The Last White T-Shirt You’ll Ever Need March 5, 2020 22:39

Every male should have a classic white staple t-shirt in their wardrobe. In fact, most men probably have several. The problem with white t-shirts is that they seem to need to be replaced year after year—or even month after month.

At MADI Apparel, we understand how bad that is for not only your wallet, but the planet as well. That’s why we’ve designed a staple basic t-shirt that will stand the test of time. Made with some of the most green products available in the industry, our sustainable white t-shirt is designed to last longer, dry faster, and look better than other white t-shirts for men.

Introducing the last white t-shirt you’ll ever need, from MADI Apparel.

A white t-shirt that will last

Our bamboo t-shirts can be washed and dried for year after year without losing color or softness. Gone are the days of buying packs of basic white t-shirts from the grocery store—say hello to your new best friend that will be with you for years to come.

Other benefits of bamboo t-shirts include:

Fast-drying
Odor-preventing
Self-wicking
Antimicrobial

And the best part? Once it’s lived its life, it is biodegradable. We call that the gift that keeps on giving.

“The best white t-shirt”

Some white t-shirts leave a lot up to the imagination. They’re boxy, stiff, and ultimately just unflattering on most men. We knew there was a better way.

Made of 95% organic viscose from bamboo and 5% spandex, our bamboo men’s shirts are equally as comfortable as they are flattering. The bamboo makes them ultra soft and luxurious while the spandex helps highlight muscle tone while still being slimming.

Our customers tell us this is one of the best white t-shirts they have ever bought. And that’s saying a lot, seeing as most t-shirts only last 30 wash cycles.

Products that give back

Our sustainable white t-shirt is designed to give back to the community and the world. First, it’s made from one of the most sustainable products available in the clothing industry: bamboo. Bamboo is super sustainable because it’s fast growing and requires little water, fertilizer, and no pesticides to grow. It also absorbs tons of carbon dioxide and oxygen as well. Best part: bamboo fabric is biodegradable! When your staple tee reaches the end of it's wearable capabilties, it will break down in the environment.

Our men’s bamboo clothing also gives back in another way: to women.

There aren’t many men’s brands out there that give back to women. We wanted to change that. Although we started as a women’s intimates company in Kansas City, we wanted to expand our reach and our impact because men deserve long-lasting basics that make a difference in their communities.

We believe that we are better together—and our line of sustainable basics for men proves it.

How to wear a white t-shirt

Working men on construction sites wear white t-shirts. James Dean rocked white t-shirts. White t-shirts play a big role in men’s wardrobes. Why? Because it goes with everything. It’s a safe bet on those days when you’re not sure what to wear.

There are many ways to wear a white tee shirt for men. From business casual to lazy Sunday, a white bamboo t-shirt is a wardrobe staple for men. We offer a basic scoop neck t-shirt and a white v-neck t-shirt, depending on your wardrobe style.

Our basic crew neck t-shirt for men is designed to be worn in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorite ways to wear our staple tees:

	On its own. There’s nothing more classic than a white t-shirt and jeans. From a dinner date to a night out on the town, our classic white tee will look good wherever you go.
	To bed. Our soft t-shirt is so comfortable that you’ll want to wear it to bed. And because the fabric is breezy, you’ll stay cool all night. Plus, the anti-wrinkle fabric means you can wake up and hit the day running without having to change into a new shirt.
	With a blazer. Our favorite way to do business casual. Pair a white t-shirt with a blazer to add a little flair to your traditional office attire. Add a pair of white tennis shoes or swap the blazer for a bomber for a cool vibe.
	To the gym. Because our white bamboo shirts are self-wicking, they dry faster and more effectively than some other types of fabrics like cotton.
	Wherever you go. From the beach to the mountains and everywhere in between, our white t-shirt is along for the ride.

No matter how you wear it, our bamboo white t-shirts are, undoubtedly, one of the best white t-shirts for men (and with their community impact, for women as well).

30 Nonprofit Founders that Will Impact the World in 2020: featuring founder Hayley Santell February 18, 2020 13:43

Our founder Hayley Santell was recently featured in CAUSEARTIST's 30 Nonprofit Founders That Will Impact the World in 2020.

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations are registered in the United States. Behind every nonprofit organization is a talented, dedicated, nonprofit founder with a compelling mission and a transformational vision. These nonprofit founders profiled below exhibit the essential attributes of an impactful nonprofit leader, and their organizations will undoubtedly better the world in 2020.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas: Give Her What She Really Wants This Year February 4, 2020 09:11

This year, we challenge you to seek out thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts instead. Ditch the one-time, cheesy gifts that don’t make much of an impact and give her something that will last as long as your relationship—like our made in the usa bamboo underwear and bamboo basics.

