The Best Hawaiian Shirts for Vacation-Ready Style

For whatever reason, Hawaiian shirts typically get a bad rap. Whether it’s because people connote the eccentric tops with retirees or can’t picture themselves wearing such an exuberant piece, we could never overlook the vacation-worthy garment. Be that as it may, Aloha shirts can often be a hit-or-miss, as some brands embrace the style’s integrity to a tee while others can overdo it.

Hawaiian shirts aren’t limited to one silhouette. While an open camp collar and a floral print may be the most traditional, many have differing collars, button closures, and, most importantly, patterns. If you’re considering buying an authentic option courtesy of a genuine Hawaiian brand or a reimagined spin on the matter from a trendy mainland label, then countless designers will outdo your local secondhand finds with repetitive designs. So, rather than bidding you farewell, we bid you aloha as we take you through our guide to the best Hawaiian shirts to wear this summer.

The History of Hawaiian Shirts

The story of the Hawaiian shirt (or aloha shirt) dates back to around the early ’30s, and it’s the perfect example of positive cultural exchange. Kōichirō Miyamoto was running a store in Honolulu and started producing colorful and unique shirts out of Japanese prints. But there’s some debate about whether it was Miyamoto or a Chinese merchant named Ellery Chun who first designed the shirt. Either way, the shirt was a massive success among locals and soldiers, becoming a post-WWII hit. They were originally made with kimono fabric, but as the industry progressed, fabrics like silk, rayon, and cotton became popular choices. So the aloha shirt was made in (and inspired by) Hawaii, by a Japanese (or Chinese) man, and was popularized by America’s love for the style and comfort of the garment.

what makes a Hawaiian shirt authentic?

As the name might suggest, in order for a Hawaiian shirt to be considered authentic, it needs to have been partly constructed in Hawaii. So take note of where the company says the shirt was made (or at least partly made), and look for a tag that tells you if the shirt has been produced and/or processed in Hawaii.

What to look for

Material: Silk, cotton, and rayon (a soft, silk-like fabric made from cellulose fibers) are the most popular material choices for the vast majority of aloha shirts. You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices, as they’re all soft and breathable, so it’s really a personal preference.

Style: Unlike more subtle camp collar shirts, most Hawaiian shirts will have eye-catching patterns/art. Part of the fun in wearing them is finding a pattern that you love and rocking it with confidence. You can never go wrong with retro patterns inspired by the mid-20th century, or you could go for something really classic depicting Japanese or Hawaiian history/scenery.

J.Crew Short Sleeve Camp-Collar Shirt

The Budget Pick: Considering the Hawaiian shirt is an American staple, we’re not surprised to see the preppy American label craft a noteworthy one. J.Crew’s easy-going camp-collar shirt is crafted sustainably using antimicrobial hemp and cotton yarns, giving it a sturdier composition than a standard shirt. The light brown-colored top is finished off in a floral motif with shades of yellow, blue, and off-white.

Go Barefoot Land of Aloha Camp-Collar Shirt

The Starter: Go Barefoot’s classed-up spin on the standard Hawaiian is best showcased on the black-colored option, as the colors tend to pop much more against the darker backdrop. The buttoned top’s ‘Hula Hands’ motif is dominated by hula dancers, deep orange flowers, and guitars. Looks aside, this comfortable camp-collar silhouette is crafted from a lightweight blend of cotton and rayon to give it the breathability it needs to take on any tropical forecasts

Kamehameha Rainbow Isle

The Authentic Starter: Here is an ideal place to start if you’re looking for an authentic Aloha shirt. Kamehameha is a Hawaiian brand that has been preserving the integrity of this emblematic garment since 1936. This particular example began as a ‘70s-era painting initially commissioned as a trade show backdrop, then reprinted by Kamehameha in the ‘90s. It was a great decision, as this is one of the most stylish options on the market.

Avanti Hawaiian Maiden

The Best Silk Shirt: Avanti’s vintage-inspired Hawaiian Maiden shirt is another high-quality choice in an onslaught of authentic options. It is crafted from red Crepe de Chine silk, a crisp fabric that, oddly enough, looks better when wrinkled. Then, it’s embellished with a pair of floral chest pockets and a head-turning hula girl motif on the back. While the Waikiki-based boutique has countless camp-collared options, this is a piece that’s hard to overlook.

Reyn Spooner Golden Coast

The Best California-Inspired Shirt:  Reyn Spooner has been dubbed the “Brooks Brothers of the Pacific,” and high-quality pieces like this prove that’s a fair comparison. It’s crafted from the native Hawaiian label’s proprietary Spooner Kloth material, a blend of cotton and spun polyester that is wrinkle-free and remarkably soft. And it features artwork inspired by the stunning California coast, with takes you from the Golden Gate Bridge down to sunny San Diego.

Saturdays NYC Summer Bloom Canty Short Sleeve Shirt

The Best Non-Traditional Shirt: If you want to embrace the fact that you’re on vacation but aren’t a fan of flashy colors, then you should roll with this subtle choice from Saturdays NYC. The brand’s signature Summer Bloom motif coats the shirt to compose a Hawaiian shirt that will deviate from the majority. Composition-wise, it is crafted from an airy blend of cotton and Tencel, then rounded out with a camp collar. For added breathability, it even has a side vent to take in the much-needed summer breeze.

Corridor Magnum Deep Hawaiian Short Sleeve

The Tom Selleck Approved Shirt: Corridor’s nostalgia-inducing shirt takes after its namesake and is practically built for the screen. The Magnum Deep Hawaiian Short Sleeve is inspired by the iconic top worn by Tom Selleck on Magnum P.I., and it might surpass the original in style points thanks to its vibrant shade of red accompanied by gorgeous green, yellow, and blue floral embellishments. Lastly, like most summer-ready tops from Corridor, it is crafted from an ideal fabric to battle tepid weather in Lyocell.

Kahala Hana Hou

The Best Rayon Shirt: Kahala has been making authentic rayon aloha shirts since 1936 in Hawaii. And this shirt right here is inspired by that very time period, specifically, the iconic “silkies” that the label introduced back then. It’s also the brand’s debut collab with Todd Snyder, and features artwork inspired by a bar in Waikiki, so enjoy your next Mai Tai in style with this party-friendly shirt.

Gitman Vintage Aloha Quilt Shirt

The Best American-Made Shirt: Gitman Vintage’s collection of American-made items remains an outlier amongst most brands that manufacture their products overseas. That is simply a testament to its heritage, in the same vein that its Aloha Quilt Shirt is an homage to the beloved garment. It’s made with light and soft cotton, and features a unique pattern reminiscent of a vacation photo collage. Breathability is provided with side vents, and the shirt has a relaxed fit overall.

The Real McCoy’s Rayon Hawaiian Shirt

The Best Japanese Shirt: We’ve concluded that anything The Real McCoy’s puts forth is noteworthy, and this unique Hawaiian shirt is right up there with the best in its catalog. The Japanese label’s shirt is, again, crafted from rayon, resulting in the perfect blend of silk-like style and breathability. However, what separates the shirt from most others that appear through our guide is its lack of an inviting floral print, which has been swapped out with an epic, all-over motif of winged tigers, vintage airplanes, and towering mountains.

The Best Camp Collar Shirts for a Relaxed Fit

Looking for similar shirts with more design options? Then check out our best camp collar shirts guide.