Hawaiian Prints, Charming

Aloha shirts - the garments with bold patterned designs more commonly known on the mainland as Hawaiian shirts - are believed to have been first sold in Honolulu in the early 1930s using Japanese fabrics and patterns heavily influenced by the Tahitian pareu (a simple cloth with a solid colored background and a white floral pattern). This unique island attire first started to appear in the mainland U.S. after World War II, as American servicemen and servicewomen returned from the Pacific islands and brought Aloha shirts back with them. However, their popularity really took off in the 1950s as faster commercial airline travel and Hawaii’s statehood saw Americans flocking to the tropical paradise and snatching them up as souvenirs.

Today, the bold patterns that have become as synonymous with Hawaii as pineapples and luaus have inspired designers from around the world and can be found on pretty much every type of clothing imaginable. Here are a few of our current favorites: 

At top: Kealopiko Kahikikū Aloha Shirt, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa - White, $90

Left: Kahala Green Label “Island Vacation” Shirt, $70

Top right: Avanti Pareu Shirt, $65

Bottom right: Saint Laurent Classic Hawaiian Shirt in Red and Ivory, $750

Top left: Reyn Spooner Kula Forest 4-Way Stretch Board Short, $85

Bottom left: Tori Richard Ocean’s 11 Shirt, $94

Right: Vans Kennett Tank, $35

Left: Vilebrequin Palm Trees Moorea Swimsuit, $250

Right: Stance Lounge Bird Socks, $14