As a lifelong "back to basics" tomboy, I want to wear things that feel like nature. You can't get prettier or better than nature. So Brad—textile inventor and husband of four decades—used his lace braiding magic to design a bra for me— and others— who FEEL like ME.
I am old school — I value simplicity, no-waste, beauty and integrity in the things I surround myself with. I want to feel part of the earth —unified and balanced. Braless much of my life —getting older I wanted a something that held me in a simple, comforting way —without excessive femininity, but instead, texture and natural form -- a "makes-me-feel-pretty vibe". Made here in the USA by my friends and neighbors—not shipped halfway across the world wrapped in plastic and compromise.
~Terri Jamison
Tensengral
BusinessChallenge/ Problem
We created our line of Tensengral bras because we wanted underwear that felt and functioned like nature—simple textural 3D textile structures that could be customized and manufactured efficiently in local micro-factories using any desired yarn.
Most bras are overbuilt, cut from synthetic fabrics, and stitched together with seams that chafe. Instead, we use heritage lace braiding machines to create a single, seamless filament lattice, where support comes from tensioned yarns, not hardware.
What is the pain point?
Most bras are made overseas from synthetic materials that create waste and microplastic pollution every step of their journey. They rely on compression, seams, and foam that break down over time, chafe the skin and fail to fit diverse and changing bodies. Consumers want alternatives—but the industry lacks few zero-waste, biodegradable options that truly perform and feel good to wear.
Why Is This Urgent for the Times?
The apparel industry is a major polluter, with bras contributing to landfill waste and microplastic shedding. As demand for sustainable, inclusive performance wear grows, existing solutions fail to meet ecological and comfort standards. Climate change, resource scarcity, and consumer awareness make it urgent to adopt zero-waste, biodegradable technologies, like Tensengral's, that align performance with planetary health.
Who are the stakeholders affected by this problem?
Consumers suffer from un-natural, uncomfortable, poor-fitting garments made with unsustainable materials.
Brands and manufacturers struggle to meet growing demand for ethical, zero-waste apparel.
Retailers need biodegradable options to align with shifting values.
Local fiber producers lose out when global supply chains dominate.
Meanwhile, the environment bears the burden of pollution and waste.
All stakeholders need scalable, regenerative solutions.
How is the problem currently being addressed?
Most brands focus on small improvements—like using recycled synthetics or adjusting fit—but still rely on traditional cut-and-sew methods that produce waste, limit recyclability, and piece garments together inefficiently. These are incremental fixes that don’t address the bigger challenge: how to create truly sustainable products from the ground up while enhancing comfort and performance.
Our lace-braiding technology solves this by rethinking how textiles are made. Tensengral bras show that it's possible to build performance directly into the fabric itself—without cutting, sewing, or excess material. This allows for efficient, zero-waste, on-demand production that supports local artisanship and offers a scalable, regenerative alternative to industrial garment manufacturing.
How could changes in the market or industry impact the significance of this problem?
As consumers demand sustainable, inclusive products and regulations tighten around waste and microplastics, the pressure on apparel brands will intensify. Rising material costs, climate-driven supply chain disruptions, and ESG accountability will make wasteful, non-biodegradable garments less viable. These shifts amplify the need for solutions like Tensengral's bras—zero-waste, adaptive, and rooted in local, regenerative materials.
What is the solution that your product/technology provides? What does it do and how does it work? What does the world look like if you succeed?
Our patented lace braiding technology turns yarns into seamless, 3D textile structures with zero waste. Unlike traditional woven or knitted fabrics, our braids form a fully connected network that flexes, breathes, and adapts to the body—distributing tension naturally, like a living mesh. This innovative approach reimagines lace as a high-performance material, reducing waste, energy use, and material fatigue while offering a structural design alternative. If we succeed, we help shift the industry toward regenerative textiles—materials, reconnecting engineering with the intelligence of nature.
How does it address your target user’s pain points previously described?
Most garments today are made with unsustainable materials using wasteful, cut-and-sew methods that no longer align with shifting values or rising environmental standards. Consumers are seeking more conscious, back-to-nature choices—garments that feel good on the body and do less harm to the planet. For them, we offer soft, breathable fabrics made from plant-based, biodegradable yarns, created with a zero-waste process that reflects a deeper commitment to living in balance with nature. For designers, we introduce entirely new textile forms that redefine lace as a structural, performance material—opening creative possibilities through sculptural, unified fabrics that move and adapt like a second skin. For manufacturers, our programmable braiding technology offers a true zero-waste alternative to knit or woven mesh. Our innovation offers every stakeholder a tangible way forward toward regenerative design.
How are you better than the alternatives?
Programmable braiding offers key advantages over digital knitting in both structure and performance. While digital knitting builds looped fabrics row by row, braiding interlaces continuous yarns in 3D space, creating fully unified, seamless structures. Braided fabrics naturally distribute tension, adapt dynamically to movement, and offer superior shape retention and strength-to-weight ratios. Our patented system allows precise control of yarn placement, tension, and spatial patterning—enabling true zero-waste production and customized performance zones within a single textile. Unlike knit, which can unravel or stretch unevenly, braided networks are inherently stable and flexible, ideal for load-bearing, body-conforming, or composite applications. Programmable braiding bridges the gap between textile design and structural engineering—making it a superior choice for high-performance, sustainable manufacturing.
