In the crowded world of streetwear and loungewear, it takes something special for a brand to stand out from the pack. Madhappy has managed to do just that, thanks to its stylish, ultra-comfortable basics with a meaningful message. Founded in 2017, the Los Angeles-based label is on a mission to destigmatize mental health and spread more optimism in the world through fashion.
Over the past 5 years, Madhappy has amassed a cult following for its colorful, cozy hoodies, sweatpants, tees, and accessories. Spotted on everyone from Justin Bieber to Gigi Hadid, the brand‘s tie-dye sweatsuits and smiley face beanies have become an it-girl and celebrity favorite. But there‘s much more to Madhappy than just clout and cool factor.
In this in-depth Madhappy review, we‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s story, bestselling items, quality and craftsmanship, and overall shopping experience. Most importantly, we‘ll analyze whether Madhappy is really worth the hype (and the steep price tags). Let‘s dive in!
The Madhappy Story
Madhappy was founded in 2017 by brothers Peiman and Noah Raf, along with their childhood friends Mason Spector and Josh Sitt. The four co-founders, who have all personally struggled with mental health issues, wanted to create a brand that would make a positive impact.
Their goal was to build Madhappy into a fashion and lifestyle brand that could help raise awareness for mental health and provide a supportive community. As Peiman Raf explained to Fashionista, "Madhappy is an outlet for us to create an ecosystem and a safe place for people to come and feel like they can be a part of something."
The brand started out with a small collection of hoodies and t-shirts featuring the Madhappy smiley face logo. Through savvy Instagram marketing, pop-up shops, and organic celebrity endorsements, Madhappy quickly grew a devoted following. Fast forward to 2023, and Madhappy is now a bona fide streetwear powerhouse sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, KITH, and the brand‘s own thriving e-commerce store.
Madhappy Clothing Review
Madhappy releases new collections every few weeks, with each drop eagerly anticipated by its fans. The brand‘s bread and butter is cozy, oversized hoodies, sweatpants, and sweat shorts in a rainbow of colors and washes. Some of the most popular Madhappy staples include:
Hoodies
Madhappy‘s signature hoodies are made of a soft, heavyweight 100% cotton French terry. The Classic Hoodie features the brand‘s smiley face logo embroidered on the chest, while the Collegiate Hoodie sports "Madhappy" across the front in varsity lettering. Other options include tie-dye, patchwork, and graphic print designs. Prices range from $150-185.
Sweatpants and Shorts
Made from the same comfy French terry material, Madhappy‘s sweatpants and shorts are designed for an oversized, relaxed fit. The Classic Sweatpants have an elastic drawstring waistband, side pockets, and ribbed ankle cuffs. Colors run the gamut from neutrals to neons. Sweatpants are $140-165, while shorts are $110-120.
T-Shirts and Long Sleeves
Madhappy‘s tees and long-sleeve shirts are crafted from 100% cotton jersey for a soft, breathable feel. Graphics range from the brand‘s logo to positive affirmations like "Treat Yourself Like Somebody You Love." Prices are $60-90.
Accessories
In the accessories department, Madhappy‘s trucker hats and beanies are consistent best-sellers. The corduroy "Local Optimist" dad hat and "Madhappy" appliquéd beanies are fan favorites that sell out quickly. Madhappy also makes socks, blankets, and other cozy items. Hats are $35-50.
Madhappy Collaborations
Over the years, Madhappy has launched buzzy collaborations with a wide range of brands and artists. Some of the most notable partnerships include:
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The Sims – Madhappy teamed up with the iconic video game franchise on a capsule of pixelated hoodies and tees.
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Vans – A collection of Happy/Sad smiley face sneakers and apparel with the skatewear brand.
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Columbia Sportswear – Outdoorsy fleeces, anoraks, and accessories adorned with cheeky Madhappy graphics.
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Beats by Dre – Limited-edition Beats Pill portable speaker in a custom Madhappy speaker case.
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Barney‘s – Exclusive luxury cashmere hoodies and sweats sold at the now-shuttered department store.
Madhappy‘s collabs tend to sell out lightning-fast, commanding high resale prices on the secondhand market. The constant stream of creative partnerships keeps fans on their toes and adds to the brand‘s cool factor.
The Local Optimist
Beyond just products, Madhappy has positioned itself as a mental health advocate and resource through its content platform, The Local Optimist. The website features articles and interviews about wellness, self-care tips, and personal essays on topics like overcoming anxiety and battling depression.
Madhappy also hosts community events like free yoga and meditation classes, speaker panels on mental health, and group art therapy sessions. The Local Optimist serves as a hub for Madhappy‘s mission and allows customers to engage with the brand on a deeper level.
Madhappy Quality and Manufacturing
For the prices Madhappy charges, customers understandably expect top-notch quality. From the fabrics to the construction to the fit, Madhappy items are undeniably well-made and built to last.
The brand uses premium materials like 100% cotton French terry, which is thicker and sturdier than your average sweatshirt fabric. The sweatshirts and sweatpants have a substantial, weighty feel that drapes beautifully. Madhappy‘s vibrant dyes are colorfast and resistant to fading, even after multiple washes.
