Is your Hawaiian Shirt Made in Hawaii?

Is Your Hawaiian Shirt Made In Hawaii?

SHIRT FOR THOUGHT:

If you're gonna wear a Hawaiian Shirt, then shouldn't it be made in Hawaii?

For those of us living in Hawaii, this makes total sense. Oddly, we're seeing more and more blogs, magazine articles and high fashion houses showcasing their love for Hawaiian shirts made by brands with no roots in Hawaii. Sadly, these shirts aren't even made in Hawaii! 😲

"Hawaiian shirts" made in Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka or wherever labor is the cheapest. Sweat shops filled with mass produced fabrics then market at a premium as Hawaiian. No, no, no... This is not Hawaiian. 

Or worse, have you seen those cheap knock-offs on Amazon selling for pennies and looking more Halloween costumy than authentic? They're shockingly abhor & so so so tacky 👎. We do not wear any of that in Hawaii.

Do you think you'll see shirts like that on Magnum P.I. or Hawaii Five-O? Cheap tacky shirts made in sweatshops disguised as Hawaiian?

No, of course not.

Visit Hawaii and the warm friendly aloha spirit our islands offer starts soaking into your pores. You'll find yourself melting into a relaxed chilled state. All that first world problem seems so insignificant as you live in the now & appreciate the present - today. That flavor of aloha is what Hawaii is know for. Hawaii is a way of life & real Hawaiian aloha shirts illustrate that authenticity. 

For us in Hawaii, we buy local. Hawaiian shirts, known more commonly as aloha shirts are inspired by Hawaii. They're worn whenever our mood sees fit -- birthday celebrations, high school and college graduations. Weddings, luaus, or kicking back with your peeps. Aloha shirts for smart casual days or a performance at May Day is Lei Day. Casual Fridays or business meetings. Romantic date or dinner feast with family. We wear Hawaii with pride & that's how it should be... Hawaiian clothing made only in Hawaii.

Ask any kama'aina, we'll tell you the same. If we're not wearing our favorite aloha wear already, we'll definitely run into our closet and show you our made in Hawaii goodie.

So, if you're gonna wear Hawaiian, then buy 'Made in Hawaii'.... It's that easy.

Aloha 🤙 

 

Hawaiian Shirts The Island Way:

Hawaiian shirts, known as aloha shirts, have a rich history that dates back to the 1920s.  It was first designed by a Chinese immigrant named Ellery Chun, who wanted to create a more comfortable and colorful shirt for tourists visiting Hawaii. The shirt quickly became popular among locals as well and by the 1940s, it had become a symbol of Hawaiian culture and island living. The scenic mountains, stunning beaches, and tropical flora and fauna served as inspiration for the colorful and vibrant prints that adorn these shirts.

The popularity of the aloha shirt grew throughout the 1940s and 1950s, thanks in part to tourism and the glamour of Hollywood stars like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, who were often seen wearing them. The shirts became a symbol of the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle, and they were soon adopted as the official uniform of "Aloha Friday," a day when Hawaiian workers were allowed to wear more casual attire to work.

Today, aloha shirts are still an important part of Hawaiian culture and fashion. They are worn on special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and family reunions, as well as for everyday wear. Aloha Friday has now become a widespread phenomenon, with businesses and organizations throughout Hawaii and even in other parts of the world adopting the casual dress code.

In addition to traditional aloha shirts, one notable development in the history of the Hawaiian shirt was the introduction of the "reverse print" design in the 1950s. This technique involved printing the fabric on the inside and then sewing it inside out, creating a softer, more subtle print. The reverse print quickly became popular and remains a classic design to this day. These shirts are perfect for more formal occasions or for those who prefer a subtler look. However, regardless of the style or occasion, it's important to always buy made in Hawaii aloha shirts, supporting local businesses and ensuring the authenticity of the shirt.

Ultimately, the Hawaiian shirt remains a beloved symbol of Hawaii and the spirit of aloha. It embodies the relaxed, carefree lifestyle of the islands and celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Whether worn for a special occasion or simply as part of everyday attire, the Hawaiian shirt is a timeless piece that brings joy and a sense of connection to the land and culture of Hawaii.


Is Your Hawaiian Shirt Made In Hawaii? Is Your Hawaiian Shirt Made In Hawaii? Is Your Hawaiian Shirt Made In Hawaii?
  • Coconut shells shaped & polished into shirt buttons.
  • Hawaiian Shirts made with Aloha in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Pocket edges perfectly matched to shirt.

 

Want this shirt in particular? It's an Aloha Friday Reverse Shirt. As you can see, the highlight of the fabric is the underside, where the understated colors of the design shines through. Isles Escape Hawaiian Shirt in Red.


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