What stage of development is your product/ technology in? How has the product evolved based on testing, user feedback, or customer discovery? Have you tested it? If yes, what were the results?
Our technology is in the advanced prototype stage, with bras developed and tested using our patented lace braiding method. Over the past decade, we’ve refined the system through hands-on production and user feedback from wearers, athletes, and designers. Testing confirmed key advantages: superior comfort, breathability, and a seamless, body-conforming fit that moves with the wearer and distributes tension evenly. Testers praised the natural feel and performance during movement. We’ve since fine-tuned yarns, structure, and patterning to optimize function and form. We’re now focused on scaling production while preserving the craftsmanship and adaptability that define this next evolution in lace-making.
How does it fit intocurrent user workflows or systems? Will suppliers, manufacturers, purchasers or users need to change processes?
Our braided textiles are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production and supply workflows. Because the fabrics are produced as fully formed, dimensional units—they simplify assembly processes for manufacturers. Brands can use our textiles as plug-and-play components for apparel, reducing both labor and material waste.
For suppliers, we source standard biodegradable yarns like TENCEL™, so no specialized inputs are required. For purchasers and users, our products are immediately usable—comfortable, high-performance, and easy to maintain—requiring no changes in use or care.
In short, no major workflow disruptions are needed. Instead, we offer a more efficient, sustainable alternative that enhances current systems while reducing steps and environmental impact.
What makes your solution unique or hard to copy? How is your idea protected from thecompetition? Talkabout your competitive advantage and differentiation strategy.
Our solution is protected by a combination of patents, trade secrets, and over a decade of specialized experience in lace braiding technology. Unlike knitting or weaving, our proprietary braiding techniques—developed and refined on modified heritage machines—create seamless, 3D textile structures that conform and move like nature. These designs are not only technically complex but also rooted in deep material knowledge, including custom yarn tensioning, zone-specific patterning, and structural shaping. Our patented patterning technology along with machine modifications, gives us a significant edge that’s hard to duplicate. Competitors would face steep learning curves in both the mechanical and material aspects of our process. Our differentiation strategy lies in this unique fusion of intellectual property, artisan handwork, and sustainable performance—delivering a textile innovation that is both functionally advanced and nearly impossible to replicate without insider knowledge.
What is the status of any intellectual property protection (e.g., patent applications,issued patents, registered copyrights or marks)? What does the patent specifically protect? What is your long-term IP strategy (e.g., defensive, licensing, freedom to operate)?
We hold two key U.S. patents by inventor Bradford C. Jamison, forming the backbone of our technology:
– Patterned Plexus of Filaments, Method of Producing and Articles Containing Patterned Filaments (filed May 21, 2013; issued Dec 25, 2018). This patent covers the foundational braided structure where linked filaments form a continuous, tension‑balanced network (patents.google.com).
– Plexus of Filaments with Linked Members (issued Jan 5, 2021). It protects a double‑helix braid configuration that enhances conformability and load distribution (patents.justia.com).
Both patents safeguard not only the braiding methods—programmable filament linking, linking patterns, tension control and machine operation—but also the resulting 3D textile architectures. In addition, we maintain significant trade secrets around machine modifications, material pairings, pattern logic, and finishing protocols.
Our IP strategy is collaborative and strategic: we seek to license and share the technology with aligned partners, while also investing in further innovation for machine modernization. This approach ensures robust protection, supports freedom to operate, and encourages ecosystem-building around sustainable, high-performance braiding technology.
Define and describe the market – Who is your customer? Where are they? How many of them are there (include explanations for your numbers)?
Our market spans three primary customer segments: independent fashion designers, sustainable performance brands, and conscious consumers seeking next-generation textiles. These customers value innovation, comfort, and sustainability—and are actively looking for alternatives to mass-produced, synthetic-based textiles.
1. Independent Designers & Small Apparel Brands
These are early adopters, often located in fashion-forward regions like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Berlin. They are looking for unique materials with strong storytelling potential and sustainable credentials. According to IBISWorld, there are over 25,000 independent apparel designers and small fashion brands in the U.S. alone. Many lack access to innovative, small-batch textile options like ours.
2. Sustainable Performance & Footwear Brands
Brands in athleisure, footwear, and outdoor gear are actively seeking zero-waste and biodegradable textile solutions. GlobalData reports the eco-conscious activewear market is projected to surpass $15 billion by 2027, growing rapidly as major brands face pressure to meet ESG goals. Potential partners include brands like Allbirds, ON, Patagonia, and Veja—all seeking functional, sustainable alternatives.
3. Conscious Consumers
There are over 100 million eco-conscious consumers globally, with at least 30 million in the U.S. identifying sustainability as a key purchasing factor (Nielsen). These consumers are often concentrated in urban areas and college towns, and they’re seeking products that align with their values—minimal waste, local production, and biodegradability.
