Aloha Shirts: Hawaii's Colorful Casual Wear

Aloha shirts - also called Hawaiian shirts - are patterned, collared shirts that began in Hawaii in the early 20th century. They project a relaxed, sociable mood, are worn by locals and tourists, and remain tied to the islands' hospitality and tourism. Flower placement in the hair signals relationship status; shirts can be found from budget retailers to local designers.

What an Aloha shirt is

Aloha shirts (commonly called Hawaiian shirts on the U.S. mainland) are short-sleeved, collared shirts printed with bright, tropical patterns. They emerged in Hawaii in the early 20th century as a fusion of Asian, Pacific Island, and Western tailoring and printing traditions. Today they keep that relaxed, vacation-ready look while also serving as everyday wear for many island residents.

Why they feel friendly

Aloha shirts project an easygoing, social vibe. The bold florals, waves, volcanoes and native plants printed on them invite conversation and often act as an informal icebreaker - especially useful in a place where hospitality is central to daily life and to the visitor experience.

Worn by locals and visitors

Locals and tourists wear Aloha shirts. On the islands you will see them on people working in hotels, restaurants, and tours as well as on residents going about their day. Tourism continues to be a major part of Hawaii's economy and Aloha shirts remain closely tied to that industry as both casual uniform and souvenir.

Style and symbolism

Patterns vary widely, and no two shirts need to look the same. Beyond visual appeal, the shirts sometimes carry personal or cultural meaning: the choice of print, color, or motif can reflect mood, region, or a connection to nature. Like leis and flowers used for celebration, Aloha shirts participate in the islands' visual language of welcome.

A common island custom involves wearing an orchid or another flower in the hair: placed over the left ear it typically signals that the wearer is in a committed relationship; over the right ear it traditionally indicates single status.

Buying and wearing them today

You don't need to go to an expensive boutique to find an Aloha shirt. Chains, independent shops, and local designers all offer a wide range of choices. In Hawaii the term "Aloha shirt" is widely used; on the U.S. mainland people tend to say "Hawaiian shirt."

Aloha shirts are versatile: they work for beachwear, tourist outfits, and many island workplaces where a relaxed dress code applies. In recent decades they've also appeared in broader American fashion cycles, sometimes reinterpreted by contemporary designers.

A quick note on history and stats

The Aloha shirt's precise origin involves several designers and tailors in Hawaii during the early 1900s; sources differ about who made the first one. Likewise, employment statistics linking Hawaii's workforce to tourism vary by year and source - tourism remains a major employer but exact percentages should be checked against the latest state data.¹

1. Confirm the current percentage of Hawaii's workforce employed by the tourism sector using the latest Hawaii state labor or tourism reports.
2. Verify detailed origin claims (dates and individual designers) for the Aloha shirt in authoritative historical sources.