How to wear a Hawaiian shirt can be one of life’s little mysteries. But you can breathe a sigh of relief because Wave Shoppe has the answers to all of your fashion questions!
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Make sure that you start out with the real deal, which is an authentic Hawaiian shirt. There are typically two different men's styles of Hawaiian shirts for men with those being the open collar shirts (also referred to as resort shirts or camp shirts) and shirts with a button-up collar from brands such as Wave Shoppe or Kahala, both of which offer shirts in styles that are very old school Hawaii.
While designs and construction methods vary, both are considered authentic island wear just as long as the men’s shirts have button up closures and short sleeves.
Sorry, but on and off the islands, a pullover is not considered a Hawaiian shirt. Once you have decided on a shirt design, you want to make sure that you choose a size that feels reasonably loose fitting on you. Reason Number 1 for choosing a loose fit is that as soon as the garment is washed in water, it will experience some shrinkage when it dries, good quality fabrics may shrink 1% to 3% and lesser quality fabric (often used in imported shirting) may shrink substantially more.
Reason Number 2 for choosing a loose fit is that when you don a Hawaiian shirt, it is actually engineered to be loose fitting in all the right areas, which is what makes them so extremely comfortable to wear.
A Word on Fit: if it is a button up collar (and you actually like your collar buttoned) you should be able to button it at the neckline and then be able to easily slip 2 fingers between you neck and the shirt collar.
Most people leave the top 2 buttons undone which implies you live a pretty carefree lifestyle. The shirts sleeve should come all the way down to the top of your elbow when you arms are in a relaxed position.
When standing erect, the drop length for the hem should be 3 1/2" to 4" below your belt line. Remember that whenever you catch yourself wondering how to wear a Hawaiian shirt, the golden rule is that you should always be thinking about your comfort, not someone else's. Additional FAQs: Do you need to wear a undershirt with a Hawaiian shirt? Only if you feel like it, but no, you do not have to.
Which brings us around to another question you may have about the topic; do you wear a Hawaiian shirt tucked in, or not tucked in? The answer is simple, as with all shirts with a straight hem and side slits, you wear them un-tucked and flying in the breeze. That’s the way of the island locals.
But is it acceptable to wear my shirt completely unbuttoned? Absolutely! These garments are all about having some fun and enjoying the life of Aloha. Now you know how to wear a Hawaiian shirt like a local.
Of course there is the other clothing conundrum, what do you wear your new found colorful shirt with? We have you covered with an article appropriately titled, How to match Hawaiian clothing.
Thank you for buying our American made Hawaiian clothing! We design our fabrics in Oahu and cut and sew all of our Wave Shoppe labeled shirts and dresses in San Diego CA, as well as offering very competitively priced open collar camp shirts that are made in Oahu HI.
We guarantee that you will get a well made garment at a reasonable price, and delivered within a few business days. Once again we sincerely appreciate your support.
FAQs
The answer is simple, as with all shirts with a straight hem and side slits, you wear them un-tucked and flying in the breeze. That's the way of the island locals. But is it acceptable to wear my shirt completely unbuttoned? Absolutely!
Can you wear a Hawaiian shirt without an undershirt? ›
Well yes, the Hawaiian shirt is a very versatile and comfortable garment that you can wear and express something more daring with your outfit. Without having any other garment beneath it. Perhaps unbutton a couple of buttons than usual and show a sexy and relaxed look.
How loose should a Hawaiian shirt be? ›
Try for a shirt that's just a bit looser than a formal button-down. Put another way: if you can't bowl, the shirt's too tight. If the sleeves reach down to your elbows, it's too loose.
What goes well with a Hawaiian shirt? ›
Hawaiian shirts are often bold and vibrant, so neutral colored pants work best. Depending on the color scheme of your shirt, you can go with light-wash or dark-wash jeans.
Are Hawaiian shirts supposed to be tucked in? ›
They are traditionally worn untucked, but can be worn tucked into the waist of trousers. They are worn casually or as informal business attire in Hawaii.
What does a Hawaiian shirt look like? ›
The Aloha shirt (also referred to as the Hawaiian shirt) is a style of dress shirt that can often be worn for casual or smart/casual events. These shirts are printed with floral patterns, usually feature short sleeves, and have a collar. Traditionally, they have been worn by men but women can also wear them.
Why are Hawaiian shirts inside out? ›
In the 1950s, the introduction of the "reverse print" design marked a notable development in Hawaiian shirt history. This technique involved printing the fabric inside out, resulting in a softer, subtler pattern that quickly gained popularity and continues to be a classic choice today.
Can I wear a Hawaiian shirt with a suit? ›
Yes, you read that right. A Hawaiian shirt can be dressed up for more formal occasions. Pair it with a blazer and some dress pants for a unique and stylish look. Confidence is key.
Are Hawaiian shirts back in style? ›
Because despite their "zinc-oxide-covered tourist with a camera slung around his neck" connotations from decades past, Hawaiian shirts came roaring back onto the scene with a vengeance a few years ago, and they're still going strong.
What is the Hawaiian dress code? ›
Shorts naturally go with a Hawaiian-style shirt, but long pants are also acceptable, especially with cooler evening temperatures. Loose, flowing fabrics and neutral colors like sand or beige khaki hues usually work best with the bright prints of an aloha shirt.
Straw hats go nicely with Hawaiian shirts, as do Bermuda shorts and sandy beaches.
How to layer a Hawaiian shirt? ›
1. Work your Hawaiian shirt as a mid layer over a plain white tank and shiny black bomber. 2. Take it on the road and tuck your Hawaiian shirt into jeans with a suede overshirt for a subtle Western nod!
How to style a Hawaiian shirt for a woman? ›
Tie the shirt up as high or as low as you'd like! Pull each front shirt tail and tuck it into the opposite side of your waistband - this creates a chic wrap effect (a good one to style your Hawaiian shirt for an office look).
Should I button a Hawaiian shirt? ›
With casual pants, jeans, shorts, or even dress pants (Hawaiian bankers wear them with dress pants). Women sometimes wear them unbuttoned with tank tops underneath. But seriously, unless you tried to button one all the way up to the throat and wear a necktie with it, it's hard to go too far wrong.
Why do people wear Hawaiian shirts? ›
In Hawaii, these clothes hold a meaning much more profound and personal. The aloha shirt and mu'umu'u, as they are called in the islands, are pillars of local fashion and reflect the history of our ancestors.
Are beach shirts supposed to be loose? ›
Once you have your measurements, compare them to the brand's size chart to determine your ideal size. Keep in mind that beach shirts are often designed to have a relaxed fit, so you may want to consider sizing up if you prefer a looser fit or if you fall between sizes.
