History and Style of Classic Hawaiian Shirts | Union Worker Tradition

The History of Hawaiian Shirts

Hawaiian shirts, sometimes called aloha shirts, have a long and storied history intertwined with the islands they're named after. Known for their bright colors and bold prints, Hawaiian shirts came onto the scene in the early 20th century.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Hawaiian shirts started gaining some popularity among tourists visiting Hawaii. Local Hawaiian seamstresses began crafting simple shirts using fabrics featuring native Hawaiian motifs and prints of local flora and fauna. These early Hawaiian shirts were more subdued than their modern counterparts.

The Aloha Shirt is Born

The first aloha shirts as we know them today emerged in Honolulu in the 1930s. Ellery J. Chun and Koichiro Miyamoto, children of Japanese immigrants, are often credited with taking the Hawaiian shirt from a niche souvenir to more widespread commercial success.

Using imported fabrics from Japan featuring bolder prints, Chun opened his retail store “King-Smith Clothiers and Dry Goods” in Waikiki. Miyamoto exported prototype shirts made by his wife and mother to mainland US department stores, generating growing demand for the shirts.

Post-War Boom and Rayon Introduction

After WWII, returning servicemen and American tourists increasingly brought aloha shirts back from Hawaii. Local shops and major retailers like Sears and Montgomery Ward began mass-producing rayon Hawaiian shirts, fueling exponential industry growth.

In 1947 alone, nearly 4 million aloha shirts were exported to the mainland US. The shirts’ bright colors, Art Deco-inspired prints, and light, breezy rayon fabrics resonated with Americans and made the aloha shirt a full-blown national sensation.

The Aloha Shirt and Labor Unions

At their peak popularity in the 1950s, Hawaiian shirts started to earn a reputation as the preferred Friday garb of union workers. Blue-collar electricians, carpenters, plumbers and pipefitters frequently sported aloha shirts for their laidback, weekend-ready look.

"Hawaiian Shirt Friday" Tradition

For trade professionals like construction workers who often wear heavy work clothes, aloha shirts provided a casual, comfortable change of pace for unwinding after a long week. The tradition of “Hawaiian Shirt Friday” still continues today on many union jobsites.

Union workers often wear American-made, union-stitched Hawaiian shirts as another subtle display of labor solidarity and pride in their craft. Popular shirt styles frequently feature subtle union themes, like construction equipment, trades tools or classic cars.

Custom Hawaiian Shirts for Unions

Today, many Hawaiian shirt companies offer custom-printing options allowing union locals to design personalized aloha shirts featuring their local name, number and logo. Custom Hawaiian shirts not only look great, but also visibly reinforce union identity.

For unionized construction crews, custom Hawaiian shirts add an extra team-building element to casual Fridays with their workforce showing off their chosen imagery and local pride.

Hawaiian Shirt Characteristics

Vibrant Colors and Bold Prints

Flamboyant colors and striking prints have always defined the Hawaiian shirt since the early days. Tropical themes dominate the print designs: native hibiscus flowers, palm trees, exotic birds and fruits.

Colorful Hawaiian tattoos and local island scenes also inspire fabric patterns. Textiles often use bright dyes like crimson red, sunshine yellow and ocean blue to create an eye-catching look.

Breezy Fabrics

Historically, rayon was the Hawaiian shirt fabric of choice for its lightweight, breathable feel. Modern aloha shirts may use blends incorporating polyester, cotton, linen or other fabrics that mimic rayon’s airy qualities and vivid print clarity.

Button-Down Style

A button-down collar defines the classic Hawaiian shirt style. Short sleeves remain the most popular for island-inspired comfort, although some long-sleeve variations exist for cooler climates.

An open collar and loose fit provide optimal ventilation for hot, humid island weather. For untucked wear, square hems with side vents finish off the relaxed aesthetic.

Shopping for Hawaiian Shirts

Today, Hawaiian shirts come in an endless variety of colors, prints, styles and prices to suit any taste. When shopping for that perfect aloha shirt, focus on a few key factors:

Authentic Prints

Look for traditional Hawaiian themes like tropical flowers, palm trees and ocean scenery rendered in bold, bright colors. Avoid generic patterns that have little connection to the islands.

Breathable Fabrics

Check label tags and product descriptions to find shirts made from rayon, rayon blends or airy natural/synthetic textiles best for the Hawaiian shirt tradition.

Tailored Fit

Hawaiian shirts should drape loosely rather than cling tight. Search “traditional fit” or “relaxed fit” styles for the proper roomy cut. Order a size up if unsure.

With some basic guidelines and informed choices, you’ll find the right Hawaiian shirt for casual weekend island comfort and style.

FAQs

Why do union workers often wear Hawaiian shirts?

For many union trades like construction workers, plumbers, electricians etc., the tradition of "Hawaiian Shirt Friday" emerged post-WWII as a way to relax and unwind after a week of labor intensive work. The breezy, casual shirts provided comfort and align with workers wanting to kick back as the weekend begins.

What are some standard Hawaiian shirt prints and themes?

Traditional Hawaiian shirt print designs tend to feature tropical motifs like exotic flora and fauna found on the Hawaiian islands: brilliantly colored hibiscus flowers, palm trees, tropical fish and birds. Other common elements include Hawaiian tribal tattoos, surf culture imagery and island beach scenes.

Why are so many Hawaiian shirts made from rayon fabric?

Historically, Hawaiian shirt manufacturers used plenty of rayon because the semi-synthetic material breathed exceptionally well in hot climates while also retaining vivid dyes for colorful prints. Today, rayon blends or similar lightweight natural/blended fabrics maintain the optimal breezy feel.

What is the typical fit and style of a Hawaiian shirt?

The classic Hawaiian shirt is fairly loose-fitting with an open, button-down collar and short sleeves to maximize air circulation. Square hems finish off the bottom while side vents add extra room. It has a relaxed, easygoing silhouette synonymous with island comfort and leisure.