Together, these segments represent a growing and underserved market, hungry for new materials that blend performance, sustainability, and design freedom—a gap our braided textile technology is uniquely positioned to fill.
What insights have you gained from customer discovery interviews or surveys?
Our customer discovery process has been post-prototype, with in-person feedback collected from over 75 individuals, including designers, boutique owners, performance wear testers, textile engineers, and everyday wearers. These interactions took place at fashion studios, trade shows, farmer’s markets, and pop-up fittings, primarily in New York State, with additional input from online testers and collaborators in Oregon, Hawaii, Pennyslvania and Texas.
Key Insights:
- Expressed strong interest in our zero-waste, sculptural lace fabrics, noting they had “never seen anything like it” and valued the aesthetic uniqueness and sustainability story.
- Praised the seamless, body-conforming comfort, describing the fabric as “supportive without compression” and “feels like it's moving with me."
- Emphasized the appeal of natural fibers, local manufacturing, and the tactile softness of TENCEL™, particularly for sensitive skin.
Feedback validated our target customer segments—especially independent designers, boutique consumers, and conscious performance wear users. It also guided product refinements: we adjusted yarn elasticity, refined braiding zones for comfort and stretch, and explored new silhouettes based on repeated requests.
In short, customer discovery confirmed that our core offering—a naturally adaptive, visually distinct, and ethically produced textile—resonates deeply with our intended market.
Who is your main competition? How are you differentiated from them? How does the market typically react to new products/processes? What shows you have(or are approaching) product-market fit?
Our main competition includes knitted and woven textile producers, particularly those serving sustainable fashion and performance brands. However, our patented lace braiding technology creates seamless, zero-waste structures that move like nature, distribute tension, and eliminate the need for cutting or sewing—setting us apart from conventional methods.
The market has shown strong interest and openness to innovation; we’ve had engagement from major companies including Nike, Lululemon, Hanes, and Victoria’s Secret, all exploring sustainable performance textiles. Feedback from over 75 testers and designers has validated our comfort, aesthetic, and sustainability claims. Their enthusiasm, along with repeat interest and design refinements, shows we are approaching product–market fit, particularly in high-value, eco-conscious apparel and footwear segments.
Are there barriers to market entry?
Yes, there are meaningful barriers to market entry—both technical and cultural. Technically, our process requires specialized machinery, proprietary know-how, and patented systems, making it difficult for competitors to replicate. But equally important is the cultural barrier: we are introducing a new textile language that combines heritage lace braiding with high-performance functionality. Educating the public—and even experienced designers—about the value of this new category takes time.
We are also working to shift mindsets around fast fashion and globalized mass production. Our textiles are artisan-made in the USA, using biodegradable yarns and zero-waste construction. They represent a local, ethical, and regenerative approach to performance design. Part of our mission is to reconnect consumers and brands with the value of slow, intentional production—proving that garments can be both high-performing and soulfully made. This cultural shift is a challenge, but also one of our most meaningful differentiators.
What’s your pricing and cost structure? Are your margins sustainable? How does your pricing compare to competitors? Have you validated that customers will pay your price? What channels will you use to reach customers (e.g., digital ads, reps,distributors)? Why these? How will users or buyers purchase the product? Who pays for the product, if not the user (e.g.insurance, employer, etc.)? Who are your first customers? How will you generate awareness and drive demand at launch and beyond?What metrics will you use to measure the effectiveness of your sales and marketing efforts?
Our pricing reflects the value of artisan-made, U.S.-produced, zero-waste textiles using biodegradable yarns like TENCEL™. Though priced above mass-market alternatives, our margins are sustainable and validated by hundreds of testers and boutique buyers who expressed willingness to pay a premium for comfort, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Initial sales will be direct-to-consumer via our website, supported by social media, email marketing, and in-person pop-ups. We’ll also partner with boutiques and aligned brands for visibility and reach. Our first customers are eco-conscious shoppers, independent designers, and small retailers seeking unique, high-performance fabrics. We’ll build awareness through storytelling, seeding, events, and press. Key metrics include conversion rates, customer acquisition cost, reorder rates, and engagement. Future institutional buyers—like employers or wellness retailers—may also fund purchases, expanding access beyond direct consumers.
What are your projected revenues and costs over the next few years? If you are awarded $150,000 at the Fuze Hub Commercialization Competition, what funding opportunities will it unlock? What is your long-term funding strategy and exit strategy?
To date, we’ve been entirely self-funded, using personal capital to complete R&D, purchase and modify lace braiding machines, establish a factory, and launch both a retail store and websites. Independently, we’ve developed a new additive manufacturing process, created innovative fabrics, and built product lines with precise, tagless sizing systems. A FuzeHub award would allow us to hire essential help, attend trade shows, grow sales, build brand presence through social media, and support key production tasks such as sewing, finishing, yarn selection, dyeing, and design refinement. These steps are critical for scaling and entering new markets. Our long-term strategy includes forming strategic partnerships and exploring licensing or acquisition by a larger brand focused on sustainable innovation.