New Year's Resolution: 5 Ways To Be More Sustainable In 2020 January 22, 2020 19:14

2020 is the year for being better and doing more. As we head into a new decade, we implore you to find ways that you can help your environment and local community.

2019 Stocking Stuffer Ideas: The Sustainable Edition December 14, 2019 13:22

If you’re looking for last-minute stocking stuffer ideas or ways to spread sustainable holiday cheer this season, we have some awesome ideas for you! From local Kansas City gift ideas to ethical basics they can wear all year long, these options make the perfect gift for your earth-loving friend.

Small Biz Saturday: 5 Reasons to Support Small Businesses November 22, 2019 18:58

Every single business in operation today was at one time a small business. Small businesses play a crucial role in our economy all across the world. As part of our 5-year anniversary celebrations, we compiled a list of five reasons why you should support a small business.

Better Together: Sustainable Basics for Men November 6, 2019 09:37

At Runway to Impact, we announced our newest adventure at MADI Apparel: sustainable clothing basics for men. As part of our Better Together mission, we want to offer all sexes the opportunity to improve their wardrobe and their impact on the environment through ethical staple basics that make a difference.

Sustainable fashion: 5 ways to shop sustainably in 2019 September 23, 2019 13:07

At MADI Apparel, we adhere to the highest standards when it comes to sustainability in our slow fashion collection. From pre-production to post, we want to change the fashion industry from the ground up through sustainable fashion practices that make a difference.

MADI Makes: Empowering women through job training September 5, 2019 18:01

Today, MADI Makes helps women in our community learn job-related skills to create better opportunities for themselves and their families. On October 3, we are hosting our annual fundraiser for MADI Makes called Runway to Impact.

5 in 5: Lessons in Being a Startup Social Entrepreneur August 17, 2019 14:21

Over these last five years, I've stumbled through a rigorous learning curve creating a startup company in Kansas City. Here are five tips that I've learned over the last five years as a social entrepreneur — both good and bad — that may come in handy when starting a business.

Why you should wear bamboo clothing this summer August 9, 2019 13:15

Summer is the time for vacations, pool days, and hanging out in the sun. Bamboo fabric is the perfect complement to a busy summer in Kansas City or anywhere else in the world. Here are 5 reasons why you should ditch the cotton clothing and switch to bamboo underwear this summer.

Plastic-free July: Plastic-free clothing brands (+ zero-waste tips) July 23, 2019 17:04

Every year across the globe, 120+ million people give up single-use plastic for Plastic-Free July. Unfortunately, many fast fashion clothing brands use fibers that are forms of plastic — like high percentages of polyester, nylon, acrylic, and more. At MADI, we strive to create change from the bottom up, and that starts with using only the highest quality sustainable fabrics for our ethical women’s lingerie products. We aren't perfect, but we're CONSCIOUS.

Empowering Women Re-Entering Community From Prison July 8, 2019 17:36

In May, for every purchase we donated a pair of sustainable bamboo underwear to women living at Journey House — Journey to New Life's temporary housing solution for women ex-prisoners returning to the Kansas City community.

5 years later: MADI Apparel Fifth Anniversary lookbook June 26, 2019 10:51

In 2014, MADI Apparel started with one mission: to make a difference. Now five years later, it has expanded its ethical and sustainability goals. MADI Apparel helps create jobs in Kansas City through local employment and uses only the highest quality ethical fabrics.

Come Celebrate Our 5th Anniversary! June 13, 2019 09:44

Join us June 20 for CAMP MADI, our 5-year anniversary party! To celebrate our 5-year “something wooden” anniversary! Expect sales and specials, yard games in our urban backyard, smokey cocktails and all things "canned, and most importantly: s’mores !

Founder Hayley Featured in Forbes' Victoria's Secret Story May 15, 2019 12:04

Big thank you to Forbes.com for featuring MADI Apparel founder Hayley Besheer Santell in their story on Victoria's Secret Fashion show leaving television.

Mother's Day gift guide: Ethical, sustainable, impactful May 6, 2019 18:28

A Mother's Day gift from MADI apparel is perfect for any mom who believes in sustainability, ethicality, and shopping locally. Your gift not only benefits your mom — it helps mother’s all over the world too. Here are some of the items MADI mom's recommend.

Celebrating International Lingerie Day with the history of lingerie April 25, 2019 22:20

In honor of National Lingerie Day, let's discuss the history of lingerie! Lingerie was first used to describe women's underwear and bras in 1922. It all started when Lady Duff-Gordon began developing lingerie styles that freed women of restrictive corsets.

