Woman wearing a Nike hijab
photo: Instagram/nike

Nike has been making strides toward becoming as inclusive as possible, from having more diversity in its ad campaigns to offering its apparel in extended sizing. 

Now the sportswear giant is taking yet another step in making sure everyone feels represented when they're out shopping for a new pair of leggings or running shorts. According to CNN, Nike's flagship London store has introduced plus-size and para-sport mannequins to its redeveloped women's floor. 

On social media, many fans of the brand voiced their support and appreciation for the move. Some were especially happy to finally see plus-size and para-sport mannequins modeling sportswear, which is often displayed on mannequins with conventionally thin and muscular bodies that don't really reflect the diversity of people who actually wear those products.

Nike is continuing on its mission to make sportswear more inclusive.

The brand has really stepped up its marketing efforts in recent years, placing an emphasis on showcasing people and body types that have typically been left out of the picture. This ad, for instance, spotlights Paralympian and Ironman triathlete Sarah Reinertsen logging in some major miles during one of her runs. Color me inspired.

This feature on the Honeybeez, a plus-size dance troupe, is everything.

Nike shared this iconic video with an equally iconic caption: “Any dream is possible. If you just want this crazy dream to happen, you just have to put the work in. You know what some people consider a crazy dream? A body positive world. One that's full of confidence. A world that’s dripping in self-love. But that’s the 'crazy' world that Montgomery’s Honeybeez are fighting for."

And can we talk about this campaign featuring boxer Zeina Nassar?

The International Boxing Association rewrote the rules, allowing women everywhere to box in hijabs. It was a major win for Nassar and for Muslim women worldwide who aspire to pursue their own boxing ambitions. Props to Nike for recognizing this accomplishment and for giving Nassar a platform to tell her inspiring story.

Most recently, Nike introduced plus-size and para-sport mannequins into one of its flagship stores.

The mannequins made their debut at the Nike flagship store in London. "To celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of sport, the space will not just celebrate local elite and grassroot athletes through visual content, but also show Nike plus size and para-sport mannequins for the first time on a retail space," the brand said in a press release.

The general response? It's about time!

CNN reports that Sarah Hannah, Nike's general manager and vice president for women in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said in a statement: "With the incredible momentum in women's sport right now, the redesigned space is just another demonstration of Nike's commitment to inspiring and serving the female athlete."

After all, all bodies deserve to be represented in the stores we visit and shop from.

Nike pro athlete Chris Mosier said it best: "If you have a body, you are an athlete. AND: REPRESENTATION MATTERS." 

Mosier is a transgender advocate and triathlete who started his athletic career before transitioning. In 2015, he earned a spot on the Team USA sprint duathlon men's team for the 2016 World Championship, making him the first known out trans athlete to join a US national team different from his sex at birth.

Does this mean other brands will follow suit?

We can only hope! Nike released a women's plus-size range back in 2017, offering sizes from 1X to 3X. And other retailers like Old Navy and Nordstrom have begun introducing plus-size mannequins into their stores as well. While the progress seems to be happening slowly, at least it's going in the right direction.

Your move, Adidas.