Steadfastly MADE IN USA—The Sweatshirts and T-Shirts of "MIXTA," Born From Vintage Culture

Launched in 2010 out of Los Angeles, MIXTA is a brand specializing in sweatshirts and T-shirts. It's helmed by two designers who also work as vintage buyers. Drawing on their keen eye for materials and detail, cultivated in the secondhand clothing business, they have remained committed to being 'MADE IN USA' since the brand's inception.

We had the chance to chat with Shunji Ohara of MAIDEN COMPANY Inc. about the magic behind MIXTA's manufacturing.

The Brand Name Means "A Hodgepodge"

"The brand itself kicked off in 2010, but even before that, the two designers were active as vintage buyers, also taking on design projects for American select shops.

MIXTA was launched as their own original brand, a natural progression of their work. The name comes from being born in an environment where various races and cultures are mixed.

The large, wheeled carts used in warehouses to pick items from piles of vintage clothing are also called 'MIXTA'—it's a term used among vintage buyers. While it's a made-up word, it carries the meaning of 'a hodgepodge' or 'a jumble.'

Born in Los Angeles, MIXTA was also available in Japan from its very first year, so its reputation grew without the time lag you might expect between its home country and abroad."

A Dedication to 'MADE IN USA'

MIXTA's lineup is centered on simple items like sweatshirts and T-shirts, but there's a deep dedication to their materials and construction.

"Essentially, we start with this natural, ecru color as a base and then create our color variations through garment dyeing. While we often use reactive dyes, each season sees the release of different versions, like pigment dyes for a vintage look or colors like ash gray.

The reason for the fantastic texture is our use of 'open-end yarn.' Also known as air-spun yarn, it's made using a technique that twists fibers together with air pressure. This creates a subtle unevenness on the surface, resulting in a fabric with a distinct vintage feel. We use American cotton for this air-spun yarn.

Specifically, we utilize the short fibers generated during the spinning process, known as 'ochiwata' or fallen cotton, making it a meaningful material from a recycling standpoint as well.

The construction of our sweatshirts is based on old-school athletic wear. The crewnecks feature a nearly identical opening for the front and back of the neck, a detail often found in vintage sweatshirts. The shoulder line is also a vintage-style detail.

Modern patterns typically have a slope from the neck to the shoulder, but MIXTA's feature a straight shoulder construction. Furthermore, a four-needle machine known as a flat seamer is used for the sleeves, side seams, and attaching the ribs, giving it just the right vintage finish.

On the hoodies, the way the pockets are attached is another standout feature; sewing them on in a full loop is a detail unique to vintage pieces. Of course, everything is made in the USA. The silhouette is boxy with wide shoulders, making it easy to pair with modern styles."

MIXTA's Prints Are Also a Huge Hit

It's not just about the materials and sewing; MIXTA's graphic prints are a signature element of the brand.

"Since the brand's launch, we've always hand-printed everything. In a warehouse-like space with high ceilings, right next to piles of vintage clothes, we hand-screen every single piece."

"We've been running the brand for about 16 years now, and we drop a completely new set of graphics every season. Motifs like the 'TABBY CAT' and the 'MIXTIGER' are popular every season. The frequent use of animal motifs also seems to reflect a message of animal welfare.

True to its LA roots, designs with a CALIFORNIA motif are also popular. For spring and summer, our lineup is centered on short-sleeved sweatshirts and T-shirts. The T-shirts, like the sweatshirts, use air-spun yarn made from fallen cotton."

In Japan, MIXTA products are available primarily at select shops.

While they channel a vintage vibe, they are not simple reproductions; their defining characteristic is a design balanced to fit contemporary styles. This is likely one reason for their popularity not just with fans of American casual wear, but also with a strong female following.

We hope you'll pick one up and experience for yourself the unique presence that can only come from creators so deeply steeped in vintage.