# Everlane: Michael Preysman

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2023-11-20
- Length: 1h 13m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman

## Summary

Michael Preysman, founder of Everlane, explains how he pivoted from a Tumblr-based iPhone case platform to launching a direct-to-consumer apparel brand focused on radical transparency. He details the process of sourcing Supima cotton and managing a fragmented supply chain in Los Angeles to produce t-shirts for $15, contrasting this with the high markups of luxury brands. Preysman also discusses the company's expansion into denim and accessories, the strategic shift toward sustainability, and the operational challenges faced during the pandemic and subsequent leadership transition.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=0) Introduction: Michael Preysman and Everlane's Origin
- [5:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=313) Leaving Finance and Finding a Co-Founder
- [9:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=548) The iPhone Case Pivot and Investor Pitch
- [16:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=983) Sourcing T-Shirts and Radical Transparency
- [38:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=2291) Product Expansion: Ties, Backpacks, and Denim
- [53:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=3217) Scaling, Leadership Challenges, and Design
- [1:01:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=3706) Sustainability, Criticism, and the Pandemic
- [1:10:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-11-20-everlane-michael-preysman#t=4230) Stepping Down and Reflection on Luck

## Topics

- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Everlane (company)
- Warby Parker (company)
- Gilt Group (company)
- Supima (material)
- Cytex (company)
- Good on You (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [050: Creating environmentally-friendly athletic apparel,  Tim Christian of OORR](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-04-25-050-creating-environmentally-friendly-athletic-apparel-tim-christian-of-oorr) (Product Startup)
- [006: Customizable swimwear with Kelsey Duffy of Versakini](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-19-006-customizable-swimwear-with-kelsey-duffy-of-versakini) (Product Startup)
- [Hippy Feet is the coolest company you haven't heard about until now! Michael Mader, CEO](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-11-05-hippy-feet-is-the-coolest-company-you-havent-heard-about-until-now-michael-mader) (People of Packaging)
- [024: Aligning passion & business with Terry Lin of Forever Home Blankets](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-10-25-024-aligning-passion-business-with-terry-lin-of-forever-home-blankets) (Product Startup)
- [Founder Feature: Hannah Perez of SEEQ Supply](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-09-13-founder-feature-hannah-perez-of-seeq-supply) (The Startup CPG Podcast)

## Citing this page

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