The Nike Pro Hijab has become one of the world's most popular clothing items

It sits alongside Gucci trainers and Fendi handbags as one of this year's most-wanted fashion items

Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari wears Nike's Pro Hijab. AP

Nike’s sports hijab has become one of the most searched-for clothing items in the world.

Since its release in December 2017, interest in the lightweight head-piece has been steadily growing, according to fashion search engine Lyst.

But during the first quarter of 2019, its popularity rose by 125 per cent, seeing it enter the top 10 most-wanted items in luxury fashion.

Nike spent years working on the Pro Hijab alongside a host of Muslim female athletes including American fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari, and UAE weightlifter Amna Al Haddad, who provided the brand with feedback on its prototypes.

“You have no idea how important this is,” Amna Al Haddad said at the time. “It's going to inspire girls worldwide to follow their passion for sports."

Nike designed its hijab to tackle performance problems associated with wearing a traditional veil during sports. Several other modestwear labels, such as Siya and Raqtive, also sell active hijabs as part of their collections.

Lyst suggests the rising popularity of the Nike hijab could have been caused after French retailer Decathlon abandoned plans to launch a sporting hijab following complaints.

According to analysts, controversy around the issue boosted Nike’s social mentions by 4,900 per cent.

The Nike Pro Hijab came in at number seven on Lyst’s quarterly Hottest Women’s Product Index, which also featured the Gucci Ace sneakers, the Fendi baguette bag and the Sandy Liang shearling jacket.

The Alexander McQueen oversized sole sneakers are proving to be the most popular item in women’s fashion this year.

The full top 10:

10. Chloe Sawyer slides

9. Proenza Schouler tie-dye turtleneck

8. Gucci Ace sneakers

7. Nike Pro hijab

6. Fendi baguette bag

5. Sandy Liang shearling jacket

4. Gucci logo belt

3. Jacquemus Le Chiquito bag

2. Prada stud-embellished headband

1. Alexander McQueen oversized sole sneakers