Yes, Akira is a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on the rapid production of trend-driven apparel, high-volume inventory, and frequent new releases designed to capitalize on fleeting styles.
Akira's ethical practices are concerning due to an extreme lack of transparency in its supply chain, with no public information on factory conditions or worker wages. Similarly, its sustainability efforts are minimal to non-existent, relying heavily on environmentally harmful synthetic materials with no published goals for improvement. Here's what you need to know about Akira's practices:
Akira embodies the fast fashion model through its high-speed production cycle, trend-focused designs, and competitive pricing strategy.
Akira's ethical standing is poor, primarily because of a complete lack of transparency, which makes it impossible to verify the treatment of workers in its supply chain.
Akira does not publicly disclose a list of its suppliers or factories, obscuring its labor practices from public scrutiny. Manufacturing is based in countries with weak labor protections, where garment workers often face low pay and poor conditions. Reports from organizations like the Asia Floor Wage Alliance suggest that factory workers in these regions may earn as little as $150-$250 per month, falling far short of the estimated living wage of $350-$400 per month.
The brand offers zero supply chain visibility. It does not publish details of third-party audits and holds no recognized ethical certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or Fair Wear Foundation membership. This opacity is a significant red flag for consumers concerned about ethical manufacturing.
Akira provides no information about its animal welfare policies. While it uses materials like faux leather, the sourcing and composition of these and other animal-derived materials are not disclosed. The company does not hold any certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan or Leaping Bunny.
Akira demonstrates a significant lack of commitment to environmental sustainability across its operations, from materials sourcing to waste management.
The vast majority of Akira's products are made from conventional synthetic materials like polyester, elastane, and nylon. These fabrics are derived from fossil fuels, are energy-intensive to produce, and release microplastics when washed. It's estimated that less than 10% of the brand's collections use any form of sustainable or recycled material.
Akira has not published any data on its carbon footprint, water usage, or chemical management policies. The production of synthetic textiles is associated with high greenhouse gas emissions and chemical pollution in waterways. With no stated commitments or reduction targets, the brand's environmental impact remains unchecked.
Akira has no known take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. Its business model promotes a linear "take-make-waste" cycle, contributing to the growing problem of textile waste in landfills. Packaging is typically plastic-based with no significant use of sustainable alternatives.
The brand has not announced any public sustainability goals, climate targets, or waste reduction plans. Its marketing and corporate communications focus solely on style and price, ignoring the environmental consequences of its operations entirely.
Akira’s fast fashion model prioritizes speed and low prices at a significant cost to people and the planet. Its profound lack of transparency and inaction on key issues place it firmly at the bottom of the rankings.
Akira earns a grade of 'D' for its ethical practices. This score reflects a complete failure in supply chain transparency. Without disclosing factory locations, audit results, or publishing a code of conduct, there's no way to verify that workers are treated fairly or paid a living wage. The absence of any ethical certifications deepens these concerns, indicating a disregard for accountability.
For sustainability, Akira also receives a 'D'. The brand shows no meaningful effort to address its environmental impact. Its reliance on virgin synthetic fabrics, lack of recycling or circular programs, and absence of any stated climate or waste reduction goals are all hallmarks of a business model that ignores its environmental responsibilities.
If Akira's poor ethical and environmental performance is a concern, consider these alternatives that offer trendy styles with a commitment to people and the planet:
PACT offers GOTS-certified organic cotton basics and casualwear made in Fair Trade Certified factories, ensuring fair wages and safe conditions. Their transparent supply chain and commitment to sustainable materials make them a top-tier ethical choice.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Known for its "Radical Transparency," B-Corp certified Everlane shares detailed information about its factories and production costs. The brand focuses on timeless staples made from high-quality, sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Shop now at everlane.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and uses sustainable materials like organic cotton and TENCEL™. The brand partners with artisans and farmers in the developing world to create unique, timeless pieces.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in both environmental and social responsibility. It uses a high percentage of recycled materials, guarantees Fair Trade production, and offers a legendary repair program to extend the life of its gear.
Shop now at patagonia.com
By working directly with cotton farmers in Egypt, certified B Corp Kotn ensures fair prices and sustainable farming practices. Known for its high-quality, ultra-soft basics, the brand is transparent about its supply chain and invests in building schools in its farming communities.
Shop now at kotn.com
Certified B Corp Tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased and crafts its casual wear from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™. The brand is committed to ethical manufacturing and provides transparency into its factory partnerships.
Shop now at tentree.com
Akira's low prices are a result of its fast fashion business model, which relies on mass production, low-cost synthetic materials, and manufacturing in countries where labor costs are significantly lower. This combination allows them to produce trendy items affordably, but it raises serious questions about worker wages and environmental standards.
Based on all publicly available information, Akira has no published sustainability initiatives whatsoever. The brand does not have an eco-friendly collection, has not stated any goals to reduce its environmental impact, and does not report on its carbon footprint or material usage.
While Akira does not publish a factory list, its supply chain is known to be predominantly based in Asia, including countries like China and India. These are major hubs for fast fashion production known for fast turnaround times but also for having weaker labor and environmental regulations.
