History and Style of Iconic Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian Shirts

The History of Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian Shirts

Hawaiian shirts, sometimes called Aloha shirts, are known for their bright colors and bold patterns. They evoke images of sunny tropical beaches and island vacations. Pabst Blue Ribbon, one of America's classic beer brands, has embraced this fun, laidback style by releasing its own line of Pabst Hawaiian shirts over the years.

Pabst Blue Ribbon's Brand History

Pabst Brewing Company, founded in 1844 in Milwaukee, is one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the United States. Pabst Blue Ribbon, the company's flagship brand, was originally called "Best Select" before adopting its current name in the 1890s. By the late 1970s, Pabst was the largest brewing company in America and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer became hugely popular as an affordable, working-class beer. Its 1974 advertising slogan "the beer that made Milwaukee famous" cemented Pabst Blue Ribbon as a classic all-American brew.

The Aloha Spirit of Hawaiian Shirts

The Hawaiian shirt traces its origins to Ellery Chun of "King-Smith Clothiers and Dry Goods" in Waikiki in the 1930s. These "aloha shirts" featured tropical motifs like palm trees and hula dancers printed on rayon fabric tailored for Hawaii's climate. The aesthetic caught on with tourists and military personnel stationed on the islands during World War II. By the 1950s, Hawaiian shirts gained popularity across America as bold, casual summerwear evoking the islands' relaxed culture.

Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian Shirts Bring Good Vibes

Pabst Blue Ribbon's marketing over the decades has leaned into the beer's blue-collar roots while cultivating its signature casual, fun-loving personality. Releasing special edition Hawaiian shirts celebrating America's favorite budget brew makes perfect sense for the Pabst brand. Just like Hawaiian shirts themselves, Pabst's Aloha-inspired merch spreads cheerful vibes. Its outset designs decorated in abstract prints, palm trees, and ocean waves evoke relaxing on the beach with an ice-cold can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer in hand.

Popular Styles of Pabst Hawaiian Shirts Through the Years

Vintage 1990s Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian Shirts

Some of the earliest Pabst Hawaiian shirts date back to the 1990s. These vintage Aloha shirts feature blue and white backgrounds with the iconic Pabst Blue Ribbon emblem and script logo printed allover. Some designs incorporate beer ingredients like hops or malted barley into the tropical motifs. The artistic style mirrors typical Hawaiian shirts of the period with splashy abstract patterns and psychedelic colors like neon orange, green, and pink.

2000s Pabst Hawaiian Shirts Embrace Retro Style

In the early 2000s, Pabst leaned hard into its vintage personality by releasing Hawaiian shirts with retro styling. These short-sleeve button-ups often came in shades of faded cyan, orange, and marigold, looking like well-loved hand-me-downs from the 1970s. Eye-catching embroidery and appliques featured the Pabst Blue Ribbon crest badge alongside kitschy tropical elements like flamingos or surfboards. This nostalgic Aloha apparel celebrated the beer's long heritage.

Modern Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian Shirts

Contemporary Pabst Hawaiian shirts combine the brand's signature retro blue-collar personality with modern styling. Current designs showcase bold allover prints of the Pabst name, crest, racing stripes, and slogans like "Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer 1844." These digitally printed shirts often come in black, white, or heather gray rather than traditional Hawaiian colors. Streamlined silhouettes with curved hems give a tailored update. However, details like tropical flowers, palm fronds, and surfboard graphics retain the island spirit.

Where to Buy Genuine Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian Shirts

Vintage Pabst Hawaiian Shirts on Resale Sites

To score a rare vintage 1990s or Y2K-era Pabst Hawaiian shirt, shop resale sites like eBay, Etsy, Depop, and Poshmark. Genuine vintage Pabst Blue Ribbon Aloha shirts in good condition tend to fetch high prices due to demand from collectors and fans of the brand's retro gear. Examine product images closely for signs of authentic age like soft fabric, cracked ink or embroidery, and single stitching on tags. Compare details against photos of confirmed originals. Hawaiian shirts were very trendy in the 90s, so beware of potential knock-offs.

New Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian Shirts Direct from the Brewer

Today the only place to buy brand new, officially licensed Pabst Blue Ribbon Hawaiian shirts is directly from the Pabst Brewing Company web store. The company regularly releases special edition lines of Pabst merch including uniquely designed Aloha shirts. Sign up for the email newsletter to stay updated on new arrivals. Supply is usually limited, so diehard Pabst fans need to act fast once new Hawaiian shirt designs drop to grab their size before stock sells out.

Third-Party Retailers Licensed to Sell Pabst Gear

A few third-party clothing retailers have partnered with Pabst Brewing Company to legally produce and sell brand-approved Pabst Blue Ribbon merchandise. Companies like Craft Beer Cellar, American Top Shop, and Brew City Online carry officially licensed Pabst Hawaiian shirts alongside other branded apparel. Prices are more accessible at these mass merchants compared to the limited edition collector's items sold through the Pabst website. Just verify items are branded as officially licensed Pabst Brewing Co. products when shopping third party.

Whether you are a longtime fan of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer looking to sport some branded island style or just love the look of fun Hawaiian shirts, Pabst Brewing Company's line of Aloha shirts is guaranteed to bring good vibes. With their splashy prints and colors, breezy rayon or soft cotton fabrics, and nods to vintage 1990s fashion, Pabst Hawaiian shirts are perfect for embracing the island state of mind wherever summer finds you.