women pieces that let them move comfortably, without feeling like they have to compromise on modesty or style.

How do you define ‘modest activewear’, and what does that mean to your brand?

For us, modest activewear means clothing that respects coverage without sacrificing performance. It’s not about hiding, it’s about designing with intention. That balance of functionality, style, and modesty is at the core of NAZLA, and this collection is just an extension of that.

What inspired the designs, colours, and fabric choices in this debut collection?

We really leaned into fabrics that move with you that are lightweight, breathable, and soft on the skin. Colours were chosen to be versatile and timeless, so you can wear them in different settings, not just in the gym. For the hijabs specifically, we went with the classic black and grey because they’re universal, easy to style, and perfect for workouts. The collection is crafted from a quick-drying mesh jersey, so it’s lightweight, breathable, and keeps you comfortable through movement. We also added details that really make a difference for hijab wearing women, like an attached inner undercap with adjustable ties, a flattering thick band for extra coverage, and discreet grip strips on the inside to help prevent slippage. All of these little touches are about making sure you can stay focused and secure throughout your workout, without having to fuss with your hijab. 

How did you balance modesty, functionality, and style in the design process?

It all came down to the details. We paid attention to coverage in movement, airflow, and how the fabric sits on the body. At the same time, we wanted pieces that look elevated, something you’d actually feel good wearing to brunch after a workout. For example our Neoprene Abaya. We chose this particular fabric because it has structure, so it drapes in a way that gives the abaya a clean, modern silhouette without clinging to the body. And the style is in the cut, sharp, minimal, and elevated, so it feels like a statement piece without losing the essence of modest wear. Every decision was made to make sure women wouldn’t have to compromise between style and function.

What were some challenges you encountered when designing activewear that’s both performance-focused and modest?

Activewear is tricky because performance fabrics are often designed to be body-hugging, and modesty usually calls for more ease and flow. Finding that middle ground where the fabric performs but the fit still feels modest was a challenge. It took a lot of testing and sampling to get it right.

How do you think modest activewear contributes to broader conversations about representation in fashion and fitness?

Representation matters. When modest women see activewear made with them in mind, it reinforces the idea that they belong in those spaces whether that’s in the gym, on the court, or outdoors. It’s about showing that modest fashion isn’t a limitation, it’s an expansion of what fashion and fitness can look like.

What message do you hope this collection sends to young women who struggle to find modest, stylish, and practical workout wear?

We want them to know they don’t have to compromise their modesty to live an active lifestyle. You can honour your values, feel comfortable, and still look stylish. Modesty and movement can absolutely go hand in hand.

Are there any plans to expand this collection—perhaps into swimwear, maternity activewear, or collaborations?

InshaAllah, we’d love to! This is only the beginning. We’d love to expand into more pieces, colourways and categories, collaborations are definitely something we’re open to. But for now, we’re focused on listening to our community and growing in a way that feels organic.

What do you hope women feel when wearing your activewear collection?

Empowered, comfortable, and seen. We hope they feel confident in their identity and free to move without restriction. At the end of the day, that’s what this collection is about, giving women the freedom to just be. And beyond the functional ease, we hope they also feel a sense of peace knowing they are honouring Allah جل جلاله through modesty, even in movement.

Shop the Nazla Activewear collection here.