The Official Aloha Shirt Thread

[bl@ster]

Thought it was time for an Aloha shirt thread! Here we can rethink what we all know about the Aloha shirt (the nasty modern stuff dad wears on vacation) and instead concentrate on the beautiful vintage designs of the 1930's, 40's and 50's. Let's use this thread to share pictures and info on our vintage Aloha shirt finds and modern re-pops of these bold patterns.

One really good online resource is the Museum of Hawaiian Shirts: http://themohs.org/

From their Golden Age history page:

Lasting a mere two decades and beginning more than a half century ago, the “golden age” of Hawaiian shirts has left an enduring fashion legacy. Once you have worn a World War II-era vintage “silky” rayon “Hawaiian” or “aloha “shirt,” you begin to understand what attracts so many zealous collectors who are sometimes willing to pay what seems like incredulous sums of money for what many people refer to as “just a shirt.” It is these very qualities, however, that has helped the Hawaiian shirt mystique retain its popularity. [...] In addition to the immense enjoyment that one receives from owning and wearing these shirts is the knowledge that they have proven to be a worthwhile investment, not only financially but to help preserve what has become part of our American heritage.

One of the better books I've found on the subject is a beautiful coffee-table book called My Freedamn! Seven -- Vintage Beach Fashions by Rin Tanaka.

Here are a couple shots from the book to get you in the mood:

 

[bl@ster]

First up are some pics from my recent score... a modern re-pop from Kamehameha (a company that goes back to 1936). This one is called "Lei Lady." -- 100% Rayon, Made in Hawaii, genuine coconut buttons, double needled sleeve and side seam, matched print pocket, top button collar tab,

 

[bl@ster]

This one, also from Kamehameha, called "Tiger" 100% Rayon, Made in Hawaii, genuine coconut buttons, double needled sleeve and side seam, matched print pocket, top button collar tab.

 

[Peter1]

I admire the best Aloha shirts as art, but honestly they don't look good on anyone outside of the islands, and even then you've got to have a certain physique. The arms and body are just too blousy.

But the fabrics are fantastic, and I like that Gitman/WvG, even EG are making contemporary shirts with Aloha-type patterns.

 

[bl@ster]



I admire the best Aloha shirts as art, but honestly they don't look good on anyone outside of the islands, and even then you've got to have a certain physique. The arms and body are just too blousy.

But the fabrics are fantastic, and I like that Gitman/WvG, even EG are making contemporary shirts with Aloha-type patterns.

I'm a fan of having the tailor take about 1" off the sleeves. Here's Clooney rocking one and he could probably use the sleeve snip.

And then there's of course Elvis:

Anyway, Reyn Spooner has a new modern collection that is more closely fitting:

 

[bl@ster]

"Classic Hibiscus" by Kamehameha. 100% Rayon, Made in Hawaii, genuine coconut buttons, double needle flat felled seams, matched print pocket, top button collar tab.

 

[bl@ster]

"Hula Maid" vintage print from Go Barefoot. 100% Rayon, coconut shell buttons, Matched Print Engineered Patch Pocket, Made in Hawaii since 1957.

 

[Louys]

I approve of this thread, when I go home I'll post a rediculous and awesome print I got in Oahu. I agree though wit comments on fit though. The old silhouette needs to slim up a bit, it doesn't match the proportions of contemporary pieces.

 

[Parker]

heck yeah! mo' bettah thread.

 

[chinesealpha]

***** yeah

This Adam Kimmel overdyed shirt will forever haunt my #missedopportunities


I've got a couple of vintage rayon shirts that make it into the regular summer rotation, kind of as a reminder that life is short; get a tan. That said, rayon is a pretty disgusting fabric to be wearing next to skin in humid weather. I've also got an obnoxious bark cloth (rough cotton) shirt in a fat old guy cut that I can't let go of. I've threatened to wear that shirt to dinner with my GF. Her fear was palpable.

Of course, a Japanese repro company is going to out-Hawaii Hawaii...


Sugar Cane at Self Edge... YOLO

 

[ShoutOutsFoMyBo]

thrifted this a while ago

 

[bl@ster]

Reyn Spooner reverse print "Spooner Cloth" floral:

 

[bl@ster]

Perhaps my favorite.... "Koi" by Kamehameha. 100% Rayon, Made in Hawaii, genuine coconut buttons, double needle flat felled seams, matched print pocket, top button collar tab.

 

[bl@ster]

Diamond Head Sportswear, 100% Rayon, Made in Hawaii, genuine coconut buttons, top button collar tab.

 

[bl@ster]

Bird of Paradise Kamehameha Aloha Shirt. 100% Rayon, Made in Hawaii, genuine coconut buttons, matched print pocket, top button collar tab.