What is a Hawaiian shirt?
Hawaiian shirt — This is a loose-fitting summer shirt with short sleeves, a turn-down collar and a bright all-over print.
The original name for this item is the aloha shirt. It's a traditional Hawaiian everyday wardrobe staple that has, over time, become a global symbol of resort style.
The garment emerged in Hawaii in the 1920s and 1930s as a result of the fusion of local and immigrant cultures. It combined the cut of the traditional Filipino barong shirt, classic American collars, and the vibrant fabrics used for Japanese kimonos.
Distinctive features
The key design feature of the garment is the camp collar. This is a soft, turn-down collar without a rigid stand-up collar that creates a V-shaped opening on the chest.
Traditionally, Hawaiian shirts are made from breathable, flowing fabrics. Viscose, silk, or lightweight cotton are most commonly used, ensuring comfort in the tropical climate.
Patterns include floral motifs (hibiscus flowers, palm leaves), Polynesian geometric patterns, and nautical and surfing themes. In high-quality pieces, the pattern on the chest pocket perfectly matches the main pattern on the front of the shirt.
The shirt's cut is straight and loose, with a flat hem, as it's designed exclusively to be worn untucked. Traditional buttons are made from natural materials: coconut shell, bamboo, or mother-of-pearl.
What to combine with
For a casual summer wardrobe, pair a Hawaiian shirt with basic, solid-color shorts—cotton chinos or denim. The look is completed with minimalist sneakers or leather sandals.
To create layered outfits, wear the shirt unbuttoned over a basic white T-shirt or ribbed tank top. Layer with wide-leg linen trousers or straight-leg jeans.
For a smart-casual look, wear a shirt with a muted two-tone print under a lightweight, loose-fitting summer suit. This outfit pairs perfectly with suede loafers.
In women's styling, the Hawaiian shirt is often tied at the waist or tucked in asymmetrically. It looks great with midi skirts, wide-leg palazzo pants, and high-waisted shorts.
