WEFFAN, a UK-based textile technology start-up, has partnered with luxury brand Balenciaga to debut the world’s first 3D woven tailored suit, signalling a new chapter for tailored construction.

Graysha Audren, founder of WEFFAN, spoke at UKFT’s Weaving Conference in 2024 about her 3D weaving technology which aims to reduce fabric waste, streamline and localise production, as well as redefining the relationship between design, innovation, and manufacturing. WEFFAN’s technology is designed to operate on existing, upgraded jacquard looms, transforming established manufacturing infrastructure into a scalable, low-impact solution for fashion production.

In the Balenciaga SS26 collection, the technology is showcased through a classic single-breasted, three-pocket tailored jacket paired with pleated trousers featuring a zip fly and three pockets. Balenciaga positions the WEFFAN collaboration as a future-proof alternative for tailoring within the fashion industry.

WEFFAN’s process engineers garment shape directly into the weave using an advanced application of traditional jacquard techniques. Flat-folding structures allow the garment and fabric to be woven together within a compact footprint, reducing fabric waste and improving manufacturing efficiency. Integrated weave structures and components limit sewn construction, bringing textile and garment production closer together to reduce offcut waste and streamline production.

“3D weaving is a new way of making,” said Graysha Audren, Founder of WEFFAN. “By merging our software with jacquard weaving savoir-faire, design becomes weave code that controls every individual warp yarn on-loom. Each movement of the machine embeds the garment shape directly into the fabric. It streamlines construction, reduces waste, and opens a new future for tailoring defined by precision and craft.”

With the support of Kering’s Material Innovation Lab, WEFFAN’s 3D weaving manufacturing process has been validated at commercial scale and is ready to be implemented in the creation of high-end fashion garments.

The Balenciaga Weffan 3D woven jacket and trouser are available in select Balenciaga stores worldwide.

Visit the WEFFAN website

The next edition of the UKFT Weaving Conference will be held on 8 October 2026 at the Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield. Registrations will open soon. Please check www.ukft.org/events for details.