My Modest Workout Clothes Collection – A Review

Within the past few months, I have doubled down on finding more modest gear as my workout routine has upped its game. It is very difficult to go to the gym with layers upon layers and a flimsy hijab. I took it upon myself to get my hands on faith based businesses catering to women seeking to dress modestly while prioritizing their health and fitness. There are quite a few more brands out there as the demands increase. I have only been able to get my hands on just a few but I hope it helps you in making your decision on owning modest workout clothes. See the video at the end for more talking points on each of them and my final review on my most recommended items in each category.

Tops

Veil Garments: Halo Running Hoodie – This top was from among my first ones and the material is very amazing. It is a thigh-length top with an attached hoodie that converts into a hijab of its own. I have washed it multiple times and it still retains its quality. The negative aspect of it is the fitting. Because I ordered from a modest-centric business, I thought the fitting would be modest as well. On hind sight, I should have done a little bit more homework before hitting that purchase button. The top is quite fitting in the bottom area so while it does “cover” it, it is still very revealing. When I emailed their customer service, they offered to exchange it with a larger size, with the caveat that the hoodie part of it will also get slightly larger. Their service was excellent in answering my questions but I opted to keep it as is and wear it in women-only workout classes.
Verona Collections: Basic Workout Top – After enjoying the gray color, I ordered the black one in this top as well. This has a kangaroo-pocket in the front (is that what they call it? And is that why I am not a fashion blogger??) and a hoodie in the back. The hoodie does not service as its own hijab function, so it is like any other hoodie would be. The fabric is weaved and the length is a comfortable mid-thigh. It worked very well in the gym and even in walks and jogs in the park. When I took it out to hiking in Joshua Tree National Park (see the vlog here), the fabric was very disappointing. Mid day in to the hiking adventure, the fabric was pilling, random threads were peeking out and I regretted purchasing this top. I like that it is breathable and it worked very well in and indoor setting, but any rigorous outdoor activity resulted in its losing its quality pretty quickly.
Snoga Athletics: Snoga Active Top – This is to be paired with their faux wrap skirt, which I discuss next, because it is a regular sized top. I love the fitting for it as well as the quality, I think it has a modest fit and I did not have to worry about the sizing up. It is not long so I do not wear it on a legging as that would definitely be revealing.

Bottoms

Snoga Athletics: Heather Faux Wrap Skirt – As far as the modest level is concerned, this is the best option, in my opinion. The company is a jewish owned business where their focus is to create modest workout gear in accordance to their religious laws. They have quite a few options of leggings with skirt attached which is a great option for all those seeking to cover their bottoms to knees. The one I choose to purchase is the Faux Wrap which is more lose making it modest according to my preferences. Their regular skirted leggings are also good but I found them to be too fitted, so the one I purchased allows me to kick, to lunge and to be on a treadmill while being completely covered. The fabric is beyond comfortable, I can literally wear it all day, and the quality is amazing. It has never wrinkled and I have washed it multiple times without it losing its quality. The only negative aspect of this is that it is not ideal for a rigorous workout or any mat-based workout. During my pilates class, because its on the mat and the legs are in the air, the wrap kept splitting open making its purpose void. It just became a regular legging at that point. Also, during rigorous workouts like kickboxing where there are burpees or lots of jumping from one position to another also leads it fly around, making it less effective. So this is great for standing up workouts like running, lunging, doing squats or just regular weights. But if you are going to be doing lots of dynamic moves like in HIIT workouts, the skirt part just does not cut it. They said the fitting is modest so I should not have to size up but I chose to do it anyway and I am very pleased with my purchase.
Boody Eco Wear: Active Full Leggings – I wanted to include this in because I wear these under my long tops that I mentioned earlier. This legging is just like any other except that it is eco-friendly and incredibly well-fitted. I wanted to have this option here for you so that if you are looking for a regular legging, this eco-friendly option is available, and it is very comfortable.
Underarmour: Play Up Twist Pants – Of all of the bottoms, this pant is the most practical. The fitting is loose enough for my personal modest workout preference and fitted enough to not be an obstacle in my fitness journey. Also, it is extremely breathable and the fabric is very durable. I wore this during my hiking as well and it was perfect. Just don’t put anything in your pocket while you are rock climbing, because if you happen to put a phone in there, it will fall and the screen will crack. Yes, I speak from experience. The only negative aspect for me is that it is from a company that is not known for the fairest trade practices.

Hijabs

Nike Hijab: Nike Pro Hijab – I expressed my disappointment with this hijab on instagram and in the YouTube review (see below). I figured that Nike would be a perfect company to make a great workout option, but this hijab just did not cut it. Maybe I needed to purchase a bigger size, but in the small/medium size, it kept scrunching up near my face in the most laid back Pilates workout. I chose this size because I am a petite person overall and do not consider myself to have a big head. Maybe I am wrong. I gave it two chances which resulted in the same thing, so it is no longer in my possession. Like I mentioned, perhaps a bigger size would have worked but I could not justify shelling out another 35 dollars to see if it will work or not when I already have other better options available.
Sukoon Active: Technical Classic Hijab – This is my second favorite hijab due to its aesthetics. It arrives in a sort of Ikea-like setting in which you have to put it together with multiple velcro strips. A band acts as an undercap and the remaining fabric wraps around the head and fits perfectly. The only con I have for this is not in its construction but rather for my personal lifestyle. The fabric is not too breathable so in my desert-hot climate, it did feel a little warm. But I think it is perfect for a walk on a breezy day and even suitable enough to catch a smoothie drink with your girlfriend after.
Capsters Runner: Runner – The Capsters hijabs are my favorite. Their “runner” hijabs are made with extremely breathable fabric and it was my first workout hijab purchase. They are quite fitted but not heavy, so there is no feeling of congestion or claustrophobia. They are breathable, light weight, and perfect for fitness. Period. The only negative aspect for this one is the length as it does not cover the chest area. For that reason, I purchased another which I will discuss next.
Capsters Runner XL: Runner XL – The runner XL is in the same mesh fabric with a longer, squared front fabric. I like that the option for more coverage was available but I do not find it to look appealing as its a square shape. I think it is great to be tucked into something but on its own, it is not something that attracts me. However, the fabric and the durability is unmatched.
Capsters Fitness: Fitness – While Capster’s runner fabric is mesh making it seem more sporty, their fitness hijabs are made with jersey fabric which looks very clean and professional. I think it is a great option for those who are active professionals outdoors. The fitting seems to be the same as their runner hijabs, but because of the fabric, how it wears is very sleek. It is also very light, so it does not feel heavy, and I highly recommend it.

The following items are on my wish list as I do wish to own them one day. For some I like the look of it and for others, the practicality is perfect.

Wish list

Sukoon Active: Technical Long Sleeve
Mount Uhud: Long-Sleeve Workout Top
Mount Uhud: Training Tights
Shop Leia: Breezy Bali Wrap
Shop Leia: Yana Hoodie

I hope this post was useful for you and it will help you in making your own modest purchase. If you have any further suggestions or companies that I need to take a peek it, please share those with me below. I want to try as many as I can in the future insha’Allah. Furthermore, do watch my youtube review of these items as there is definitely more information when I am not hindered by grammar.

-S