Observing Life: A modest request from sports fans

Burqinis have long been de rigueur in Dubai and now the trend of modest wear is increasingly conspicuous in gyms.

Spotted in yoga studios and on treadmills around the city, ladies are wearing below-the-knee skirts and tunic-legging combos. Finding these conservative, loose-fitting workout kits in the UAE, however, is not as easy as you might think.

A few labels have blazed a trail in recent years – SheMoves was one example. Its popular beach-, sports- and dancewear was a hit, as was its stock of brands such as BlueFish. SheMoves exercise gear was lightweight and breathable, while its beachwear had factor 50 skin protection.

Where it has disappeared to, though, is anyone’s guess. The website is “under construction” and the phone rings out without an answer.

It’s a similar story with SaQueena, an innovative modest-wear sports brand that was launched in 2012 but appears to have shut shop.

By contrast, the American market for such gear is well served, with companies such as runningskirts.com churning out seasonal collections of swing skirts with concealed shorts in vibrant shades, pastels, prints and neutrals.

There’s even a range of maternity wear for those who want to remain active and respectfully clad during their pregnancy. Made from nylon and spandex, pieces in the range are reasonably priced, averaging about Dh180. ­Delivery to the region, however, can be a little complicated, if not costly.

Another brand making headlines is Capsters from the Netherlands, with its modern interpretation of the hijab for all sports, in particular running, swimming and aerobics.

Made in a variety of stretchy materials and colours, the headpieces have a huge following online and are manufactured in accordance with Fifa’s revised criteria about headscarves that are now allowed on the football field.

The hijabs close snugly under the chin and around the neck via a Velcro strip. These would seem to be just the thing for team sports in UAE, as Capsters will custom-­design the headscarves with the colours, logos or numbers of your given golf, badminton or water polo team.

Another advantage is that delivery worldwide is ­hassle-free, with prices for pieces starting from as little as Dh83.

Also making waves is Modestly Active, the British brand of burqini and Islamic swimwear which is water- and UV- resistant. Its designs bear silver wing motifs, come predominantly in dark colours and have contrasting sleeves. Priced at about Dh400, the label's designs have some famous non-Muslim fans, including celebrity chef Nigella Lawson. If you want to get your hands on the range, however, you'll once again have to head ­online.

While some major UAE sports retailers have made nods towards stocking modest wear, there’s still a creative chasm to be filled.

Exercise-keen ladies looking for comfortable, conservative options are woefully underserved and the need for dedicated regional brands is becoming ever more ­pronounced.