We are Reviving Textile Manufacturing in the Adirondacks
The Adirondacks, a region defined by its majestic landscapes and pioneering spirit, has a rich history as a center for textile production. Once home to bustling mills like the Empire Shirt Factory in Warrensburg, the area was a vital part of the industrial era, producing garments that reached far beyond the mountain towns. Today, that legacy is being reimagined with a modern, sustainable twist, thanks to the innovation of TEF Braids and Tensengral.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, textile production was a cornerstone of the Adirondack economy. The Empire Shirt Factory in Warrensburgh, NY, for example, employed hundreds of workers at its peak, producing garments that represented the community’s industriousness and creativity. These mills were more than manufacturing hubs—they were integral to the social and economic fabric of the region. Over time, however, global shifts in manufacturing led to the decline of local textile production, leaving behind empty mills and a sense of what once was.
A Sustainable Renaissance
TEF Braids, headquartered in Athol, NY, is working to revive this proud tradition, using advanced technology to create textiles that blend artistry with performance. Their latest product, the UNE sports bra, is a testament to this mission. Crafted from high-performance lace, the bra merges the luxury of traditional lace with the demands of modern activewear, providing a different kind of support and comfort. The UNE is a true "Adirondack Original," reflecting the region’s values of sustainability, ingenuity, and respect for nature.
Adirondack Testing Ground
The Adirondacks offer an ideal setting to develop and test UNE and AMBI Active
sports bras. With their mix of quiet lakes, winding trails, and challenging climbs, this landscape welcomes movement in all forms. Tensengral's AMBI and UNE are shaped with that same spirit in mind: responsive, adaptable, and made to support the many ways we move.
Lake George New York Flagship Boutique
Our future flagship Tensengral boutique and factory outlet in beautiful Lake George, NY, brings together craft, community, and the natural world in one inspiring place. Surrounded by forested mountains and clear waters, Lake George offers not just a stunning backdrop but a deep connection to the rhythms of nature that guide Tensengral’s approach to design and making. The space will serve as both a lace history museum and a gathering point—where visitors can see how products like the UNE and AMBI bras come to life, learn about the materials and processes behind them, and experience the harmony of innovation and environment firsthand.
“This isn’t just about creating a better sports bra, It’s about showcasing how innovation, sustainability, and community can come together to redefine activewear—and to put our region on the map as a hub for creativity and quality manufacturing.”
If you are interested in participating can contact Tensengral at terri@tensengral to sign up. Testers are encouraged to provide detailed feedback on their wearing experience, and optional images of their activities may be shared as part of the program.
