Melanzana Outdoor Clothing

We stopped by when we travelled to the town. And we got really lucky that they put a bunch of clothes on the overstock rack when we were hanging out there so we got clothes with right size and good color. I put it on right after, it’s so comfortable, soft and keeps me warm, better than any ski mid layers I bought before(I think also more expensive than any😂). I’ll definitely be back.

A long but beautiful drive from DEN. Super friendly employees, really well made products. Make sure to get an appointment well ahead of time.

Melanzana was discovered in 2021 while I was through-hiking the Colorado Trail and made a stop in Leadville. The products are fantastic and reasonably priced as well as surprisingly lightweight and warm, which is imperative for backpacking. The products are well-made and entirely constructed by local craftsmen in their Leadville facility. Available colors change seasonally. To avail yourself to their full selection of products, you will need to make an online appointment. Occasionally, seconds and returns are available without an appointment. For those who like trivia, the name of the company means 'eggplant' in Italian.

The appointment system is very easy to navigate and wonderful. I wish more businesses treated their employees and communities like Melanzana does. They are focused on customer experience, sustainability, and staying local. These are refreshing values in a growth-obsessed, profit-ravenous, fast-fashion wasteland dominated by Amazon and other corporations that compromise quality to crank out a huge amount of product, and that work employees and the supply chain into the ground.

With a little preparation, and by spending a bit of time refreshing the Melly appointments page, I got a same-day appointment in March when I was in Leadville hiking for the day. Love my micro-grid dress and my partner looks so cute in his pink merino hoodie. Two other out-of-state folks shopping with me also got same-day appointments. It took less than 30 minutes of refreshing/checking back on the website to get an open slot. I think folks posting low reviews are used to being able to buy their way in to getting what they want, ordering mass-produced products online, and shopping in a way that is hard on employees and bad for the environment. This business just works differently so that it’s fair for everyone, including workers and the Earth. It doesn’t prioritize profit and growth over everything. As a result, it takes patience to shop here, and requires acceptance that the consumer won’t just be able to buy everything they want whenever they want, in whatever quantities their money can buy. Makes sense that a lot of US consumers would have a hard time adjusting their expectations to shopping based on these values. I’m glad that Melanzana is forcing consumers to reckon with their priorities for a change, and making a great product to boot. Excellent. I think this is hands-down one of the best businesses operating today, and it’s so wonderful to see how much the local community rallies behind this company.

Such a great place. Get the same quality clothing as North Face, Patagonia, & all the other big name brands for far less. AND they make all of their clothing in-house! Fair warning, reservations are required & planning at least 6 months in advance is highly recommended. Also, the team working when we visited a couple of weeks ago were fantastic! Thank for treating us so well.

Holy Melly! I just got my first piece of clothing from here and it just became one of my favorites! It is so warm and comfortable but also not too hot. I love the versatility. So far, I have worn my hoodie for a few weeks and have used it by the fire pit, snowboarding, lounging, and just everyday living! The staff were very nice and helpful. I loved seeing all of the workstations in the shop. My friend came to this place seven years ago and told me about how awesome this place was and am so glad we were able to make it to it. Maybe one day I can get some pants in the future! They felt incredible!

Excellent hand crafted clothing store. I've been a customer for a few years. I love that they fix older worn clothes.

Most of the angry reviews are people complaining about their reservation system. Melanzana's website explains the booking system and provides all the information needed. Not sure why this surprises people so much. If you don't like it, don't shop here. No need for angry google reviews! We made our appointments probably 5 months in advance and it was well worth it! Great products and selection and we will continue to book appointments when we can. I can appreciate their business model in a world of fast fashion and clothing waste.

Best hoodies ever! You have to sign up super far in advance to shop. They will let you go in without a reservation if you have an old one to exchange. And they let you shop in the overflow area without a reservation which can be hit or miss.

We were so lucky to have walked in shortly after they put out some overstock items on the right side of the store. We found our perfect sizes and scored. The whole experience of seeing them make the clothes right there in the open space was amazing. Not to mention the quality and comfort are on a whole different level. Nothing compares to a Melanzana sweater. Bonus, the cashiers were so friendly and knowledgeable. Make an appointment!

