What to Wear to the Gym as a Hijabi: The Complete Modest Activewear Guide
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Stepping into a gym for the first time can feel daunting for anyone — but if you wear hijab, the question of what to wear to the gym as a hijabi adds an entirely new layer of anxiety. Will you overheat? Will people stare? Will you even find clothes that are both modest and functional enough to actually work out in?
Take a deep breath. You are not alone, and the answers are far simpler than you might think.
Whether you are a complete beginner or someone returning to fitness after a break, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building a modest gym wardrobe that keeps you comfortable, covered, and confident. No compromises necessary.
Why Figuring Out What to Wear to the Gym as a Hijabi Matters More Than You Think
Let's be honest: clothing can make or break your workout. Wear the wrong fabric and you will be drenched in sweat within ten minutes. Wear something too loose and it gets caught in machines. Wear something you feel self-conscious in and you will spend more time adjusting your outfit than actually training.
For hijabi women, these practical concerns sit alongside a deeper need — the need to honour your values while pursuing your health goals. And you absolutely deserve to do both without settling.
The good news? The modest activewear market in the UK has grown enormously. Brands like VeiledBuddy now design gym clothes specifically for Muslim women, meaning you no longer have to cobble together outfits from whatever you find in mainstream shops. Purpose-built modest gym wear exists, it performs brilliantly, and it looks fantastic.
The Essential Modest Gym Wardrobe: Piece by Piece
Let's break down each item you need, what to look for, and what to avoid. Think of this as your hijabi gym outfit blueprint.
1. The Sports Hijab: Your Most Important Investment
A regular hijab in the gym is a recipe for discomfort. Cotton hijabs absorb sweat, become heavy, and take ages to dry. Chiffon slips constantly. Jersey clings to your neck and traps heat.
A proper sports hijab changes everything. Here is what to look for:
- Moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin
- Lightweight and breathable material so you do not overheat
- A secure fit that stays in place without pins, even during burpees or treadmill sprints
- Quick-drying properties so it is ready for your next session
The Amal Sports Hijab (£15) from VeiledBuddy ticks every one of these boxes. It is made from performance fabric that breathes beautifully, stays put during high-intensity movement, and dries remarkably fast. At fifteen pounds, it is one of the most affordable sports hijabs in the UK — and arguably one of the best.
If you currently work out in your everyday hijab, switching to a dedicated sports hijab will be the single biggest upgrade you make to your gym experience.
2. The Active Top: Coverage Without Compromise
Finding tops that are long enough, loose enough, and functional enough is one of the biggest frustrations when shopping for modest workout clothes UK retailers offer. Most mainstream activewear tops are cropped, fitted, or both — designed with a very different customer in mind.
What you want in a modest active top:
- Extended length that covers your hips and backside, even when you bend or stretch
- Relaxed fit through the body that does not cling to your shape
- Thumbhole cuffs or long sleeves that stay in place and prevent your arms from being exposed during overhead movements
- Breathable, stretchy fabric that moves with you
The Thara Active Top (£30) was designed with exactly these needs in mind. It offers generous coverage with a relaxed silhouette, performance fabric that wicks moisture, and a length that stays put no matter what exercise you are doing. It pairs effortlessly with any bottoms and comes in versatile colourways that you can mix and match.
3. Track Pants and Bottoms: Comfort Meets Modesty
Leggings are the default in most gyms, but many hijabi women prefer something with a looser fit. That is perfectly valid — and there are excellent options available.
Look for:
- A relaxed or tapered fit that does not cling to your legs
- A high waistband that stays up and provides support during squats and lunges
- Stretchy, non-see-through fabric (this is crucial — always do a squat test before you buy)
- Ankle cuffs or tapered hems so the fabric does not drag or catch on equipment
The Adeeva Track Pants (£27) are purpose-built for modest training. They offer a flattering tapered silhouette with a comfortable high waist, made from durable performance fabric that moves with your body without revealing your shape. They are the kind of bottoms you will reach for every single session.
If you do prefer leggings, you can absolutely wear them underneath a longer top like the Thara — layering is a perfectly good strategy.
4. Shoes and Trainers
Your footwear depends on what kind of training you plan to do:
- General gym use and cardio: A good pair of running trainers with cushioning and support. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance all offer reliable options widely available in the UK.
- Weightlifting: Flat-soled shoes or dedicated lifting shoes give you better stability. Converse are a popular budget option.
- Classes (HIIT, aerobics, dance): Cross-trainers offer the lateral support you need for side-to-side movements.
One tip: do not wear your outdoor shoes on the gym floor. Keep a separate pair of clean trainers in your gym bag.
5. Accessories That Make a Difference
A few small additions can significantly improve your gym experience:
- A good sports bag with a separate compartment for your sweaty kit
- A microfibre towel — lightweight, quick-drying, and compact
- A reusable water bottle (aim for at least one litre)
- Sweat-wicking underscarves or bonnet caps worn beneath your sports hijab for extra absorption
- A resistance band set if you prefer home workouts on certain days
What to Avoid When Choosing Your Hijabi Gym Outfit
Knowing what not to wear is just as helpful. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Cotton everything. Cotton absorbs moisture, becomes heavy, and stays wet. In a gym setting, this leads to discomfort, chafing, and even skin irritation. Always opt for synthetic performance fabrics or moisture-wicking blends.
