Why Your Activewear Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good
Activewear is designed to enhance performance, but what if your leggings and sports bras were silently compromising your health? While synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex dominate the activewear industry, they come with an often-overlooked cost: chemical exposure, hormone disruption, and environmental toxicity.
As more research emerges on the hidden dangers of synthetic textiles, consumers are demanding cleaner, high-performance alternatives. At Akkim, we believe that what you wear during exercise—when your body is most vulnerable—should work with you, not against you. Here’s what your synthetic workout gear isn’t telling you.
The Chemical Load in Synthetic Activewear: What’s Hiding in Your Clothes?
Most performance activewear is made from petroleum-based fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane—materials that may seem harmless but are often coated with toxic chemicals to enhance stretch, durability, and moisture-wicking properties.
Common Chemicals Found in Synthetic Activewear:
- BPA & phthalates – Used to make fabrics flexible, these endocrine disruptors have been linked to hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders (Galloway, 2015).
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) – Common in moisture-wicking and water-resistant fabrics, PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the body and environment, potentially leading to immune dysfunction and reproductive toxicity (Grandjean & Clapp, 2015).
- Formaldehyde & azo dyes – Used to prevent shrinkage and enhance color retention, these chemicals are associated with skin irritation and carcinogenic risks (Liu et al., 2014).
While manufacturers claim these substances are present in “safe” amounts, studies show that sweat, friction, and body heat can accelerate chemical release, increasing absorption through the skin (Weschler & Nazaroff, 2008).
How Sweat Increases Chemical Absorption
During workouts, your pores open, circulation increases, and sweat acts as a chemical solvent—creating the perfect conditions for synthetic fabrics to leach toxins directly into your body. A study by Gao et al. (2016) found that heat and moisture significantly enhance the transdermal absorption of chemicals from textiles, making activewear a potential source of long-term toxin exposure.
Why Sweating in Synthetic Activewear Poses a Risk:
- Higher absorption rates – Warm, damp skin is more permeable, increasing the uptake of BPA, PFAS, and plastic-derived chemicals.
- Microplastic shedding – Friction from movement releases microplastics, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin (De Falco et al., 2020).
- Bacteria & odor buildup – Unlike natural fibers, synthetic fabrics trap sweat and bacteria, leading to skin irritation, breakouts, and fungal infections (Rujnić-Sokele & Pilipović, 2017).
The Impact on Hormones, Inflammation & Long-Term Health
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like BPA and phthalates interfere with hormone function, potentially contributing to irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, weight gain, and thyroid imbalances (Gore et al., 2015).
PFAS, another common chemical in activewear, has been linked to increased inflammation, immune suppression, and even metabolic dysfunction (Grandjean & Clapp, 2015). Research suggests that chronic exposure to these substances can also disrupt insulin sensitivity, making it harder to regulate blood sugar and maintain metabolic health (Trasande et al., 2018).
Potential Health Risks of Synthetic Activewear:
- Hormonal imbalances – Disrupts estrogen and testosterone levels, affecting mood, metabolism, and reproductive health.
- Increased inflammation – Prolonged exposure to microplastics and chemicals can contribute to oxidative stress and chronic fatigue.
- Skin irritation & acne – Synthetic fabrics create a moist, bacteria-friendly environment, leading to rashes, fungal infections, and breakouts.
Akkim’s Clean, Performance-Driven Alternative: Why Natural Fibers Matter
At Akkim, we believe that activewear should enhance your health, not compromise it. That’s why we designed high-functioning pieces that prioritize clean, non-toxic materials without sacrificing function.
How Akkim Reduces Chemical Exposure While Optimizing Performance:
- More than 90% natural fibers – Reduces plastic exposure, allowing skin to breathe naturally.
- Less than 9% synthetics – Just enough stretch for mobility, without excessive chemical processing.
- Sweat-safe design – Our fabrics work with your body, not against it, ensuring low/no toxic leaching during workouts, sauna & steamroom sessions.
- Breathable & antibacterial – Eliminates odor retention, bacterial buildup, and microplastic shedding.
By choosing natural-fiber activewear, you’re investing in performance, longevity, and toxin-free training—so you can sweat without worrying about what’s being absorbed into your skin.
Final Thoughts: Why It’s Time to Rethink Synthetic Activewear
The convenience of cheap, synthetic workout gear comes with a hidden cost—one that affects your health, your performance, and the environment. The science is clear: what you wear while sweating matters. As more people recognize the risks of synthetic fabrics, the demand for clean, sustainable, high-functioning alternatives is growing.
Ready to train without toxins? Explore Akkim’s latest collection and experience the difference.
References
-
De Falco, F., et al. (2020). Microfiber release in the environment: How synthetic textiles drive microplastic pollution. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(19), 11414-11422.
-
Galloway, T. (2015). Endocrine disruption and human health: The role of environmental chemical exposures. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 370(1667), 20140060.
-
Gao, C., et al. (2016). Human thermoregulation and measurement of body temperature in exercising individuals. Journal of Thermal Biology, 62, 77-86.
-
Gore, A. C., et al. (2015). EDCs and the dysfunction of hormonal systems. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 11(11), 573-587.
-
Grandjean, P., & Clapp, R. (2015). Perfluorinated alkyl substances: Emerging insights into health risks. New Solutions, 25(2), 147-163.
-
Liu, R., et al. (2014). Textile dyes and human health risks: A review of environmental exposure and toxicity. Chemosphere, 112, 327-335.
-
Rujnić-Sokele, M., & Pilipović, A. (2017). Challenges and opportunities of biodegradable plastics: A review. Waste Management, 72, 347-358.
-
Trasande, L., et al. (2018). Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and obesity: A review. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(10), 3828-3840.
-
Weschler, C. J., & Nazaroff, W. W. (2008). Semivolatile organic compounds in indoor environments. Atmospheric Environment, 42(40), 9018-9040.