Story of MADI Makes trainee: "My past doesn't define who I am today" April 10, 2019 10:00 1 Comment

“My past doesn’t define who I am today," Amanda says boldly, filling the room with her strength. “What gives me hope is that one day, my kids will come looking for me, and I can be something they would be proud of.”

7 Sustainable Gifts for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen April 7, 2019 13:54

We've come up with a list of some of our very favorite brands — perfect for bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts — broken down in categories based on the type of sustainability.

Spring Fling: Long weekend getaway in Kansas City March 29, 2019 18:09

Are you an out-of-towner, planning on spending a weekend in Kansas City? Or maybe you’re a local wanting a fun staycation. We compiled a list of some of our favorite spots — from hidden gems to treasured classics — to create an itinerary for your weekend vacation in Kansas City.

Founder Hayley featured as NOVAA Hype Girl! March 23, 2019 14:14

We are so excited that ethical fashion retailer NOVAA featured founder Hayley as this month's Hype Girl! Read more about Hayley and how her empathetic heart led her to founding MADI Apparel.

MADI Makes: Empowering women in KC March 22, 2019 15:10

Last May, we launched MADI Makes, a seamstress job-training program for at-risk women in Kansas City. Andrescia is the first graduate of our program and now works for us, creating underwear for those in need in her community. Here's her story.

8 ways to celebrate International Women's Day | MADI Apparel March 5, 2019 17:59

I am woman, HEAR ME ROAR :).

Okay, that's pretty dramatic...but really do mean it! Hayley here, founder of MADI Apparel and president of our non-profit MADI Donations! I began laying the foundation for MADI Apparel in 2012 after learning that underwear is the most needed and under-donated item of clothing in women's organizations globally. Additionally, this statistic hit hard when my family member revealed that she's a survivor of domestic violence. Our beginnings were rooted in empowering women, through encouraging donations of this very basic intimate need. We've always been a brand that truly cares about the dignity of our women - through employment of women-owned cut and sew facilities and offering seamstress skills-training courses.

We're all about that girl power, ya hear?

Now, I'm not saying - okay ready, set, go start a business that empowers women - TODAY! But, I am saying you can do little things to encourage and empower yourself and other women around you. Why not start with International Women's Day??? We're a primarily female-run team, and I + some of our team members came up with a few ideas!

1. Surprise your co-worker with coffee

Have you been thinking about how your cubicle neighbor, boss lady or work bestie is a huge BADASS lately but haven't had the words tell her? Surprise her with her favorite coffee and a hand-written note letting her know how grateful you are for her. We all love words of affirmation!

2. Treat your lady bartender or server with a fatty tip

The service industry is NOT for the weak of hearts. Some of our gal tribe will work their butts off in this industry forever - and do an amazing job - and some are saving for a life goal. Why not show some major love and leave 30 or 40% on the tip receipt with a note telling her she rocks?

3. Take your mom or grandma on a date

These are the women who made us - literally and symbolically. They shaped us, sacrificed, put us first, taught us all the things...don't they deserve our time and attention, at the very least? Aunts, grandmas and godmothers make the perfect dates, too, if your mama isn't near.

4. Write down 20 things you love about being a woman

This is an amazing exercise to practice thankfulness and personal reflection on a regular basis, if you'd like. But, it's also a way to celebrate being a woman - even if you only do it one day a year as a rule of thumb. Notebook writing party of one, please :)!

5. Shop or eat at a woman-owned business in your city

Ahem... :)

Yes, please add us to your list! But in case you'd like more recommendations - here are a few of our faves owned by women with big hearts in the city we're headquartered, Kansas City!

Lady Bye in Brookside, Kansas City

Skin KC in Brookside, Kansas City

Hand and Land in Park Place, Leawood Kansas

Seven Swans Creperie food truck

Wild Way Coffee trailer

Chez Elle in Westside Kansas City

BRIDE.KC (for those looking for a dress!)

We recommend a quick google search for women-owned restaurants, gyms, shops in your city!

6. Volunteer at an organization that supports women

We would encourage doing this on a regular basis. You never know - you might make a friend and become a mentor in the process!

7. Sign up to attend a conference with female keynote speaker

The percentage of women invited to lend expertise as a keynote speaker is much lower than that of our male counterparts. Let's encourage the women in our local areas who ARE getting up on stage by signing up for these events and sitting in the front row!

8. Gather a girl squad and cheers!

Make this your first annual International Women's Day party and gather your tribe of women! Cheers to yet another year of being badass together as women!

Ready...set...GO LADIES!