The gym wear industry has been trending tighter, shorter, and more revealing for two decades. If you want to dress modestly and still move well, you've had two bad options: dress like you're going to a wedding and overheat, or dress like a regular gym-goer and feel uncomfortable.
The good news is the modest activewear market has grown up. There are now real brands, real fabrics, and real options at most price points. This guide covers what to look for, what to avoid, and which brands are worth your money in 2026.
The short answer
Sisters: A long, breathable hijab, a loose-but-fitted top that covers hips, full-length leggings under a knee-length skirt or wide-leg trousers, and well-cushioned trainers. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics and flat seams.
Brothers: Loose-fitting shorts that hit at or below the knee, a comfortable t-shirt or tank that's not too tight, and good shoes for your activity. Avoid clingy compression shorts and translucent fabrics.
The principle for both is the same: modest enough to honor the deen, functional enough to lift, run, and sweat without thinking about it.
What "modest" means in a gym setting
Different people draw the line differently. The general consensus across schools of thought:
For sisters:
- Cover the body except face, hands, and (per some opinions) feet, in front of non-mahram men.
- Clothing should not be tight enough to outline body shape.
- Clothing should not be transparent.
- In a women-only gym setting, dress requirements relax to the awrah (navel to knee at minimum).
For brothers:
- Cover from navel to below the knee at all times, including in male-only spaces.
- Avoid silk and gold (everyday halal rules apply).
- In mixed-gender public gyms, looser, longer clothing is preferred even if not strictly obligatory.
The exact rulings vary by madhhab. Talk to your local scholar for personal application.
Fabric matters more than style
A modest outfit in the wrong fabric is worse than a less-modest outfit in the right one, because the modest one will stick to you, hold sweat, and outline everything you're trying to cover.
Look for:
- Polyester blends with moisture-wicking treatment (look for "dri-fit," "climalite," "moisture-wicking" on the tag).
- Nylon-spandex blends for stretch and breathability in leggings and base layers.
- Modal or bamboo viscose for soft, breathable tops with natural antimicrobial properties.
- Merino wool for cold-weather outdoor training (expensive but unbeatable).
Avoid:
- Pure cotton for anything you'll sweat in. It holds water, gets heavy, and clings to skin.
- Heavy denim or canvas trousers. Restrict movement and overheat fast.
- Cheap polyester without moisture treatment. Plastic that traps sweat.
- Anything advertised as "compression" if you want a non-revealing fit.
A modest gym kit for sisters
The hijab
The most personal piece. What works depends on your activity.
- For lifting and HIIT: A sports hijab with a built-in underscarf, snug at the head, flowing past the chest. Brands: Veil, Asiya, Nashata, Naqi, Imanaa.
- For running and outdoor cardio: A lighter, more breathable performance hijab. Asiya Sport, Nike Pro Hijab, Veil Active.
- For yoga, Pilates, or low-impact: Any soft jersey hijab you're already comfortable in.
Hijab pin alternatives matter: magnetic pins, undercap clips, or sewn-in elastic prevent the constant adjusting that ruins a session.
The top
A loose-but-fitted layer that covers hips and chest without billowing.
- Workhorse option: A long-sleeved performance shirt designed for women, sized one up from your usual.
- Premium option: A workout-specific modest top from Veil Garments, Nashata, Asiya, or Glowga.
- Budget option: An oversized men's dri-fit t-shirt in a smaller men's size (small or medium). Often the cheapest path to a modest, breathable top.
Bottom layer (leggings or base trousers)
Full-length leggings under your outer layer, or wide-leg performance trousers.
- Leggings: Look for high-waisted, non-translucent, four-way stretch. Brands: Lululemon Align (often opaque enough), Sweaty Betty, Decathlon Domyos, Glowga.
- Wide-leg trousers: Nashata, Veil, and Asiya all make modest wide-leg performance pants. Good for sisters who prefer not to wear leggings as the visible layer.
Outer layer
A knee-length skirt, dress, or extra-long tunic worn over leggings or trousers.
- Sport skirts: Veil, Nashata, Modanisa. Built-in shorts underneath, knee-length or longer.
- Workout dresses: Less common but emerging. Asiya, Glowga.
- Hybrid kits: A two-piece "athleisure" set with long top + leggings sold together.
Shoes
Shoes are the same conversation as any gym-goer:
- Lifting: Flat-soled lifting shoe (Converse, Sabo, Adidas Powerlift, Nike Romaleos).
- Running: Cushioned running shoe matched to your gait (visit a specialty running store for a fitting).
- HIIT / classes: Cross-training shoe with lateral support (Nike Metcon, Reebok Nano).
A modest gym kit for brothers
Tops
The goal is loose enough to not cling, breathable enough to wick sweat.
- T-shirts: Standard performance t-shirts in your normal size. Nike Dri-FIT, Adidas Climalite, Under Armour HeatGear.
