This mom-of-three made it her mission to design modest sportswear that looks fab and feels great

Born into a traditional Arab household and armed with a biomedical research background, Nawal Alhaddad never thought that designing an activewear brand would be her long-term career plan. However, the mother-of-three has always loved dance, having grown up in an environment where most gatherings were filled with music and movement.

That passion led her to open Glowco Move, a women-only fitness studio that offers a safe and empowering space to move freely. “It was during this time that I noticed something consistent. Many women were showing up to work out in clothing that wasn’t designed for movement, especially hijab-wearing women, who had even fewer options,” explains the 35-year-old.

From there, Glowco was born. She focused on creating intentional, modest activewear in a generous range of sizes – empowering women to move comfortably and confidently, no matter where they are at in life.

Why is it important that we support local activewear brands?

We don’t just design for women, we design with them. When you support a local activewear brand, you’re backing people who live and work in the same community as you. Local brands tend to be far more relatable and in tune with the real needs of the people they serve. There’s also something meaningful about knowing exactly who made your clothes, and the story behind them. And more often than not, the quality, thought and heart in a local piece far outweigh a mass-produced alternative.

How do you approach designing activewear for different body types?

We start with coverage options, so women can choose what feels right for their lifestyle. From there, we focus on movement, layering, stretch and fit retention. Modest activewear is naturally loose-fitting and non-restrictive, which makes it ideal for a wide range of body types, including plus-size women. We’re passionate about helping real women feel motivated, seen and supported. We test our designs on them – mums, dancers, curvier bodies, petite ladies, you name it. Our goal is to ensure that every woman feels celebrated in our collections.

What sets your brand apart from other activewear brands?

Glowco is more than just a brand. It’s a community. As we also run a women-only fitness studio Glowco Move, we’re in a unique position of seeing and hearing everything in action. We’re right there in the classes, watching how our collections perform, how women move in them, and what could be done better. That direct access to our community is one of our greatest privileges.

What are your go-to materials for creating activewear?

We prioritise performance blends that combine spandex with recycled polyester or nylon. These are materials that deliver the perfect mix of stretch, breathability, structure and durability. We also play close attention to our dyeing process, using natural or plant-based dyes wherever possible. Conventional dyeing methods are notoriously polluting and toxic to both water systems and communities, so we’re committed to choosing safer, cleaner alternatives. Even our embellishments and accessories like zippers and trims are made from recycled materials.

How do you incorporate performance enhancing fabrics and technology into your designs?

We’re always exploring ways to make modest activewear smarter, lighter, and more adaptive to women’s everyday needs. Our sports hijabs are a prime example of this innovation. They’re made using breathable mesh and lightweight technical knits, designed with directional airflow zones to maximise ventilation. When it comes to sports hijabs, security is non negotiable. One major challenge we faced early on was slippage during high-movement activities. We overcame this in our updated 2.0 version by integrating a built-in silicone grip strip that holds the hijab in place without pins or constant adjustment. It was a game changer.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become an activewear designer?

Start small. Launch one intentional piece and get it right. Don’t rush to create full collections if you haven’t nailed the fit or function. Most importantly, stay close to your customers. Speak with them, and use that insight to keep innovating. That’s where the real magic happens, at the intersection of listening and thoughtful problem-solving.

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