Leading Apparel Brands Back unspun's Domestic Manufacturing Plans

The automated apparel startup aims to build new production hubs across the US.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:08am by Ben Kaplan

A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a collection of sleek, metallic geometric shapes and premium raw materials, conceptually representing the abstract ideas of corporate strategy, finance, and automated manufacturing.Leading apparel brands are backing a startup's plans to bring more automated, localized clothing production to the United States.San Francisco Today

The automated apparel company unspun has secured backing from several major clothing brands to build a network of domestic manufacturing hubs across the United States. The move is aimed at reducing reliance on overseas production and bringing more apparel manufacturing back to the US.

Why it matters

The shift towards more localized and automated apparel production could have significant implications for the industry, impacting jobs, supply chains, and environmental sustainability. It also reflects a broader trend of companies seeking to shorten their supply chains and reduce their carbon footprint.

The details

unspun, a San Francisco-based startup, has developed technology that allows for the automated production of custom-fitted clothing. The company plans to leverage this technology to establish a series of small-scale manufacturing facilities in various US locations, partnering with major apparel brands who will utilize the facilities to produce their products.

  • unspun was founded in 2020 and has been developing its automated apparel technology over the past 6 years.
  • The company announced its plans to build the domestic manufacturing hubs in April 2026.

The players

unspun

A San Francisco-based startup that has developed technology for the automated production of custom-fitted clothing.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing apparel manufacturing back to the US is a key priority for our company, and unspun's innovative approach aligns perfectly with our sustainability and localization goals.”

— Sarah Johnson, Vice President of Supply Chain, Levi's

“We're excited to partner with unspun and leverage their technology to establish a more agile and responsive production model that reduces our environmental impact.”

— Michael Chen, Chief Operating Officer, H&M

What’s next

unspun plans to open its first domestic manufacturing hub in the Midwest later this year, with additional facilities slated to come online across the country over the next 3-5 years.

The takeaway

The backing of leading apparel brands signals a significant shift in the industry towards more localized, sustainable, and technologically-driven production models, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of clothing manufacturing.