Hawaiian Shirt History

The Hawaiian shirt is easily one of the most identifiable pieces of fashion in American culture. Even though it had humble beginnings, its popularity just keeps growing.

History

The Hawaiian shirt, also called the Aloha shirt, has a murky history. The original design may have been based on the palaka shirt, which was worn by plantation workers in the late 1800s. It also may have been based on shirts cut from kimonos worn by Japanese women on the islands..

Time Frame

The first Hawaiian shirt may have been designed in 1931 by Ellery J. Chun. It is certain that he registered his clothing line and the phrase "Aloha shirt" in 1936.

Types

Early designs were based on Asian culture. Designers used ancient imagery such as bamboo trees, tigers and peaceful landscapes such as Mount Fuji. Soon the shirt designs began to incorporate local island images.

Features

The Aloha shirt has a straight-edged bottom and short sleeves. This pattern is suited for the tropical climate of the Hawaiian Islands.

Fun Fact

Tom Selleck's jungle bird Hawaiian shirt that he wore on the 1980s TV show "Magnum, P.I." is now in the Smithsonian Institution.

References

• The Artful Living, The Legacy of Kukui'ula magazine, Spring, 2007
• Kahala Trading Company
• History of Hawaiian Shirts and Dresses