Importantly, Madhappy is committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing. All of the brand‘s clothing is made in Los Angeles, in factories that pay workers a fair living wage. Madhappy also uses eco-friendly dyes and reduces waste by producing limited runs of each item.
While $150+ for a hoodie is undoubtedly steep, you are paying for exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and values. Madhappy‘s transparent manufacturing and ethical business practices help justify the price tag for many customers.
Celebrity Fans of Madhappy
It‘s no secret that Hollywood loves Madhappy. The brand has been spotted on too many A-listers to count, firmly cementing its status as a celebrity favorite.
Gigi and Bella Hadid are oft-photographed in their matching Madhappy sweatsuits. The supermodel sisters even sported custom tie-dye hoodies to Gigi‘s 23rd birthday party. Other famous Madhappy fans include Hailey Bieber, Cardi B, and Kylie Jenner (who once posted an Instagram story while wearing a Madhappy hoodie that instantly sold out).
Madhappy‘s celebrity appeal isn‘t just organic – the brand has also partnered with stars like SZA and Chloe and Halle on limited-edition collections and campaigns. These high-profile co-signs and collabs have helped Madhappy reach a wider audience and build buzz outside of just the streetwear community.
Of course, celebrity hype alone doesn‘t make a brand great. But it‘s clear that Madhappy has struck a chord, even among the rich and famous who can afford to wear anything. The brand‘s combination of comfort, style, and positive vibes are universally appealing.
Where to Buy Madhappy
The best place to shop Madhappy is the brand‘s official website, madhappy.com. New collections and limited-edition drops are released every few weeks, so it pays to check the site regularly and follow Madhappy‘s Instagram for restock alerts.
Madhappy also has flagship stores in Los Angeles and New York, as well as pop-up shops in cities like Miami and Toronto. The stores carry exclusive items and host community events.
Select Madhappy pieces can also be found at retailers like KITH, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges, and Nordstrom. However, these items tend to sell out quickly and are more limited in selection than Madhappy‘s own website and stores.
Madhappy Discounts and Promotions
As a high-end streetwear brand, Madhappy rarely offers sales or discounts. The brand has cultivated an air of exclusivity and hype, with coveted items selling out at full price.
Occasionally, Madhappy will do a brief "archive sale" to clear out past-season inventory. Shoppers can also sometimes find discounted Madhappy at the brand‘s pop-up sample sales. Following Madhappy‘s Instagram and signing up for the email newsletter are the best ways to stay informed about any promotions.
That said, Madhappy isn‘t the brand to shop if you‘re looking for a bargain. The prices are undoubtedly prohibitive for many shoppers. Buying just a hoodie and sweatpants can easily run you $300+, which is a significant investment for loungewear.
If you have the budget for it, though, Madhappy‘s exceptional quality and mission-driven ethos are arguably worth the premium. It‘s all about deciding what you value and whether you‘re willing to invest in it. For many devoted Madhappy fans, supporting an ethical brand that makes them look and feel good is priceless.
What Customers Are Saying
Madhappy has an abundance of glowing reviews and customer testimonials that speak to the brand‘s appeal. On the Madhappy website, most products have nearly perfect 5-star ratings.
Customers rave about the impressive quality, unbelievably soft fabrics, and detail-oriented design. "Hands down the most comfortable, well-made hoodie I‘ve ever owned" is a common refrain. Shoppers also frequently praise Madhappy‘s perfect oversized fit, expert color saturation, and "instant happiness boost."
Unsurprisingly for the price point, a few reviewers do lament that Madhappy is far from cheap. However, the vast majority of customers agree that you get what you pay for in terms of craftsmanship and feel-good vibes.
It‘s also clear that shoppers genuinely connect with Madhappy‘s mental health advocacy and community building. Many reviewers applaud the brand‘s efforts to break the stigma around mental illness and create safe spaces for real talk. Madhappy has cultivated a devoted following not just for its stylish sweats, but for its authentic voice and commitment to social impact.
Conclusion: Is Madhappy Worth It?
After an extensive dive into the world of Madhappy, it‘s easy to see why the brand has struck such a chord. With its pitch-perfect blend of comfort, style, and substance, Madhappy is the rare fashion label that manages to feel both aspirational and approachable.
Yes, the prices aren‘t cheap by any means. Paying $150+ for a sweatshirt requires a certain budget and wardrobe priorities. However, Madhappy‘s industry-leading quality, ethical manufacturing practices, and mental health advocacy add significant value for many shoppers. You‘re not just buying cozy loungewear – you‘re investing in a brand that stands for something bigger.
Madhappy‘s greatest strength is arguably its multi-pronged approach to building community. From limited-edition product drops to star-studded collabs to inspiring content and events, Madhappy provides multiple entry points for customers to engage with the brand. This 360-degree brand activation breeds the type of loyalty and hype that most labels only dream of.
At the end of the day, only you can decide whether Madhappy‘s extra-soft hoodies and positive mantras are worth the price of admission. But if you‘re looking to treat yourself to some feel-good fashion that makes a real impact, Madhappy is hard to beat. After all, spreading more optimism in the world is a mission we can definitely get behind.
