Aloha shirt

Loose-fitting short-sleeve shirts of brightly colored fabric in tropical prints

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A vintage aloha shirt, circa

The aloha shirt (Hawaiian: palaka aloha),[1] also referred to as a Hawaiian shirt, is a style of dress shirt originating in Hawaii. They are collared and buttoned dress shirts, usually short-sleeved and made from printed fabric. They are traditionally worn untucked, but can be worn tucked into the waist of trousers. They are worn casually or as informal business attire in Hawaii.

"Aloha Friday", or Casual Friday, a now-common tradition of celebrating the end of the workweek by wearing more casual attire on Fridays, initially grew out of an effort to promote aloha shirts.[2]

Design

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Aloha dress shirts are printed, mostly short-sleeved, and collared. They almost always have buttons, sometimes for the entire length of the shirt or at least up to the chest. They usually have a left chest pocket sewn in, often with attention to ensure the printed pattern remains continuous. Aloha shirts may be worn by men or women. Women's aloha shirts usually have a lower-cut, v-neck style.

The lower hems are straight,[3] and the shirts are often worn with the shirt-tails hanging out, rather than tucked in. Wearing an untucked shirt was possibly influenced by the local Filipinos who wore shirt-tail out, and called these bayau meaning "friend".[5][6][a] Wearing it untucked or tucked depends on personal taste; it carries the same connotations of tucking or untucking a polo shirt. In the s, the shirt became allowed as business attire for aloha week, but only if worn tucked in.[8]

Traditional men's aloha shirts are usually adorned with traditional Hawaiian quilt designs, tapa designs, and simple floral patterns in more muted colors. Contemporary aloha shirts may have prints that do not feature any traditional Hawaiian quilt or floral designs but instead may incorporate drinks, palm trees, surf boards or other island tropical elements in a similar form as the traditional aloha shirt.[10]

It has been observed that locals (kamaʻāina) tended to shy away from the garishness of aloha shirts as "too wild" when they first appeared,[11] whereas tourists embraced wearing designs of many bright colors.[6] An example of the type of shirt the locals may prefer includes the "reverse print"; these shirts are often printed on the interior, resulting in the muted color on the exterior.[citation needed]

History

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Quilt made from vintage aloha shirt fabric, circa s

According to some sources, the origin of aloha shirts can be traced to the s or the early s,[13] when the Honolulu-based dry goods store "Musa-Shiya the Shirtmaker" under the proprietorship of Kōichirō Miyamoto,[13] started making shirts out of colorful Japanese prints.[b][13] It has also been contended that the aloha shirt was devised in the early s by Chinese merchant Ellery Chun of "King-Smith Clothiers and Dry Goods", a store in Waikiki.[15] Although this claim has been described as a myth reinforced by repeated telling,[17] Chun may have been the first to mass-produce[7] or to maintain the ready-to-wear in stock to be sold off the shelf.[4][5]

The name "aloha shirt" appeared later. By and , the word aloha was being attached to various sorts of Hawaiian products, so calling the garments "aloha shirts" was hardly original. The term aloha shirt first appeared in print in an advertisement for Musa-Shiya in the June 28, issue of The Honolulu Advertiser newspaper.[18] However, Ellery Chun is sometimes credited for coining the term,[19] perhaps in ;[20] Chun's store reportedly carried window signs that said "aloha shirts".[7][21] The term "aloha sportswear" was registered as a trademark by Chun's company in ,[4] followed by Chun trademarking "Aloha Shirt" in and owning the rights to this appellation for the next 20 years.

Tori Richard aloha shirts in a store

Within years, major designer labels sprang up all over Hawaii and began manufacturing and selling aloha shirts en masse. By the end of the s, 450 people were employed in an industry worth $600,000 annually.[23] Two notable manufacturers of this period are Kamehameha and Branfleet (later Kahala), both founded in .[6] Retail chains in Hawaii, including some based on the mainland, may mass-produce a single aloha shirt design for employee uniforms.

After World War II, many servicemen and servicewomen returned to the United States from Asia and the Pacific islands with aloha shirts made in Hawaii since the s.[25] One significant manufacturer was Shaheen, which began business in .[6] Following Hawaii's statehood in , when extant tropical prints came to be regarded as rather tacky, designer Alfred Shaheen became noted for producing aloha shirts of higher chic and quality, and Elvis Presley wore a Shaheen-designed red aloha on the album cover for Blue Hawaii ().[25][26] In , Tori Richard, a well-known brand of alohas was established.[27][28] Spooner's of Waikiki, precursor of Reyn Spooner, also established business in .[29]

Exports

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Garments manufactured in Hawaii could bear "Made in Hawaii" labels before statehood (), and even afterwards, their sales to mainland United States continued to be referred to as "exports".[30]

Aloha shirts tend to be referred to as "Hawaiian shirts" by the populace from the mainland United States,[6] and are often brilliantly colored with floral patterns or generic Polynesian motifs.[citation needed]

The aloha shirt is currently[when?] the premier textile export of the Hawaii manufacturing industry.[citation needed]