- Excessively loose abayas or jilbabs. While modest, very loose garments are a genuine safety hazard around gym equipment. Fabric can catch on cables, pulleys, and weight machines. Modesty and safety are both non-negotiable — purpose-built modest activewear gives you both.
- Regular hijab pins. Pins can come loose during exercise and become a hazard to you and others. A properly designed sports hijab eliminates the need for pins entirely.
- Dark colours in summer without breathable fabric. If you tend to wear black, make sure the fabric is genuinely breathable and moisture-wicking, not just any black top from your wardrobe.
Addressing the Anxieties: You Belong in the Gym
Let's talk about the elephant in the room — or rather, the feelings many hijabi women carry when they think about joining a gym.
"I will look out of place."
You will not. Gyms are full of people wearing all sorts of things, from baggy old t-shirts to full compression suits. Nobody is paying as much attention to your outfit as you think. And increasingly, hijabi women are a visible, welcomed presence in fitness spaces across the UK. You are not an anomaly. You are part of a growing community.
"I will overheat."
This is perhaps the most common concern when deciding what to wear to the gym as a hijabi, and it is completely understandable. The solution lies in fabric choice, not in wearing less. Modern performance fabrics are engineered to regulate body temperature, wick sweat, and allow airflow — even with full coverage. The VeiledBuddy Veilocity 2.0 range is specifically designed with thermoregulation in mind, using advanced moisture-wicking technology that keeps you cool during the most intense sessions.
"There are not enough options for me."
This used to be true. Five years ago, finding modest gym wear in the UK meant improvising with oversized men's t-shirts and baggy joggers. That era is over. Brands like VeiledBuddy exist precisely to serve you — with activewear that is designed from the ground up for hijabi women who refuse to compromise on modesty, performance, or style.
The Easiest Way to Start: A Complete Outfit, Sorted
If the thought of piecing together an entire gym wardrobe feels overwhelming, there is a simpler path. The Ibtihaaj Bundle (£65) gives you a complete hijabi gym outfit in one purchase — a sports hijab, active top, and track pants, all coordinated and designed to work together. It takes the guesswork out of getting started and saves you money compared to buying each piece separately.
For someone who is new to the gym and asking what to wear to the gym as a hijabi, the Ibtihaaj Bundle is genuinely the easiest answer: everything you need, nothing you do not, at a price that respects your budget.
Building Your Gym Confidence: It Starts With What You Wear
Here is something that does not get said enough: what you wear to the gym as a hijabi directly affects how you feel in the gym. When your hijab stays in place, when your top does not ride up, when your trousers move with you instead of against you — you stop thinking about your clothes and start thinking about your training.
That mental shift is everything. It is the difference between a hesitant, self-conscious session and one where you feel genuinely powerful.
You deserve to feel powerful.
A Quick Checklist: Your Modest Gym Wardrobe Essentials
Before we move on, here is a summary you can screenshot or save:
- Sports hijab (moisture-wicking, pin-free, secure fit)
- Long-line active top (hip-length minimum, breathable fabric)
- Modest track pants or loose-fit bottoms (high waist, non-see-through)
- Clean gym trainers (appropriate for your training style)
- Reusable water bottle and microfibre towel
- Gym bag with separate compartments
Or simply: one Ibtihaaj Bundle and a pair of trainers. Done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a normal hijab to the gym?
You can, but it is far from ideal. Regular hijabs are not designed for exercise — they slip, absorb sweat, trap heat, and often require pins that can come loose during movement. A dedicated sports hijab like the Amal Sports Hijab stays secure without pins, wicks moisture, and dries quickly. It is a small investment that makes an enormous difference to your comfort and confidence.
What is the best fabric for modest workout clothes?
Look for polyester-spandex blends or nylon-based performance fabrics. These materials wick sweat away from your skin, dry quickly, allow airflow, and stretch with your movements. Avoid pure cotton for gym sessions — it absorbs moisture and becomes heavy and uncomfortable. All VeiledBuddy products use carefully selected performance fabrics designed for active use.
Is it worth buying a bundle or should I buy pieces separately?
If you are starting from scratch, a bundle offers the best value and convenience. The Ibtihaaj Bundle at £65 includes a sports hijab, active top, and track pants — saving you money compared to purchasing each item individually. Everything is designed to coordinate, so you have a complete, ready-to-wear modest gym wear outfit from day one.
How do I stay cool while working out in full coverage?
Fabric is the key. Modern modest activewear uses moisture-wicking, breathable technology that regulates your body temperature even with full coverage. The VeiledBuddy Veilocity 2.0 range is engineered specifically for this purpose. Additionally, staying well-hydrated, training during cooler parts of the day if possible, and choosing lighter colourways during summer months all help.
Ready to Start Your Gym Journey?
You have the knowledge. You know what to wear to the gym as a hijabi. The only thing left is to take the first step.
VeiledBuddy was built for this exact moment — to make sure that when you walk into the gym, the last thing you are worrying about is your clothes. Every product is designed by women who understand your needs, tested in real training environments, and priced fairly because getting fit should not cost a fortune.
Start with the Ibtihaaj Bundle (£65) — your complete modest gym outfit, delivered to your door.
Or browse the full Veilocity 2.0 collection to build your wardrobe your way.
Your gym. Your rules. Your way.