Staying fit genocide-free: Five pro-Palestinian brands offering activewear you should know about

German sportswear brand Adidas has recently faced backlash after removing Palestinian-Dutch model Bella Hadid from their Paris 2024 Olympics marketing campaign. 

This decision came after Israel criticised the choice of Hadid, accusing her of hostility to Israel and stating that 11 Israeli athletes had been killed by Palestinian attackers at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games.

However, critics argue that accusing Hadid of guilt by association simply because she is Palestinian and advocates for Palestinian freedom is “disgusting,” “racist,” and “shameful” — especially since the model wasn't even born in 1972. 

Since then, Hadid has commented saying, “I would never knowingly engage with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind.”

Following the controversy, some pro-Palestine activists have added Adidas to their boycott lists, as they strive to support openly pro-Palestine brands, that also don’t financially — or otherwise — support Israel amid it ongoing assault on Gaza.

The New Arab (TNA) compiles below five pro-Palestine and genocide-free brands, that provide activewear and athleisure pieces, for the ethically conscious consumer searching for alternatives.

FC Palestina

FC Palestina makes a variety of football shirts with Palestine at the heart of their designs.

While many are made in the colours of the Palestinian flag, the brand has also experimented with pops of other colours too — like their black and pink Farrah Azam collaboration.

Classing football as a "universal language," the brand strives to “bring people together globally, highlighting their solidarity with Palestine,” as they ensure at least 20% of their profits are donated to support Palestinians.

FC Palestina is also sold through 3eib — a London-based community-led collective that hosts pop-ups featuring pro-Palestine brands created by SWANA designers.

3eib also sell non-sports-related brands. 

TNA's pick: FC Palestina Palestine Retro (Green/Black) Football Shirt

HYPEPEACE

HYPEPEACE is a streetwear label “motivated by community and social conscience.”

If you like to work out in tank tops or t-shirts, or even if you love to don some tracksuits and hoodies for your fitness-related activities, this one is for you. You’ll also find a selection of shorts, rugby shirts, and accessories too.

HYPEPEACE — also a brand sold at 3eib pop-ups — says they are taking a “satirical approach to streetwear but simultaneously establishing [themselves] with a serious agenda.”

“Fashion can serve as a platform to transcend the mere superficial aesthetics by mobilising like-minded people and spreading a substantial positive message of solidarity, justice, love, and equality for all,” they say.

TNA's pick: Fundamentals Hoodie

LYRA

LYRA is a brand that produces modest and fashionable swimwear pieces for women, in a market where there are very few options for full-coverage swimsuits.

Their swimwear sets — which you can also purchase as separate items — include long-sleeve bodysuits, leggings, a skirt, and a turban, made from “lightweight, fast-dry fabric with high UV protection.”

From a variety of swimwear options to active hijabs, sarongs, and more, LYRA has a vast inventory for you to browse through.

They have also highlighted the importance of being “pro-justice, particularly in the case of the decades-long Palestinian oppression and current genocide.”

“Taking a stance on important global issues reflects our brand's commitment to ethical practices,” they told TNA, emphasising their belief in the importance of consumers shopping ethically.

“Consumers should be ethically conscious as they have a moral responsibility to divest their money from companies that are complicit in violations of human rights and, in turn, can use their purchasing power to support socially conscious brands,” they added, highlighting that the brand donates some proceeds to Palestinian charities.

TNA's pick: Sofia Earth Swimsuit

PALI ROOTS

PaliRoots crafts “clothing for the culture,” with a mission to bring Palestinian culture to light with “unique clothing concepts.”

They provide great athleisure options with apparel “made from unique materials [and] soft cottons,” including hand-sewn elements.

Items include caps, tees, tank tops, shorts, hoodies, and sweatpants. If you’re after some accessories, they also sell keffiyehs, tote bags, necklaces, and more. 

That’s not all — PaliRoots runs a meal program in which they are “addressing the immediate needs of our community in Palestine,” highlighting that their “efforts to share and promote Palestinian culture internationally are deeply connected to supporting and nurturing that culture within Palestine itself.”

“The program provides nutritious meals to those in need, particularly children and families who face food insecurity,” they told TNA, adding that they work to enhance community engagement and that they “work with local farmers and suppliers to source ingredients, supporting local agriculture and the economy.”

TNA's pick: Core Cap Pine Green

IMAAN ACTIVE

Imaan Active is another modest fashion brand offering activewear for women after long, full-coverage pieces.

With a variety of long-line and relaxed-fitting tops, they also offer sports bottoms, sports hijabs, swim hijabs, and swimwear sets.

The brand began when its founder, Misbah, was just 19 years old, looking for more modest fashion options for sportswear, which felt like a “hurdle” due to limited options available in the market.

The company has also stated that they have raised money for, and continue to donate to, Palestinian causes.

TNA's pick: Tailored Fit Top – Black

So there you have it — great genocide-free, pro-Palestine brands providing activewear that you can support with a clear conscience.

You don’t have to buy into boycotted brands to still receive great quality pieces.