Understanding what goes into a garment before it reaches your body changes how you think about wearing it. At AKISO, every step of the supply chain, from sourcing materials to the final stitch, is treated as part of a larger commitment to sustainability, ethics, and craftsmanship.
Sourcing With Intention
AKISO's approach begins with a clear commitment: every step of the supply chain reflects a dedication to sustainability and ethical practices. This starts at the sourcing stage, where natural cotton is chosen specifically for its skin-friendly, breathable qualities, forming the foundation of the brand's signature AKISO Sattvik yoga line.
Processing Before Stitching
Cotton fabric goes through extensive washing and processing before it is ever cut and stitched into a garment. This step matters more than it might seem. It allows most of a garment's natural shrinkage to happen before the piece reaches your wardrobe, so that with proper care, you can expect only minor shrinkage after your first few washes at home. This pre-processing is part of why AKISO garments hold their shape and fit consistently over time.
Handcrafted by Artisans
Rather than relying purely on industrial mass production, AKISO's supply chain is artisan-led. The brand's artisan community is described as the heart of AKISO, breathing life into each creation with expertise passed down through generations. This hands-on, generational craftsmanship is what separates a piece like our block printed yoga wear from mass-manufactured activewear, since each design carries the intricate detail and story of the people who made it.
Handcrafted Variation Is Expected
Because each product is handcrafted, AKISO is upfront that slight variation in colors, print, texture, and embellishments is expected from piece to piece. This is not a flaw in the process, it is a natural result of working with artisans and natural dyeing techniques rather than uniform industrial printing.
Dyeing With Care
AKISO uses both natural and commercial dyeing techniques throughout its process. Because of this, some garments may bleed color when washed, which is why the brand recommends washing all garments with like colors only, and favors dry cleaning or gentle hand washing over harsh machine cycles. You can find the brand's full washing guidance on the Wash Care page.
Designed With Purpose, Not Just Style
The final stage of AKISO's process involves collaboration with seasoned yoga instructors and holistic lifestyle experts to design each garment specifically for the modern-day yogi. This means every piece across the women's and men's collections is built entirely plastic and metal-free, a deliberate design choice meant to support, not obstruct, the flow of energy during practice.
A Gentle Footprint
Throughout this entire farm-to-fabric journey, AKISO strives to reduce its impact on the environment while keeping the final product accessible. Customers are invited to contribute to this effort too, simply by washing garments less often and caring for them thoughtfully once they arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AKISO's cotton fully natural? Yes, AKISO Sattvik is built around 100% natural cotton material chosen for its skin-friendly, breathable qualities.
Why do some AKISO garments look slightly different from the product photos? Because each product is handcrafted, slight variation in color, print, texture, and embellishment is expected and is a natural result of artisan-led, small-batch production.
Does AKISO cotton shrink after washing? Some minor shrinkage is normal with cotton. AKISO's fabric undergoes extensive processing before stitching to reduce most shrinkage in advance, so you can expect only a small amount with proper care.
Why should I wash AKISO garments separately by color? AKISO uses both natural and commercial dyeing techniques, and some garments may bleed color during washing, so separating by like colors helps preserve the fabric's appearance.
Who designs AKISO's yoga wear? AKISO Sattvik was designed in collaboration with seasoned yoga instructors and holistic lifestyle experts, with each piece crafted specifically for the needs of the modern-day yogi.