Taking on Trials & Tribulations in an abaya made from nida fabric is an adventure that brings unique experiences and challenges. Nida fabric, known for its lightweight, soft feel and breathable quality, is a popular choice for abayas because of its comfort and modesty.
But how well does it hold up in the rugged, muddy, and active environment encountered on this challenge? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of wearing a nida abaya in such a demanding setting, along with some considerations to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros
Lightweight and breathable
Nida fabric is exceptionally lightweight, making it easy to move in, especially over long distances. Its breathable nature also helps keep the wearer cool during the exertion of the challenge, which can be crucial when you’re running or climbing obstacles. This fabric doesn’t trap heat as much as heavier materials, making it a relatively comfortable choice for an active environment.
Quick drying
Although Nida isn’t a performance fabric, its smooth, slightly synthetic texture allows it to dry faster than some natural fibres like cotton. This quick-drying quality is beneficial when moving through muddy or wet obstacles, as it can help prevent the abaya from becoming too weighed down by water.
Modesty maintained with minimal adjustments
Nida fabric has enough weight to drape modestly without being too clingy. Even in an active setting, it tends to retain its shape, so you won’t need to worry as much about constant adjustments to maintain coverage. This feature can allow for a more focused experience on the race itself rather than on fixing your attire.
Cons
Slipperiness in wet conditions
While nida is soft and comfortable, it can become somewhat slippery when wet. This can make certain obstacles, especially those requiring grip or stability, more challenging. The smoothness of the fabric might also make it harder to climb, as it tends to slide against surfaces rather than grip them.
Limited stretch and flexibility
Nida fabric has minimal stretch, which may restrict movement slightly. In a this challenge, where crawling, jumping, and climbing are common, a material with a bit more elasticity can be an asset. Without stretch, you may feel a bit constrained in your range of motion, particularly when tackling challenging obstacles or trying to move quickly.
Potential for stains and long-term wear
Mud stains can be challenging to remove from nida fabric, particularly after a day of heavy use on the challenge. While the fabric itself is relatively easy to wash, mud from the event might leave stains that aren’t easily removable, possibly affecting the abaya’s appearance even after thorough washing.
Practical considerations
Wearing a nida abaya for this challenge brings both advantages and drawbacks. Its comfort and lightweight nature make it a reasonable choice for keeping cool, and its modest draping properties are well-suited for maintaining coverage.
However, its lack of stretch and potential slipperiness in wet conditions mean it’s not ideally suited for some obstacles requiring flexibility and grip. Additionally, there’s a risk of permanent staining due to mud, which might limit its long-term use.
Whatever type of abaya you choose to wear, you must pair it with comfortable, quick-drying leggings and an undershirt for added mobility and warmth. You may also want to opt for a design that offers a bit more structure and fit, such as a belted abaya, to help keep it close to the body and reduce tangling or movement that might hinder you.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, while a nida abaya is not a performance outfit for a muddy challenge like this, its modesty and lightweight comfort make it manageable with some adjustments. For those seeking a balance between modesty and functionality, it can work reasonably well with additional layering and preparation.
Just be ready for the extra challenges, and you’ll be able to enjoy the unique experience of running, climbing, and sliding in mud while empathising with refugee women who have no choice but to make such difficult journeys. And, remember, that’s the whole point of the exercise!