Aloha dress codes

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Aloha Week

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Man with a typical aloha shirt during the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade

In , the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce funded a study of aloha shirts and designs for comfortable business clothing worn during the hot Hawaiian summers. The City and County of Honolulu passed a resolution allowing their employees to wear sport shirts from June&#;October. City employees were not allowed to wear aloha shirts for business until the creation of the Aloha Week festival in . The Aloha Week festival was motivated by both cultural and economic concerns: First held at Ala Moana Park in October, the festival revived interest in ancient Hawaiian music, dancing, sports, and traditions. There was a holoku ball, a floral parade, and a makahiki festival attended by 8,000 people. Economically, the week-long event first attracted visitors during October &#; traditionally a slow month for tourism &#; which benefited the Hawaiian fashion industry as they supplied the muʻumuʻu and aloha shirts worn for the celebration. Aloha Week expanded in to six islands, and was lengthened to a month. In , Aloha Week was renamed to Aloha Festivals.[32]

In the end, Aloha Week had a direct influence on the resulting demand for alohawear, and was responsible for supporting local clothing manufacturing: locals needed the clothing for the festivals, and soon people in Hawaii began wearing the clothing in greater numbers on more of a daily basis. Hawaii's fashion industry was relieved, as they were initially worried that popular clothing from the mainland United States would eventually replace aloha attire.

Aloha Friday

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In , a professional manufacturing association known as the Hawaiian Fashion Guild began to promote aloha shirts and clothing for use in the workplace, particularly as business attire. In a campaign called "Operation Liberation", the Guild distributed two aloha shirts to every member of the Hawaii House of Representatives and the Hawaii Senate. Subsequently, a resolution passed in the Senate recommending aloha attire be worn throughout the summer, beginning on Lei Day. The wording of the resolution spoke of letting "the male populace return to 'aloha attire' during the summer months for the sake of comfort and in support of the 50th state's garment industry".

In , Bill Foster Sr., president of the Hawaii Fashion Guild, led the organization in a campaign lobbying for "Aloha Friday", a day employers would allow men to wear aloha shirts on the last business day of the week a few months out of the year. Aloha Friday officially began in ,[36] and young adults of the s embraced the style, replacing the formal business wear favored by previous generations. By , aloha wear had gained acceptance in Hawaii as business attire for any day of the week. Unlike the court dress required in most jurisdictions, attorneys in Hawaii may be allowed to wear aloha shirts in court, though this varies among individual courts.[37]

Hawaii's custom of Aloha Friday slowly spread east to California, continuing around the globe until the s, when it became known as Casual Friday. Today in Hawaii, alohawear is worn as business attire for any day of the week,[21] and "Aloha Friday" is generally used to refer to the last day of the work week. Now considered Hawaii's term for "Thank God It's Friday" (TGIF),[38] the phrase was used by Kimo Kahoano and Paul Natto in their song, "It's Aloha Friday, No Work 'til Monday",[39] heard every Friday on Hawaii radio stations across the state.[citation needed]

Aloha attire

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The related concept of "aloha attire" stems from the aloha shirt. Semi-formal functions such as weddings, birthday parties, and dinners are often designated as "aloha attire", meaning that men wear aloha shirts and women wear muumuu or other tropical prints. Because Hawaii tends to be more casual, it is rarely appropriate to attend such functions in full evening wear like on the mainland;[40] instead, aloha attire is seen as a happy medium between excessive formality and casual wear (i.e., business casual).

See also

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• Camp shirt&#;The "parent" shirt type; see for subtypes and similar shirts
• Jams &#; Aloha shirt brand
• Reyn Spooner &#; Aloha shirt brand
• Tori Richard &#; Aloha shirt brand

Notes

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1. ^

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   Rooted perhaps to the Filipino barong tagalog

2. ^

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   The company is the world’s best Personalized Hawaiian Shirts supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

   in . After Miyamoto's death in , the shop was renamed "Musa-Shiya Shoten" (Japanese title: &#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#; (Musashi-ya-gofukuten) by his son Kōichirō Miyamoto

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   , who sewed Aloha shirts using Japanese kimono fabrics and was allegedly the first to sell shirts of this kind.

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   Musa-Shiya was established by Japanese immigrant Chōtarō Miyamotoin . After Miyamoto's death in , the shop was renamed "Musa-Shiya Shoten" (Japanese title: &#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#; (Musashi-ya-gofukuten) by his son Kōichirō Miyamoto, who sewed Aloha shirts using Japanese kimono fabrics and was allegedly the first to sell shirts of this kind.

References

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Further reading

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Have you ever wondered about the subtle differences between Aloha shirts and Hawaiian shirts? While many use these terms interchangeably, fashion aficionados recognize distinct variations that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of Hawaii. The Aloha shirt, often embodying the traditional Hawaiian spirit of warmth and welcome, tends to feature more authentic, locally inspired designs. In contrast, Hawaiian shirts might include a broader array of patterns and styles, catering to an international audience.

