Story of Unspun: Tech-Driven Custom Jeans Brand using 3D Body Scanning and Weaving
Story of Unspun:
Founded in 2015 by Beth Esponnette, Walden Lam, and Kevin
Martin, Unspun is a technology-driven, custom jeans company based in Oakland,
California. The startup aims to reduce fashion waste by producing jeans only
when ordered, ensuring both sustainability and perfect fit.
The Made-to-Order Model
Unspun leverages 3D body scanning and weaving technology to
create made-to-order denim. By eliminating excess inventory, the company
prevents overproduction, a major contributor to fashion’s environmental impact.
Microfactories and Local Production
Operating from a microfactory in Oakland, Unspun focuses on
fast, local, and automated manufacturing. The approach allows for intentional
production, reducing both carbon emissions and unnecessary transportation.
Mission-Driven Innovation
The company’s mission is to reduce global human carbon
emissions by 1% through localized and automated apparel manufacturing. By
rethinking production, Unspun seeks to challenge traditional fashion practices
centered on constant newness.
The Path to Intentional Fashion
Unspun began by offering tailored jeans online, avoiding
size ranges and unnecessary inventory. This first step set the foundation for
their larger vision: transforming apparel manufacturing with innovative
technology.
Vega: 3D Weaving Technology
The startup introduced Vega, a 3D weaving machine likened to
a basket-making device for clothing. This hardware allows brands and suppliers
to adopt just-in-time manufacturing, drastically reducing overproduction and
inventory waste.
Impact on Lead Times and Trends
With Vega, brands can shorten production lead times to as
little as one week. This allows companies to respond to real-time consumer
demand rather than predicting trends far in advance, reducing unsold products
and waste.
Story of Unspun: Tech-Driven Custom Jeans Brand using 3D Body Scanning & Weaving#startup#entrepreneur#networth#AI story#Unspun story#funding
Scaling for Global Influence
Unspun envisions deploying Vega in microfactories worldwide,
helping brands adopt faster, localized production models. The goal is to cut
emissions and reduce fabric waste while enabling agile, customer-focused
manufacturing.
From Concept to Consumer
The company’s initial focus on 3D body scans demonstrated
customer engagement potential while proving the feasibility of
make-what-you-sell production. The long-term plan extends this model to supply
chain adoption at scale.
Circular Fashion Ambitions
Unspun’s vision includes taking back garments, unspinning
them, and re-weaving the yarn into new products. This circular approach
complements their on-demand production, further minimizing waste in the fashion
system.
Industry Partnerships
Brands such as Collina Strada, Pangaia, and H&M-owned
Weekday have partnered with Unspun to experiment with the custom-fit model. The
company positions itself as a manufacturing partner redefining how apparel is
made.
Founder’s Early Influence
Beth Esponnette grew up fascinated by both art and science.
Surrounded by a family combining manual labor and academia, she developed a
curiosity for textiles and the technical aspects of clothing from an early age.
Education and Career Path
Despite her parents’ reservations, Beth pursued fiber
science and apparel design at Cornell University. Her studies blended polymer
science, chemistry, anthropology, psychology, art, and business, providing a
multidimensional view of fashion.
Transforming an Old Industry
Working with brands like Pearl Izumi and Mountain Hardwear,
Beth witnessed the inefficiencies of traditional, linear fashion manufacturing.
She realized technology could modernize the industry, break cycles of
overproduction, and create a more responsible, sustainable future.
Timeline of Unspun
- 2015
– Unspun is founded by Beth Esponnette, Walden Lam, and Kevin Martin in
Oakland, California.
- 2015–2016
– Focus on developing 3D body scanning technology for custom-fit jeans.
- 2016–2017
– Launch of online tailored jeans platform, reducing inventory and
eliminating size ranges.
- 2018–2019
– Expansion of partnerships with brands to test custom-fit production
model.
- 2020
– Development of Vega, the 3D weaving machine, to enable just-in-time
production for brands.
- 2021–2022
– First microfactory established in Oakland; pilot production for partner
brands begins.
- 2023–2024
– Scaling microfactory model globally; promoting localized, automated, and
sustainable manufacturing.
- 2025
and Beyond – Continue expanding microfactories, circular fashion
initiatives, and industry partnerships to reduce waste and emissions.
