Breathable, stretchable, hijabi-approved: Uniqlo's activewear changed my workout game
Discovering activewear that lets you move with ease—without compromising modesty or comfort—feels less like shopping and more like striking gold.
LET'S face it—sports and hijabis haven’t always been the best of friends. From carefully layering activewear to avoid flashing too much skin, to worrying whether you’ll overheat mid-burpee, the struggle is real.
That’s why discovering activewear that lets you move with ease—without compromising modesty or comfort—feels less like shopping and more like striking gold. For me, that moment happened the first time I pulled on Uniqlo’s jogger pants.
Wearing Uniqlo’s jogger pants for the first time was unexpectedly liberating. They hugged my legs in just the right way—modest without being frumpy, flattering without being overly form-fitting. Most importantly, they were breathable in all the right places. Unlike the usual thick, heat-trapping sports pants I’d worn before, these felt light and cool throughout the session, making my first deep dive into pilates a surprisingly comfortable—and dare I say, life-changing—experience.
I had signed up for a Mat pilates session, which may not carry the same Instagram prestige as the Reformer version (with its sleek, almost medical-grade machines), but it had its own appeal. The studio was awash in a palette of earth tones and perfectly spaced yoga mats, each participant looking like they’d stepped out of a lifestyle mood board.
It struck me then just how well pilates fits into today’s social media aesthetic. Scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you'll find endless clips of Reformer Pilates studios—clean lines, beige tones, minimalist outfits in black, white, and soft neutrals. It’s not just a workout anymore; it’s visual therapy. And as someone who doesn’t wear crop tops or seamless co-ords, I wondered where I—and others like me—fit into this curated version of wellness.
The jogger pants lived up to the hype—crafted with Uniqlo’s Ultra-Stretch material for unrestricted movement and enhanced with AIRism technology for maximum breathability. Even during the intense, step-by-step pilates session led by a meticulous (and mercifully encouraging) instructor, I didn’t break a sweat—and no, that’s not an exaggeration.
What I did feel was the overwhelming support—not just from the fabric, but from the instructor who cheered us on even as I nearly toppled over during squats on tiptoe. Between the functional activewear and that sweet post-workout dopamine rush, it turned out to be one of the most surprisingly enjoyable fitness experiences I’ve ever had.
And while this collection is designed with performance in mind, its style doesn’t stop at the gym door. The pieces are effortlessly chic—easy to pair for brunch dates, café meetups, or quick errands. It’s activewear that doesn’t scream “workout gear,” and that’s exactly the kind of versatility we need.
Global apparel retailer Uniqlo is known for advocating an active lifestyle, making their clothes align with the need for freedom of movement through fashion-forward yet comfortable pieces. This includes not just shirts and pants, but also bra tops for breathability, windbreaker jackets, and many other options available online or at the nearest store. Named the 2025 Spring/Summer Utility Wear (SUW) collection, it is now available at all Uniqlo stores.
Aside from AIRism and Ultra-Stretch clothing, Uniqlo also includes DRY-EX fabrics designed to provide a cooling effect for wearers, which were provided to some attendees at the pilates sessions for an unforgettable experience with the brand’s new fabric technology. Meanwhile, Ultra-Stretch materials allow wearers maximum flexibility during workouts, and AIRism features soft, lightweight clothing that does not retain heat even when worn for long periods.
The UV Protection collection allows wearers to worry less about harmful sun exposure, serving as the perfect companion to sunblock for outdoor workouts or yoga sessions. Uniqlo promises that these features allow for easy movement and eliminate the need to compromise comfort for fashion—whether at the gym or while running errands.
Reformer Pilates: Uniqlo SUW Collection, AIRism
During the session where AIRism came to use, the special material crafted with comfort conditioning technology featured ultra-thin fibres that absorb and release water vapour from the body, allowing for sweat-free workout sessions most of the time through top-tier moisture control with reduced heat.
The new collection includes AIRism bra sleeveless tops, cotton crew neck bra tops, and long sleeve shirts, along with AIRism UV Protection leggings.
Spin Pilates: DRY-EX
The all-season fabric is meant to absorb sweat quickly, allowing for a comfortable workout experience, especially in an air-conditioned environment. It dries quickly, helped by fabric that disperses moisture efficiently—like AIRism—except it features cool-touch yarn for a refreshing feel against the skin. It also includes deodorant functionality to keep wearers feeling fresh and comfortable in any weather. With Malaysia being mostly sunny, it is vital for people who work out to prioritise odour control.
The new collection includes an Ultra Stretch DRY-EX full-zip hoodie, DRY-EX polo shirt for boys, and Ultra Stretch DRY-EX tapered pants—allowing for a comfortable workout session without sweat, heat, or the feeling of being trapped in heavy workout clothing during sunny weather and outdoor workouts.
Mat Pilates: Ultra Stretch
This collection, used during the Mat Pilates session, was designed for exceptional comfort and flexibility, blending high elasticity for a snug fit with freedom of movement.
It features an Active bra top, Ultra Stretch active jogger pants, and Ultra Stretch active wide pants—any custom pairing from the new Uniqlo collection promises an effective workout session while keeping you comfortable.
The collection also includes the UV Protection clothing line, offering an easy sun protection solution that blocks 90 per cent of harmful ultraviolet rays. It is available in a wide range of styles and accessories for all ages, offering UPF15 to UPF50+ skin protection.
Among the pieces in the clothing line is the pocketable UV Protection parka—suitable for chilly mornings during jogs that are not without sunlight—the UV Protection crew neck cardigan for a stylish outing, and Ultra Stretch active track pants or co-ords for a snug yet fashionable workout session.
For more information, visit www.uniqlo.com/my/en/women/sport-utility-wear for women's wear and www.uniqlo.com/my/en/men/sport-utility-wear for men's wear.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
