History and Style Guide to Classic Rumba Shirts

The History and Evolution of Rumba Shirts

Rumba shirts, also known as Hawaiian shirts or aloha shirts, have a long and storied history intertwined with post-World War II Polynesian culture. These colorful, casual button-down shirts were developed in the early 20th century and grew to prominence along with the rise of tourism in Hawaii and greater exposure to Hawaiian culture across America.

The Origins of the Aloha Shirt

No one knows for sure who originally created the first aloha shirts that would one day be known as rumba shirts. There are many competing claims for the original creator. However, most historians agree that aloha shirts grew organically out of traditional Hawaiian garments modified for tourists in the early 1900s.

At the time, men in Hawaii typically wore kapa cloth wrapped around their torso which left them bare-chested in the island heat. Visitors were drawn to the colorful patterns but wanted more coverage for modesty. Locals began sewing Western-style buttons and collars onto traditional Hawaiian fabrics, creating an early fusion version of the aloha shirt.

Rise of Tourism Boosts the Aloha Shirt

The invention of the aloha shirt coincided with – and benefited greatly from – the rise of tourism to Hawaii. Commercial air travel to the islands took off in 1935. The subsequent decades saw huge growth in visitors hoping to experience authentic Polynesian culture.

To cater to this burgeoning tourist market, local Hawaiian seamstresses and tailors manufactured colorful printed shirts from kabe crepe fabric. These early aloha shirts spread in popularity over the 1940s and 1950s.

How the Aloha Shirt Became Known as the Rumba Shirt Stateside

In the post-war period, veterans returning from the Pacific theater brought aloha shirts back to mainland America. The vibrant Polynesian-inspired designs stood out, and the shirts quickly caught on as a fashionable symbol of tropical leisure.

Somewhere along the way, the Hawaiian shirt became known as the rumba shirt abroad. Why the name change is unclear, but it may be linked to the Hawaiian rumba dance style used at the time in grass skirt cabaret shows for tourists. The light, flowy fabric of aloha shirts lent itself well to dance moves.

Characteristics of Classic Rumba Shirts

Authentic rumba shirts as they developed out of traditional Hawaiian shirts have several defining characteristics:

• Bold, vibrant prints – Loud, colorful patterns ranging from floral and tropical motifs to geometric shapes.
• Flowy fabric – Typically made from viscose rayon or cotton decorated with printing or batik dying.
• Camp collar – Laid-back open collar with straight, flat ends that can be worn up or down.
• Button-down style – Plain or pearly buttons sewn on the male side placket rather than the middle.
• Chest pocket – Optional decorative pocket for function and visual interest.

Common Motifs and Patterns

Traditional Hawaiian aloha/rumba shirts showcase unique prints and motifs you wouldn't find elsewhere. These reflect different Polynesian visual influences:

• Hibiscus flowers – Red hibiscus is the official state flower of Hawaii.
• Tropical foliage – Palm trees, bananas trees, pineapples, etc.
• Ocean life – Sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, waves.
• Geometric patterns – Triangles, lines, blocks in contrast colors.

An array of dyes were used in traditional manufacturing resulting in intensely saturated colors. Some prints even had pearlescent details to the fabric.

Silhouettes and Style Elements

Classic aloha/rumba shirts have a boxy, oversized silhouette allowing air flow in hot climates. They often feature straight hems and relaxed camp collars which can be worn up or folded down.

Some style elements commonly seen include:

• Contrast stitching or piping around collar and placket.
• Tucking in the front hem but leaving the shirttail out.
• layering over t-shirts with bold complementing colors.

How to Style Rumba Shirts

Rumba shirts bring a laid-back, vacation vibe to any outfit. They work as great statement pieces and can liven up otherwise basic clothes. Here are some tips for wearing them:

Keep Bottoms Simple

Let your vibrant rumba shirt shine by pairing it with neutral basics on bottom. Solid shorts or jeans allow the eye to focus on the full print. For women, a maxi skirt also balances the volume nicely.

Tuck Strategically

With their square shape and straight hem, rumba shirts look great half-tucked in front. This shows off some waist while keeping the casual shirttail shape. Wear them tucked all the way on their own or layered over an inner shirt.

Complement Colors

Pick out one of the colors from your rumba shirt print and match it with a hat, sunglasses or accessories for a pulled-together look. Contrast sleeves also work nicely under the lighter fabrics.

Cuff Those Sleeves

Many vintage-style rumba shirts have slightly longer sleeves meant to be casually cuffed. Fold them up 1-2 times to show off fun contrast print lining.

Layer Over Tees

For a relaxed vibe, wear unbuttoned rumba shirts open like a lightweight jacket. Contrast with a t-shirt in one of the accent colors peeking through underneath.

Where to Buy Modern Rumba Shirts

Vintage rumba shirts from designers like Kamehameha, Surf Line Hawaii and Kahala are collectors' items often resold for high prices. However, the spirit of these classic shirts live on in many modern takes. You can find contemporary rumba shirts from these great brands:

• Reyn Spooner – Favored by celebrities, known for artistic prints since 1956.
• Tori Richard – Family-owned Hawaiian label selling high-quality traditional shirts.
• Kamoa Classics – Vintage-inspired designs manufactured sustainably.
• Tommy Bahama – Popular lifestyle brand with great camp collar options.

There are also many Hawaiian shirt startups creating unique designs sold online. Or visit swap meets and vintage stores in Hawaii for original retro rumba shirts.

FAQs

What is the difference between an aloha shirt and a rumba shirt?

Originally, there was no difference - an aloha shirt refers to the relaxed-fit Hawaiian shirts that emerged in the 1930s. The name "rumba shirt" came from Americans who brought them back from Hawaii after WWII. The terms are now used interchangeably to refer to Hawaiian-style button ups.

What fabrics are vintage rumba shirts made of?

Vintage Hawaiian rumba shirts are typically made from fabrics like rayon, cotton, or rayon-cotton blends. Materials selected were breezy, lightweight, and breathable for tropical climates. Vintage shirts sometimes feature more fragile pearly or metallic detailing.

Can women wear rumba shirts? How are they best styled?

Absolutely! Rumba shirts look great worn by anyone. Popular women's looks include tying at the waist, pairing with denim shorts, and wearing open over tanks. Go bold with a maxi skirt or lean into the vacation vibe with cuffed jeans.

Why are some vintage rumba shirts so expensive to collect?

Vintage aloha shirts by designers like Alfred Shaheen fetch high prices from tiki and Hawaiian shirt enthusiasts due to their historical interest, condition rarity, and vintage craftsmanship. Vintage rumba shirts are viewed as collectible fashion investments and art.

How should you take care of rumba shirts to keep them looking great?

Rumba shirts should be machine or hand washed cold and laid flat to dry. Iron while still slightly damp if needed. For vintage shirts, extra care should be taken as dyes and fabrics can be more fragile. Dry clean only if unsure.