San Francisco Giants Aloha Shirts History and Best Places to Buy

The History of Aloha Shirts

Aloha shirts, commonly known as Hawaiian shirts, have a long and storied history intertwined with surf culture and island life. Often featuring bold colors and prints, these casual shirts first emerged in Hawaii in the 1930s and 1940s as local garment factories began producing them for tourists and locals alike.

The early aloha shirts were typically made of silk or rayon and printed with Polynesian-inspired motifs like palm trees, beaches, surfboards, and Hawaiian landmarks. These fancy shirts were a stark contrast to formal business attire and reflected the laidback atmosphere of the islands.

Mainland Popularity

Soon the eye-catching aloha shirt became popular with mainland Americans as soldiers stationed in Hawaii during World War II brought them back home after the war. By the 1950s, surfers and Hollywood stars helped propel the aloha shirt into greater mainstream popularity across the US.

The 1960s and 70s saw aloha shirts adopted by a wider range of subcultures from hippie movement fans to Vegas entertainers. Designs grew increasingly bold and sometimes downright wild. No longer just Hawaiian souvenirs, the aloha shirt had become an iconic symbol of leisure and adventure.

Modern Aloha Shirts

Today, aloha shirts are still beloved for bringing a bit of tropical flair to any warm-weather occasion. The artwork continues to pull from traditional Hawaiian themes but with increasingly modern looks as well. It's common to see aloha shirts getting mashed up with pop culture in 2023.

San Francisco Giants Aloha Shirts

As a long-standing Major League Baseball franchise with a passionate Northern California fan base, the San Francisco Giants have often celebrated their community through special event jerseys and caps.

Given the team's proximity to the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the laidback NorCal lifestyle, Giants aloha shirts make for a natural fit. Let's explore some of the standout Giants aloha shirts over the years.

Orange Friday Flashback Shirts

Orange has long been an accent color for the Giants uniform. In the 2010s, Giants fans began observing Orange Friday tradition by wearing the color to Friday home games. To honor this tradition, the Giants have created special orange aloha shirts featuring retro logos for Friday night fireworks games and other events at Oracle Park.

Typically made by Majestic, these shirts often blend 1970s and 80s Giants logos and uniform scripts. They are collector's items for longtime fans.

Pablo Sandoval Panda Shirts

A fan favorite player for over a decade, Pablo Sandoval is inextricably linked to his "Kung Fu Panda" nickname and persona in San Francisco. When he returned to the Giants in 2017, the team began selling special panda aloha shirts as a promo item, often combining Chinese calligraphy with Hawaiian motifs.

These playful shirts were emblematic of the joy that Sandoval brought back to Oracle Park during his second stint with San Francisco.

2022 City Connect Shirt

In 2022, the Giants were one of seven MLB teams to unveil special Nike City Connect alternate jerseys themed around their region and culture. Paying tribute to San Franciso's Chinese heritage, the Giants City Connect uniform was black with orange accents and styled lettering.

Nike also produced a black Giants aloha shirt with similar Chinese lettering to be worn by players and sold to fans. Part of a full capsule collection, this shirt connected two aspects of San Francisco's community.

Where to Buy Giants Aloha Shirts

Looking to pick up a Giants aloha shirt for your next trip to Oracle Park or lounging on the beach? Here are some of the best places to find that perfect piece of San Francisco baseball apparel.

In Person at Oracle Park

Without a doubt, the widest selection of Giants aloha shirts can be found at the Oracle Park Fan store behind the centerfield wall. With shirts getting released for Friday nights and other special events, be sure to check the newest arrivals.

You'll also find a healthy supply of panda and City Connect aloha shirts alongside classic black and orange designs. Trying them on in person is always best.

Online at MLB Shop

If you can't make it to the ballpark, MLBshop.com carries many of the same Giants aloha shirts that are sold directly by the team. You can browse by style, size, color, player, or theme and filter down to aloha shirts.

Shipping is affordable and reliable. Exchanges and returns are also easy if the shirt doesn't quite fit right when it arrives.

Local Sports Retailers

The Bay Area is home to dozens of sports apparel shops that all carry Giants gear. Hit up local retailers like Sports Fever or San Francisco Sports World and let them know you are looking for Giants aloha shirts in stock.

These smaller stores can sometimes get rare designs or colorways that sell out fast at Oracle Park. Support local business and rep your city.

Whether you're headed to the ballpark or just want to bring some Giants spirit to the beach or barbecue, Giants aloha shirts add flair to any summer occasion. For fans, players, and city dwellers alike, these shirts represent the passion, culture, and community of San Francisco Giants baseball.

FAQs

When did the Giants first start selling aloha shirts?

While the exact year is unclear, the Giants likely began selling special aloha shirts in the 2010s to align with popular "Orange Friday" tradition of fans wearing orange to Friday home games. Retro logo aloha shirts were part of this initiative.

What is the story behind the Panda aloha shirts?

When fan favorite Pablo Sandoval returned to the Giants in 2017 after leaving in free agency, the team capitalized on his lovable "Kung Fu Panda" persona by making special panda-themed aloha shirts. These often mixed panda bear images with Hawaiian themes.

Where can I find the City Connect aloha shirt?

The black Giants City Connect aloha shirt was released alongside the official on-field alternate jersey in 2022. It featured Chinese-inspired lettering and graphics. You may still find it at the Oracle Park team store or on MLBshop.com.

What is the best Giants aloha shirt for women?

The 2022 City Connect shirt comes in both men's and women's cuts, making it one of the top Giants aloha shirt options for female fans. The black colorway is also very sharp. Check MLB Shop or Dick's Sporting Goods for the women's version.