How do you keep your hijab in place while you train?
The short answer
Choose a one-piece, pull-on sports hijab in light, breathable stretch fabric, and hold it with a non-slip undercap instead of pins. Tuck the hem under the neckline of your top so it doesn’t move when you run or bend. FIFA has allowed head covers in matches since 2014.
Why a regular scarf slips
Most everyday scarves are chiffon or satin: they slide as you move and need lots of pins. Once you sweat, the fabric gets heavier and shifts even more.
What makes a good sports hijab
- One piece that pulls on over the head, with nothing to wrap.
- Stretch fabric that moves with you and springs back.
- A light knit that wicks sweat and dries fast.
- Enough length to cover the neck and tuck under your top.
- No pins and no metal parts.
How to secure it
- Start with an undercap in a non-slip fabric.
- Pull the sports hijab on over your head and adjust the face opening.
- Tuck the hem under the neckline of your top.
- Move around: if it slips, the size is too big or the fabric too smooth.
Why skip pins when training
Metal pins can open with movement or contact and scratch, especially in sports with contact or falls. That is why sports federations require head covers to be safe for the player and for others.
Is the hijab allowed in competition?
Yes, in many sports. In football, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved head covers in matches in March 2014, provided they match the team shirt.
In basketball, FIBA’s rule took effect in October 2017: headwear must not cover the face, must be black, white or the dominant colour of the uniform, and must not endanger players.
Caring for a sports hijab
Wash it after every session in cold or lukewarm water, skip bleach and fabric softener — softener reduces the fabric’s ability to wick sweat — and dry it in the shade.
Frequently asked questions
Is the hijab allowed in football matches?
Yes, since the IFAB decision of March 2014, provided it matches the colour of the team shirt.
Do I need an undercap?
Not always, but it stops the hijab slipping and holds your hair, especially if it is smooth or long.
Can I swim in a sports hijab?
It’s not usually recommended: swim fabrics are made to withstand chlorine and salt water, which is why a burkini has its own hood in the same fabric.
