
Cultural threads: how New Balance’s Ramadan line bridges heritage and high performance
Text Gayathri Pullare
There’s something about Ramadan that can turn even the simplest moments into memories. Maybe it’s the way the light slants during maghrib, painting the sky in apricot hues, or the quiet hum of a household winding down after iftar. This year, New Balance’s Ramadan 2025 Collection feels tailor-made for those in-between moments — whether you’re rushing between visits, squeezing in a pre-iftar gym session, or chasing your drowsy cat around during suhoor to capture the perfect sleepy Ramadan (cat) TikTok.

The women’s line leans into modest versatility: the Coastal Terry Fleece Cardigan is the kind of piece you’ll throw on for morning runs while it’s still a little chilly and keep wrapped around your shoulders during evening prayers. The pieces are lightweight but cosy, with delicate tonal embroidery that nods to tradition without having to shout. Pieces like the New Balance Harmony half zip are perfect to mix and match with, for a layered look that transitions effortlessly from errands to Eid shopping.
For the younger ones, the kids’ collection mixes practicality with playful details—think breathable fabrics in muted tones that survive sticky fingers and football matches at sunset.

If you’re the type who sneaks in a run between iftar and suhoor (respect), the unisex RC Woven Tee and Tank Silhouettes are cut from featherlight fabric that won’t cling during those 5k loops around the neighbourhood. As the weather shifts from cool breezes to muggy warmth in the evenings, ventilation is key when you’re sweating through a workout.
Last month, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort hosted the collection launch, featuring a runway show with Dubai-based Egyptian blogger and breast cancer advocate Shayma Sabry, along with UNHCR ambassador Karen Wazen. The event also took the idea of adding character to their pieces even further after the show, with a customising station where guests could personalise their New Balance kicks with bespoke charms.
“Ramadan is an incredibly important time across the world, marked by moments of unity and reflection,” notes Stuart Henwood, New Balance’s Senior Director for MEAI. “This collection was thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the region while providing our customers with versatile, stylish pieces to complement their lifestyle throughout the holy month.”

New Balance gets it right with this collection, and the brand’s success lies in its refusal to pigeonhole ‘Ramadan wear’ into rigid categories. Instead, it embraces the Holy Month’s duality: the quiet solitude of dawn prayers and the vibrant chaos of shared meals.
Available online and in stores across MENA, it’s a collection that understands Ramadan isn’t just a month — it’s a mood.