Fast Fashion is Failing—Here’s Why It’s Time for an Upgrade
For decades, fast fashion has dominated the activewear industry, pushing out cheap, trendy, disposable workout sets designed to last only a few months. However, consumers in 2025 are demanding more. They want clothing that is designed to perform, last, and align with a sustainable future.
This shift has given rise to high-functioning slow fashion, a movement that prioritizes durability, ethical production, and performance-driven design. At Akkim, we are redefining what it means to invest in activewear, proving that sustainability and high-performance are not mutually exclusive.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Activewear
Fast fashion has built its success on the mass production of low-cost, synthetic materials. While these fabrics may appear functional, they degrade quickly and contribute significantly to environmental pollution. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), the fashion industry produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually, much of which comes from synthetic fibers that do not biodegrade. Polyester, the dominant material in activewear, sheds microplastics with every wash, contaminating water systems and entering the food chain (Browne et al., 2011).
Beyond environmental damage, cheap activewear also presents health concerns. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenols and phthalates, which have been linked to hormonal imbalances and other health risks (Tung & Boudreau, 2014). When worn during exercise, these materials heat up and interact with sweat, increasing the likelihood of toxin absorption through the skin (Gao et al., 2016).
Akkim’s Approach to High-Functioning Slow Fashion
Most slow fashion brands focus on casualwear, but sustainable options in high-performance athletic apparel remain scarce. Akkim bridges this gap by designing activewear that is both functional and environmentally responsible. Unlike traditional synthetic-based activewear, Akkim’s fabrics are made with over 90% natural fibers, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals while maintaining durability.
Our garments are designed to work with the body, not against it. Breathable, non-toxic fabrics allow for thermoregulation and sweat-wicking without the use of petroleum-based synthetics. This ensures that wearers experience comfort and performance without compromising their health or the environment. The inclusion of minimal synthetic fibers—less than 9%—provides the necessary elasticity for movement without contributing significantly to microplastic pollution.
Investing in Fewer, Better Pieces
The future of activewear is centered on quality over quantity. The shift away from fast fashion encourages consumers to invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces that perform across multiple settings. This aligns with the concept of a capsule wardrobe, which prioritizes versatile, durable clothing designed for longevity.
A study by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP, 2017) found that extending the lifespan of garments by just nine months reduces their environmental footprint by 20-30%. Akkim’s approach to slow fashion embraces this principle, creating timeless, high-functioning pieces. By choosing high-functioning slow fashion, consumers can reduce waste, save money in the long term, and avoid the frequent replacements required by cheaply made activewear. Making sustainability & style part of your fashion statement.
The Future of Sustainable Performance Wear
Sustainability in fashion is not just about environmental responsibility; it is about providing consumers with long-term value. The integration of high-functioning slow fashion into the activewear market represents a necessary evolution—one that prioritizes performance, ethics, and health. Consumers are no longer willing to compromise on these factors, and brands that fail to adapt will be left behind.
Akkim is glad to be a part of this movement by offering a solution that merges performance with sustainable innovation. By investing in durable, natural-fiber activewear, individuals can align their training gear with their values while benefiting from high-quality apparel that stands out from the rest.
References
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Browne, M. A., Crump, P., Niven, S. J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., Galloway, T., & Thompson, R. (2011). Accumulation of Microplastic on Shorelines Worldwide: Sources and Sinks. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(21), 9175–9179.
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Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future.
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Gao, C., Kuklane, K., Holmér, I., & Giesbrecht, G. (2016). Human Thermoregulation and Measurement of Body Temperature in Exercising Individuals. Journal of Thermal Biology, 62, 77-86.
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Tung, E. W., & Boudreau, A. (2014). The Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A Affects Lipid Metabolism in Humans. Environmental Research, 132, 190-199.
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Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). (2017). Valuing Our Clothes: The Cost of UK Fashion.