Made an appointment for my wife and I to go, and it was cool to be able to get us some. Melys, I enjoy supporting colorado businesses. I love my mely and I know my daughters are going too also. The quality is good and it definitely keeps me warm. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Keep up the good work. The wait was worth it.

Fantastic clothing! Was a little surprised that we had to make an appointment, but I was in luck that there was a cancellation while I was searching their website.
For guys, I might recommend calling ahead to see if they have your size and color. There's twice as many options for women than men.
My wife and I each got a hoodie, hers a hoodie dress (size small), as well as wool socks.
In the pics, the hoodie dress is size small and the non-dress is size x-small for reference.

Employee named Ben did a great job with customer service! He helped me decide on sizes, colors, and available options. Excellent service, friendly and very approachable for a new customer.

Classic Colorado clothing company Melanzana offers super soft and lightweight hoodies and layers in different bright colors. They're only made there in Leadville and are a bit pricey at around $75 each, but high quality, ethical labor practices, and recycled materials make their products somewhat of a "hey we’re in Colorado!" status symbol for both locals and out of state visitors. Plus, Melys are just the softest most comfortable hoodie ever.

They don't do shipping or online orders, only in store pickup. You must make an appointment online in advance.

Yes you need an appointment but that’s because they are an amazing small business who wants to create the best product for their customers. Customer service and product are beyond amazing and so worth having a little bit of patience for.

I just had to take a moment to express my absolute delight with my recent purchase from your store. As a first-time customer, I'm truly blown away by the experience, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts with you all.

First and foremost, I am deeply impressed by your commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability. Your dedication to producing high-quality, locally-made products right there in Colorado, aligns perfectly with my personal values. In a world dominated by mass-produced goods, it's refreshing to see a company like Melanzana thriving while staying true to its roots.

Now, let's talk about the real MVP – Avery! Avery is hands down the best employee I've ever had the pleasure of encountering in a retail setting. THe knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for your products showed through. Avery shared fascinating stories about the company's journey and values. It's clear that Avery is a true embodiment of what Melanzana stands for, and I couldn't be more grateful for their exceptional service.

The moment I stepped into your store, I felt a warm and inviting atmosphere that's truly unique. It's evident that you all take great pride in your work, from the meticulous craftsmanship of your pieces to the friendly and knowledgeable staff like Avery.

And speaking of the garments, I am over the moon with my purchases. The quality, comfort, and functionality of your products are simply unmatched. I can already tell that these pieces will be longtime companions on my outdoor adventures.

Thank you for creating such an exceptional company with a strong commitment to values, sustainability, and community. I'm proud to be a part of the Melanzana family, and I look forward to many more visits and purchases in the future.

Please extend my heartfelt thanks to Avery and the entire Melanzana team. You've truly made a loyal customer out of me, and I can't wait to spread the word about the incredible experience I've had with your company.

Make sure you make an appointment ahead of time to make sure you get to enjoy the full experience. (I'm already scheduling my next appointment- They are a little busy these days)

If you are in Leadville be sure to check them out. The melanzanas that they make can only be bought here. The people that own their products are proud Coloradans. The products come in unique shades and sell very quickly. If you see something you like be sure to grab it. They are sturdy and very warm. One of the great things about Melanzana is if you buy something and it gets worn out and old you can take it back to the store for a credit toward a new purchase .

I will always happily support a small local business that treats their employees well.

I’ve been wearing an older Melly that I have owned for years and will sometimes wear it many days in a row because it’s so incredibly comfortable.

I didn’t have the opportunity to make an appointment ahead of time when I came in today, but I got there at 10 AM when they opened and was lucky enough to find a Melly my size on the overstock rack. Of course this isn’t guaranteed, but it’s always worth a shot if you don’t have an appointment.

Thanks for making fantastic products and being such an amazing employer here in Leadville.

We were in last weekend and a front desk employee went above and beyond to help us with some overstock items we purchased. Thanks so much!

This was my second time stopping in for a same day purchase and I had a second great experience. We brought the dog inside and could try on from the same-day rack. The angry men in these comments are just too used to getting what they want, when they want it. Respect the terms of the business and the good it does for the local community. Honestly, good for you, Meli — make the money you want and offer the shopping experience you like. Don’t feel pressure to scale. Your brand is noteworthy without it.