The Hawaiian shirt is a true vintage classic, an iconic look that has lasted through the decades and is now a staple in the summer style staples. Whether you’re inspired by a retro film or your uncle’s holiday style, there’s no doubt that its influence is everywhere in fashion. So we’ve decided to delve into the history of this iconic shirt, from its origins to the big pop culture moments that have kept the Hawaiian shirt back to the forefront of men’s fashion.

The Origin of the Hawaiian Shirt

Even though Hawaii was self-governed in the 1880s there was still a massive presence of US-run businesses. Seeking cheap labour, American business owners recruited from all corners of the world, from China, Korea and Portugal, but most importantly to the Aloha shirt, Japanese immigrants. 

Why was this important?

Aloha shirts have strong Japanese roots as these immigrants often brought with them bright kimono fabrics. Filipino and Chinese immigrants also play a role by bringing barong talongs, a type of traditional untucked shirt, and multicoloured silks.

These foreign influences, paired with Hawaiian native Kapa cloth clothes, were instrumental in creating the Hawaiian shirt.

Fast forward to the 1920s where Gordon Young, a student at the University of Hawaii, worked with his mother’s dressmaker to create a ‘pre-aloha shirt’. Using Japanese Yutaka cloth, known to be used by Japanese women for work kimonos. Patterns included blue or black bamboo and geometric designs on white backgrounds. Soon enough, these became popular with his classmates in Hawaii. Young later attended the University of Washington, bringing his shirts with him, turning heads aplenty and sparking a lot of fashion debate.

It wasn’t until the 30s that the Aloha shirt really started to increase in popularity. The key to this was Ellery Chun, a local businessman who had just graduated from Yale in 1931. He transformed a Chinese dry goods shop into the first mass producer of Hawaiian shirts, coining the term “Aloha-shirts” and making them a must-have of Honolulu.

The Mass production of Hawaiian Shirts

Shortly after, Hawaiian shirts went into mass production. Alfred Shaheen was at the forefront of this, during the 50s his textile company ‘Shaheen’s of Honolulu’ was the largest producing Hawaiian shirts in Hawaii. Aloha shirts for men were his big speciality, but his range also included sarong dresses for women, the first of their kind being made in large-scale. As sales boomed, Shaheen hired teams of artists to design new motifs for fabrics, with artists experimenting with prints and producing non-traditional coconut tree’s, oriental fish and surfers.

Other big names such a Kamehameha and Duke Kahanamoku, as well as Shaheen’s of Honolulu, helped turn the Hawaiian shirt from a novelty tourist item into a commercially traded product.

Our 6 Favourite Hawaiian Shirt Moments In Pop Culture

From Here to Eternity, 1953.

Hollywood in the 50s really embraced the shirt. Shaheen was big on celebrity endorsement, encouraging all the biggest Hollywood stars to wear his pieces, helping them break through to more mainstream fashion in America. They became immortalised on the silver screen with Frank Sinatra, Ernest Borgnine, Montgomery Clift, and Burt Lancaster all wearing them in the 1953 movie classic, “From Here to Eternity.” making them a staple in movie fashion history.

Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii, 1961.

Elvis was THE style icon of his time, breaking boundaries in men's fashion throughout his career, capturing the imagination of the world. When the King of Rock n Roll starred in Blue Hawaii, he was the perfect model for Shaheen’s Hawaiian Shirts. Coupled with an iconic soundtrack and set in paradise, Elvis made the Hawaiian shirt the perfect item for a summer holiday on the beach.

Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I., 1980-1988.

This American crime drama set in Hawaiian became an overnight success, ranking in the top 20 TV shows in the US for most of the 80s. As the key character, Tom Selleck’s stardom exploded, and his relaxed summer style featuring multiple Hawaiian shirts in a dazzling array of colours and prints, along with short shorts, baseball caps and accessorised with lots of chest hair and a giant tash, became one of the most recognisable looks of the decade.

Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, 1994.

Just when you thought the Hawaiian shirt’s loud colours had been left in the 80s, the outlandish comedian Jim Carrey somehow brings it back for his bizarre character in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Not the most obvious source of style inspo, Carrey works an open Hawaiian shirt over a white t-shirt and flashy trousers making it modern, fun and wonderfully weird.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Romeo + Juliet, 1996.

This was quite possibly the best film of the 90s, with Baz Luhrmann adapting William Shakespeare’s classic without changing the language, but updating the location, music and style, taking it to dizzying heights of cool. Leonardo DiCaprio cemented his 90s heartthrob status for life in this film, and his beautiful collection of Hawaiian shirts, also worn by his crew The Montagues, showcase how to make this look effortlessly cool.

Johnny Depp, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, 1998.

A modern classic, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a trippy adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s American Dream novel that became a cult hit. Johnny Depp took his wardrobe into his own hands, managing to get a hand on items that really did belong to Thompson himself, including his iconic Hawaiian shirts. This bad boy take on the relaxed summer look was combined with hazy yellow sunglasses, bucket hats and converse, perfect for an endless, potentially trippy, summer.

