Uniqlo Launches First Range Of Hijabs In the UK

In a groundbreaking move for the UK’s high street fashion scene, Uniqlo is set to introduce its first-ever line of hijab headscarves and tunics, designed in collaboration with British designer Hana Tajima. This launch not only signifies Uniqlo’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity but also caters to the growing demand for modest fashion in the UK and beyond.

Scheduled for release on March 18, coinciding with the grand reopening of Uniqlo’s flagship store at 311 Oxford Street, London, after a significant redevelopment phase, this collection marks a pivotal moment. The store, reopening its doors after nearly a year, will showcase the much-anticipated Uniqlo X Hana Tajima collection, which has already seen success in the US, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.

“Our collaboration with Hana Tajima for the spring/summer season brings essential pieces that marry her unique style for modest fashion with our LifeWear concept, aiming to enhance lifestyle through fashion,” said a Uniqlo spokesperson. The collection boasts a range of items from hijab headscarves and relaxed jeans to rayon blouses and long dresses, including hijab innerwear and headbands, designed for comfort without sacrificing style.

Hana Tajima, renowned for her culturally sensitive and comfortable designs, expressed her excitement about the collection’s ability to cater to women who value modesty in their lifestyle. “This collection is about relaxation and style, offering mix-and-match possibilities to enhance personal style,” Tajima explained.

This initiative places Uniqlo among a select group of fashion brands recognizing the significant, yet underserved, Muslim fashion market. According to the 2015-2016 State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, Muslim consumers spent $266 billion on clothing and footwear in 2013, with projections reaching $327 billion by 2019, surpassing the combined markets of the UK, Germany, and India.

The fashion industry has seen a gradual shift towards inclusivity, with luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana launching hijab and abaya collections, and high street brands such as Zara, Mango, and H&M introducing special collections during Ramadan and featuring hijab-wearing models in their campaigns.

The Uniqlo flagship store, set to open at 8 am on March 18, will not only feature the Uniqlo X Hana Tajima collection but also the latest from Liberty London and the final UNIQLO and Lemaire collaboration, making it a landmark event for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

This launch is a testament to the evolving landscape of global fashion, where diversity and inclusivity are becoming the norm, and brands like Uniqlo are leading the way in making fashion accessible to all.