Shirts

The origin of the Hawaiian “Aloha” shirt is uncertain, first appearing around the 1920s or 30s. It’s likely that it was created by local Japanese women using kimono fabric for men’s shirts. Early Aloha-style shirts often used fabrics with Japanese motifs until around the time of Pearl Harbor, when imagery from local Hawaiian culture became more prominent. The laid-back vacation vibe appealed to anxiety-ridden wartime Americans, and the popularity of the shirts were boosted early on by celebrities like Elvis and Bing Crosby, as everyday people sought to emulate those whose fortunes were unscathed by the war and Great Depression.

Ui-Maikai is definitely one of my personal favorites and they are often doesn’t get its due in the history of the aloha shirt. These are some of the most impressive examples you can find of this iconic style, in both finish, fabric and the stunning authentic prints they produced. This particular one is from the late ’50s/early ’60s, with a beautiful tonal printed cotton in gorgeous ocean blues and contrasting wood-effect buttons. The craftsmanship here is flawless – note the pattern matching around the chest pocket. Perfect for summer, the open collar, straight hem, short sleeves and relaxed but tailored fit will keep you feeling (and looking) cool all season long. Made in Hawaii.