Epic Professions is at the forefront of promoting cultural appreciation through apparel. As specialists in providing authentic Hawaiian garments, we not only supply shirts but also educate our customers about the traditions embedded in each piece. Our commitment extends beyond mere sales; we aim to connect cultures and celebrate diversity through our carefully curated collections.

From the evolution of their designs to the modern-day implications of wearing one, this article explores the significant aspects that distinguish these iconic garments. We delve into the fabrics, the fashion impact, and the ethical considerations in their production, providing a comprehensive understanding that complements your style choices.

The Birth of the Aloha Shirts VS Hawaiian Shirts

Aloha shirts, which are proudly tied to Hawaii, have indigenous symbolic ornaments that celebrate the native culture and are worn on formal occasions there.

Hawaiian shirts are an embodiment of a variety of tropical and abstract patterns, and they are viewed as casual attire for leisure, enjoyed all around the world.

These shirts trace their origins back to the early 20th century in Hawaii. It emerged from the cultural melting pot of the islands, where immigrants from Japan, China, the Philippines, and Portugal brought their textiles and designs. Initially crafted from leftover kimono fabrics, these shirts featured bright, floral patterns and were tailored to suit the warm, tropical climate of Hawaii.

Cultural Integration and Evolution

As Hawaii became more of a tourist destination in the s and s, the Hawaiian shirt became a symbol of the laid-back lifestyle and beautiful landscapes of the islands. It was popularised by celebrities and movies, which showcased Hawaii as an exotic paradise. The shirts started to be produced en masse, evolving from their original hand-sewn, delicate patterns to include a variety of designs that reflected Hawaiian flora, fauna, and locales.

Variations in the Hawaiian Shirt

On the other hand, "Hawaiian shirt" has come to denote a broader category of shirts that might not necessarily feature traditional Hawaiian patterns but still embrace the overall style. These can include abstract designs, repetitive tropical motifs, and even incorporations of non-Hawaiian elements, making them a more eclectic choice for both locals and tourists.

Which Fabric Options Are Best For Hawaiian Shirts?

Cotton

Cotton is a staple in the creation of floral shirts, including funny Hawaiian shirts, due to its breathability and comfort. This fabric is ideal for the warm, humid climate of Hawaii and is celebrated for its softness and durability. As a perfect shirt material, it offers a variety of colors and is versatile enough to support different styles of shirts.

Rayon

Rayon is cherished for its silky texture and brilliant color retention, making it ideal for all-over print Hawaiian shirts. Originating from natural cellulose, rayon ensures that the vivid patterns and pop culture influences on Hawaiian print shirts stand out. Its cool, flowing nature makes it a top choice for those seeking a perfect shirt that combines both style and comfort.

Silk

Silk is the epitome of luxury and a favored material for short-sleeve shirts when a more formal appearance is desired. Known for its smooth finish and natural sheen, silk enhances Hawaiian print shirts, turning them into ideal choices for special occasions where style and elegance are paramount.

Polyester

Polyester provides strength, durability, and easy maintenance, which is essential for funny Hawaiian shirts meant to capture pop culture vibes. Modern polyester blends mimic a natural fiber feel while offering the practicality of enhanced durability and stain resistance, making them perfect for colorful all-over print Hawaiian shirts.

Linen

Linen, known for its exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties, is perfect for floral shirts and Hawaiian print shirts. Despite its tendency to wrinkle, linen&#;s natural texture and lightness make it a favorite for its relaxed and airy feel, providing a style of shirt that&#;s both attractive and suitable for hot climates, in a variety of colors.

Aloha Shirt Vs Hawaiian Shirts - Differences

Feature

Aloha Shirt

Hawaiian Shirt

Origin

Originally designed in the s, embodying local Hawaiian culture.

A broader category encompassing any shirt with a tropical, often not specifically Hawaiian, theme.

Design

Traditional motifs such as native plants, animals, and oceanic elements in white color styles.

Includes a wider range of tropical and abstract patterns, sometimes including non-Hawaiian elements.

Cultural Significance

Deeply rooted in Hawaiian heritage, often worn for formal occasions in Hawaii.

Adopted globally as casual or vacation wear, less tied to formal cultural significance.

Fabric

Typically made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, and rayon.

Often made from the same fabrics but may include synthetic blends for durability.

Usage

Worn untucked to reflect the casual lifestyle and comfort ideal in Hawaii.

Also worn untucked; more focused on casual, fun expressions and broad appeal.

Popularity

Favored among locals and those with a deep appreciation for Hawaiian traditions.

Popular in global fashion as a symbol of relaxation and holiday vibes.

 

Summing It Up!

To sum up, Aloha Shirts VS Hawaiian Shirts the similarities might be noticed at once but the subtle differences in their composition that make them unique among each other should be recognized.

Awareness of how the different materials behave will deepen your appreciation for these classic garments. Besides, you will be able to make better decisions when selecting the right shirt for your individual preferences and the occasion.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of custom flannel shirts. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.