About Authentic Hawaiian Clothing
Hawaii is a state rich in cultural heritage and unique history. The islands were originally inhabited by the Polynesians and have been home to many others since including Tahitian immigrants and Europeans. Because of the vast differences in the many people to have lived in Hawaii, true Hawaiian clothing has undergone several changes and evolutions. Today, modern Hawaiian clothing is known mostly for its comfort in high temperatures and for brightly colored patterns and designs.
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Plants
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Hawaiian natives originally wore loincloths and skirts made of plants, very similar to today's hula skirts. Neither men nor women wore clothes above the waist until missionaries arrived on the islands and encouraged the covering of women's breasts.
Palakas
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During the late nineteenth century Hawaii was home to many plantations. Plantation workers often wore denim shirts bearing blue and white checkered design called "palakas" along with denim pants. This outfit was so common in that in 1930 it was often referred to as the official uniform of Hawaii.
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Hawaiian Design
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The brightly colored prints commonly associated with Hawaiian shirts and clothing were not created until the middle of the 1930s when a Hawaiian clothing manufacturer has an artist hand paint several floral designs.
Summer Casual
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A 1947 decision by the Honolulu Board of Supervisors encourages city employees to combat hot Hawaiian summers by wearing Hawaiian shirts to work from June through October.
Labeling
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Hawaiian shirts and clothing became so popular in the 1950s that Hawaiian manufacturers began placing a "Made in Hawaii" label in their shirts to distinguish them from the many imitations on the market.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons, Richard Sihamau