How to style a Hawaiian shirt

Feeling inspired by our top classic Hawaiian shirt moments? We've chosen 3 easy styles perfect for everyday wear whether your off on holiday, having a weekend at a festival or just hanging out with your mates.

Beachwear

Hit the beach in a classic Hawaiian shirt and add some fresh colours to your holiday wardrobe. Whether you're looking for scenic beach prints, palm leaf patterns or a novelty parrot motif, we have a Hawaiian shirt for every occasion. Style with beach trunks or shorts for an easy breezy look to handle the heat.

Festival Ready

Shop bold Hawaiian print perfect for a summer full of festivals. Layer over your favourite vintage t-shirt to put your own style stamp on this classic look. Don’t forget your favourite 90s sunnies to hide tired eyes!

Skater Street Style

This low key look is perfect for a weekend in the city, at the skate park or the pub. Pair with your trusty old pair of Vans and jeans and you’ve got a great look for day to night.

Already got your vintage Hawaiian shirt but it needs some TLC? Check out our vintage care guide to sewing a button to help you keep your item for longer!

How we got to October this quickly is beyond anyone, it seems like just five minutes ago that we were clinking glasses celebrating the year coming in and now it's basically Winter. With Halloween just a blink away, it's definitely time to prepare for all your Halloween shenanigans before it's too late! Otherwise, you'll be flapping around fancy dress shops or Poundland on your lunch break come the 31st before realizing that everything half decent is sold out. 

The build-up to a Halloween party is all fun and games until it's the night before and you haven't sorted anything. Once you finally settle on an idea, things do get easier. Here are a handful of ideas that will be mega popular this year, so choose or avoid as necessary. 

IT

Image / NY TIMES (Warner Bros)

There's no doubt that the clown from the IT reboot is going to disgrace us with its presence at every Halloween celebration across the globe. It was creepy enough the first time but somehow it's gotten scarier. Get a mate who's good at makeup to sort out the face, layer some frilly lingerie over tights with puffed sleeves and top it all of a ruff. 

 Heres how we did it:

Friday The 13th 

Image / Digital Spy (Warner Bros)

Another killer Halloween look rebooted for the modern era, a Jason costume is perfect for those who can't be bothered to faff around with makeup before heading out. Simply combine a hockey mask, fake machete and a vintage brown leather jacket over an all-black outfit.

Stranger Things

Image / Yahoo

Whilst Stranger Things was the hottest fancy dress of last year, talks of the newest season mean you could totally recycle your past outfit. It's definitely one of the best Halloween group looks for those that want to be able to incorporate their costume into their everyday wardrobe. 

 Check out how our staff nailed the Stranger things look:

Donald Trump

Image / Medium

Once you've got the suit jacket sorted all you'll need is a really terrible wig, a can of spray tan and a Twitter account. Please don't threaten to brawl anyone dressed as Kim Jong Un whilst you're out, it is just a costume.

Jigsaw 

Image/ Huffington Post

Back once again with the Halloween remake, terrify the neighbourhood with your own rendition of Jigsaw. Blazer, red shoes, bow tie and some swirly red cheeks: no need to play stupid games running around the fancy dress shops after all. 

 Wonder Woman

Image / Huffington Post

In order to be the most powerful babe at Halloween and channel your inner Wonder Woman, you'll need lots and lots of spandex and gold. Consider adding your own spin on things with statement accessories such as a chain mail top or sparkly cape.

Versace Runway

Image / Harpers Bazaar 

Another golden look that's totally on trend. This year at Milan fashion week, Versace surprisingly ended their show with the most iconic supermodels from the 90's strutting their stuff to George Michael. Become a fashion icon this Halloween in one of our vintage gold pieces. 

Handmaid's Tale 

Image / Refinery29

Whilst the world seems to be politically crashing all around us, there's no doubt that the dystopian Handmaiden's Tale has given us at least something to look forward to each week. Fashion a headdress out of white card and grab a red robe to complete the easiest Halloween look ever. 

Beauty And The Beast

Image / Medium

Be the Belle of the ball quite literally, either in a blue dress with an apron or an elegant yellow number with matching hair accessories. All you budding beasts will need to get your paws on our selection of horns and claws we have in store. 

Rick And Morty

Image / Buzzfeed

Morty has a pretty basic and achievable look: one plain yellow tee, some jeans and trainers. Get your Granddad drunk and you'll have your own realistic Rick accessory, just add a lab coat. 

Game Of Thrones 

Image / Pogdesign.co.uk

Dominate the party and secure the best seat in the house for yourself with an on-point Game Of Thrones rendition. Become the mother of dragons, without getting burnt, in shoulder pads combined with a luscious blonde wig. 

Mermaids and Unicorns 

Mermaids and unicorns are possibly the most 2017 thing to ever 2017 in 2017. Shine brighter than a diamond in sequins, glitter and bright colours. Halloween doesn't always have to be full of ghosts & ghouls! 

Failing all these, you can always browse our Halloween section and dig up something for yourself!