The fabric used to make Hawaiian t shirts was originally woven from native plants and trees. Men wore a loin cloth called a malo and women wore a skirt known as a pau, both of which were made from tapa cloth derived from the inner bark of wauke trees..
They are collared dress shirts that feature short sleeves and a buttoned front. They come in a variety of colors, prints and fabrics.
Fabric
Modern Hawaiian shirts are often made from rayon or cotton. The silky soft feel of these fabrics makes them extremely comfortable, especially in hot weather. They also dry quickly and are wrinkle resistant, making them ideal for travel.
Polyester is another popular fabric for Hawaiian shirts. It offers a soft silk-like feel, and is durable and easy to care for. It also holds vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns well.
A hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) flower motif is one of the most common motifs on Hawaiian shirts. This brightly colored tropical flower is the official state flower of Hawaii, and it is a symbol of the islands' relaxed, vacation-like culture.
Prints
When it comes to choosing a Hawaiian shirt, you want to choose one that features vibrant colors and a fun print. The patterns can be a reflection of the tropical landscape, or they can represent a local culture or tradition. They can also be a representation of the aloha spirit, which is based on compassion and tolerance.
The most popular Hawaiian motifs are floral, including the hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei), which is the official state flower of Hawaii. Another common motif is the bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae), which has orange sepals and blue petals that are arranged to resemble the head of a tropical bird.
These prints are available on a variety of different fabrics, from cotton to rayon. The latter is a man-made fiber that is similar to silk but is softer and more comfortable to wear in warm weather. Rayon is an ideal choice for Hawaiian shirts because it can be printed with colorful designs, and it’s easy to wash and dry.
Motifs
Before the arrival of woven fabrics from the mainland, native Hawaiians fashioned their clothing from plant materials. Men wore a malo, or loin cloth, made of tapa cloth fabricated from the inner bark of wauke trees. Women wore a pau skirt adorned with flowers and hibiscus. Today, the bright tropical print of the aloha shirt is a modern take on this indigenous Polynesian design.
Chun displayed these shirts in his shop window and they quickly became a fad among surfers, beach boys and tourists visiting Hawaii. Soon major designer labels and retail chains mass-produced the shirts.
The motifs of the Hawaiian shirt can tell a story about the culture of the people who wear them. They can be as simple as a pineapple or palm tree, or they can depict more cultural symbols such as the Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, hula dancers or traditional tikis. The shirt's motifs may even have a political message. For example, members of the loosely organized far-right boogaloo movement have been known to accessorize their uniforms with Hawaiian shirts.
Style
Embroidery adds another level of style and sophistication to a Hawaiian shirt. Explore traditional repeating print designs like pareau, tapa, and palaka to make your shirt unique and authentic. Learn about popular floral motifs like hibiscus, bird of paradise, plumeria, and anthurium to incorporate into your design.
The type of fabric is also a big factor in the style of a Hawaiian shirt. Cotton is breathable and comfortable for everyday wear, while rayon is soft and silky, perfect for special occasions.
A few companies made Hawaiian shirts in the early '60s. Shaheen's work was the most innovative and well-known. He was a Lebanese immigrant and his passion for Hawaii's rich culture was evident in his designs. Other producers included Ellery Chun, Kamehameha, and Musashiya. These shirts were worn untucked and had a more casual look than the traditional aloha shirt of today. They also didn't have as much formal cultural significance. They were marketed more to tourists and casual wearers.