Have you seen them around school?

The iconic hoodies where the sleeves are a different color than the body?

These hoodies are all made by a small company in Leadville, Colorado, called Melanzana. 

The most common one seen around Rocky is the Microgrid hoodie as well as a Windpro hoodie. These two hoodies along with their other products are all handmade in store. They are warm, great for cold outdoor activities, and made from 100% recycled fiber from US-sourced post-consumer waste. 

Melanzana has many other clothing options, including socks, hats, sweatpants, dresses, and other hoodies. Colors also change every year. 

However, acquiring your very own “Mellie” is not a simple process. Starting in 2021 Melanzana switched to appointment-only shopping due to supply and demand problems. The company was so popular that people would drive long ways to the store only to find all the stock was sold out. 

While they became more difficult to acquire, it’s certainly not impossible. You just need to follow a few steps. 

How to Get your very own Mellie

To start, an appointment has to be made six to twelve months in advance on their website. 

Here are the steps:

1. Go to their website and register an account by clicking the three lines on the top right and going to the My Account tab.  
2. Once you have your account go back to the main page and click “Book an Appointment.” 
3. Scroll down to the calendar and find an open day (you will have to click months in advance). 
4. Click a day and time that works for you.
5. Wait for your appointment
6. On the day of your appointment walk into the shop and sign in at the front counter.
7. For 30 minutes look at the different selections of colors and styles, try them on, and make sure that they are what you want. (You are only allowed two products per appointment!) 
8. Pay and enjoy!

Some things that are worth knowing are that you may only get two products per appointment; hats and socks are the exception, and you may only book two appointments per calendar year. This is to ensure that everyone can get what they want during their appointment. 

If the appointment-making process sounds like too much work, there is another, more risky way of getting a Mellie. Melanzana lets customers trade in their old Mellies for in-store credit. These hoodies, coined Smelly-Mellies, are available to anyone. There is no guarantee what will be on these racks. It could be an old Mellie with cool colors or nothing. It’s the customers’ choice if they want to take the risk.

Pricing

Melanzana products don’t come cheap, but according to other customers, they are “long-lasting, comfy, worth the buy, and great for outdoor activities.” One couple I talked to has had theirs for 20 years. The two most popular pieces and their prices are:

• Microgrid –  $86 plus tax
• Wind Pro –   $98 plus tax

With purchase, you get a free sticker and some great outfits!

According to a Mellie Lover from Dakota, “I love them. Whenever I come skiing I always get another one, and keep some in my car.” 

For more information or to book an appointment go to their website: https://melanzana.com/