- Long-sleeve: Useful for cold gyms or outdoor winter training.
- Avoid: "Stringer" tank tops, deep V-necks, and anything that exposes the chest area substantially.
Bottoms
This is where many brothers slip up. Modern athletic shorts run short.
- Length: Below the knee. The 7-inch and 9-inch "performance shorts" sold by mainstream brands are above the knee on most men.
- Look for: 11-inch inseam or longer. Mid-length basketball shorts (Nike Icon, Adidas Aeroready) hit at or below the knee on most heights.
- Premium option: Modest athletic shorts from Halara Modest, Marwa Active, or specialized Islamic activewear shops.
- Long pants: Track pants and joggers are always modest-safe. Pick a breathable performance fabric for hot environments.
Compression underlayer
The under-shorts are where modesty can fail. Standard compression shorts under modest outer shorts are fine when you train alone. In a public setting, the awrah is still the awrah even under a layer.
- Solution: Loose-fit boxer briefs or athletic boxers as the base layer, with looser shorts on top. Many brothers prefer simple lightweight knee-length shorts under a longer outer short, which doubles as modesty insurance.
Shoes
Same as anyone else. Match the shoe to the activity.
Brands worth checking out
This list rotates as the market changes, but as of 2026 these brands are putting in real effort on fit, fabric, and price.
For sisters:
- Veil Garments (US/UK): Wide range, lifting-friendly, sports hijabs.
- Asiya Sport (US): Founded by Muslim athletes, performance-focused.
- Nashata (Malaysia/global): Strong on swimwear and modest sets.
- Glowga (UK): Direct-to-consumer modest activewear.
- Imanaa (US): Hijabs and accessories.
- Modanisa (Turkey/global): Marketplace with budget options.
For brothers:
- Halara Modest: Long shorts and breathable layers.
- Marwa Activewear: Modest-focused men's line.
- Mainstream athletic brands in longer cuts: Nike Icon shorts, Adidas Aeroready joggers, Decathlon Kalenji running gear.
For both:
- Decathlon: Cheap, functional, surprisingly modest cuts in many products. Great for trying without overspending.
- Uniqlo Sport: Affordable, plain, performs well, easy to layer.
What about swimwear?
A separate question with its own constraints. The short version:
- Sisters: Burkini-style swimwear from Veil, Nashata, or Modanisa. Look for chlorine-resistant fabric and a fit that allows real swimming, not only wading.
- Brothers: Knee-length swim shorts (not Speedos). Most surf brands make modest-length board shorts.
Avoid pool sessions with mixed-gender crowds unless your specific situation makes it appropriate; many Muslim swimmers prefer private pools, women-only sessions, or open water in modest swimwear.
Common mistakes
- Wearing prayer clothing to the gym: Loose abayas and jubbas are not designed for movement. They snag on equipment, drag on the floor, and tear easily. Use purpose-made activewear.
- Buying one size up in everything: Sometimes the answer; often produces a sloppy fit that doesn't end up more modest. Try the real cut first.
- Ignoring sweat: A modest outfit that holds sweat will eventually outline the body it's trying to cover. Fabric choice matters as much as fit.
- Treating modest as a uniform: You can have multiple kits for different activities. Running gear is not lifting gear.
- Skipping the gym because nothing fits: The market has changed. Try again. The options today are not the options from five years ago.
Where to start if you have nothing
A starter kit on a budget:
Sisters (approx $120 to $200 total):
- 1 sport hijab ($25 to $45)
- 2 loose long-sleeve performance tops ($25 to $40 each)
- 2 pairs of opaque high-waisted leggings ($30 to $60 each)
- 1 knee-length sport skirt or extra-long tunic ($35 to $60)
- 1 pair of activity-appropriate shoes ($60 to $120)
Brothers (approx $80 to $150 total):
- 2 performance t-shirts ($20 to $30 each)
- 2 pairs of below-the-knee athletic shorts ($25 to $40 each)
- 1 pair of activity-appropriate shoes ($60 to $120)
Build from there once you know what fabric and fit you prefer.
The Rizanah perspective
The right clothing should be invisible to you during a session. If you're thinking about your hijab slipping, your shorts riding up, or your top clinging to your back, the clothes are doing the wrong job.
The point of modest dress in the gym is the same as the point of modest dress everywhere: a quiet, lived practice of the deen that doesn't ask for attention and doesn't slow you down. The gear is means, not end.
The best modest gym kit is the one you stop noticing the moment you start your warm-up. If your hijab, your shorts, or your top is still on your mind by set three, the gear is the wrong gear, and there's a better option out there for the same money.
Sources and further reading
- Islamic Council of Europe: guidance on women's dress in sport
- Sport England: Muslim Women and Sport report
- Halal Pages: Muslim activewear brand directory