By Norhidayyu Zainal
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Designing modest sportswear involves more than simply making garments longer or loosening their cuts. Careful consideration must be given to fabric selection and design to ensure wearers can move comfortably without compromising their appearance.
NADA women’s sportswear brand founder and influencer Nurin Afiqah Zulkiflee, 30, said fabrics that do not cling to the body, cuts that provide adequate coverage of the hips and quick-drying properties were among the key considerations in meeting women’s needs during exercise.
“Choosing the right fabric is the most challenging part because anyone can make clothes, but not everyone can produce garments that meet the technical requirements of sportswear. Sometimes, even after trying one or two types of fabric, the results are still unsuitable, and we have to change them. We also need to carefully consider the length, width and dimensions of the cut.
“Developing a technically designed garment, such as a windbreaker with an adjustable hood and waterproof fabric, can take between six and eight months, with fabric selection being the most complicated stage,” she told reporters after the opening of her first physical store at KL East Mall here yesterday.
She said sports tops and trousers should feature curved cuts at the back for better coverage, as well as practical concealed pockets.
“This approach ensures that sportswear not only serves its purpose during exercise but is also comfortable and suitable for everyday wear,” she said.
To ensure NADA’s designs were genuinely practical, Nurin Afiqah, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and leads an active lifestyle, personally participates in various fitness activities, including HYROX in Bangkok, Thailand, recently.
“I take part in HYROX myself, so I know what is needed in terms of cuts, fabrics and design. I want women not only to buy the clothes but also to enjoy fitness activities and remain consistent, because that way, they can inspire others as well,” she said.
She added that her experience of being ridiculed over her body shape at the age of 15 had also helped her understand the emotions of women who lacked confidence when choosing workout attire.
“I used to wear my father’s clothes because I was not confident about my body. His jacket later became one of the main inspirations behind NADA because that was what I needed myself in the early days,” she said.
Her interest in the sportswear business grew after she became a Zumba instructor in 2016, when she noticed that many participants frequently wore jerseys or black T-shirts because suitable sportswear options were limited or too expensive.
“This prompted me to establish NADA in 2020 with an initial capital of RM1,000 from my earnings as a Zumba instructor,” she said.
Nurin Afiqah acknowledged taking on various part-time jobs, including modelling, and spending about five years building up her financial resources before she could focus more on sportswear production, which requires substantial manufacturing costs.
“My husband’s support in business management and systems has helped me overcome the various challenges of developing the brand,” she said, expressing hope that suitable sportswear would give more women the confidence to maintain an active lifestyle.
Meanwhile, actress and television host Uyaina Arshad, whose real name is Saidatul Naseha Uyaina Arshad, 34, said NADA’s modest and comfortable sportswear made it easier for women who wore headscarves, including herself, to choose outfits for an active lifestyle.
“The clothes are good and modest, so they are convenient and comfortable for women who wear headscarves,” she said, adding that she preferred to purchase the products herself as a way of supporting her friend’s business.
-- BERNAMA