Uniqlo to launch first hijab range in Britain

Uniqlo is to debut a range of hijab head scarves and tunics in Britain later this month.

The hijabs are the fashion brand's second collaboration with Hana Tajima, a British designer, but this is the first time they will available on the UK high street.

The collection launches March 18, the same day as the relaunch of the Uniqlo flagship store on 311 Oxford Street, which will open its doors after almost a year of redevelopment.

It has already launched the products in the US and had successful runs in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

“Our second collaboration with Hana this spring/summer season will introduce essential pieces that reflect her style for modest fashion while combining our LifeWear concept in which is to focus on enhancing the wearer’s lifestyle,” a Uniqlo spokesperson said.

The collection ranges from hijab headscarves, relaxed jeans, rayon blouses, long dresses, as well as hijab innerwear and headbands.

“We are particularly excited about the update to our Inner Hijab and High Neck that ensures coverage without compromising on comfort, especially in tropical weather,” the designer said.

Other showpiece items include the Baju Kurung, available to be styled either as a tunic over a pair of trousers or as a dress by itself.

Hana Tajima, a UK born designer and Muslim fashion blogger, said her designs aim to be both “culturally sensitive” and “extremely comfortable”.

“We wanted to create a collection for women who appreciate modesty as a lifestyle, as well as a broader international audience. It is relaxed, and can be mixed and matched to enhance style,” Tajima said at the launch of her first collaboration with Uniqlo in July 2015.

Uniqlo joins a long line of fashion designers catering to the growing Muslim market.

Muslims spent $266 billion (£187 billion) on clothing and footwear in 2013.