Hawaiian Shirts - Aloha Shirts

[alsendk]

Just got all my 8 Aloha hawaii shirts from Ebay, and the tag inside the collar say: KYS made in Hawaii USA.
So I reckon it must be the true quality from the tropical Island...so far from Denmark[huh]

 

[Kahuna]

After collecting Hawaiian shirts for nearly 20 years (always at thrift store prices, can't afford to pay collector prices) I came across my second vintage original yesterday. The moment I touched it I knew I was on to something special. Something about the feel of the originals just hasn't been duplicated by the people who make replica shirts. Anyway these are the 2 originals I've found, the red Polynesian Sportswear label being my most recent find. I'm almost as proud of the Kapiolani Cleaners wooden hanger the Pali is on. It was brought back from Hawaii when my in-laws lived there during WW2.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Two very nice shirts I hope they fit you.

 

[Nathan Flowers]

Summer's pretty much here in my corner of the world. Should we be looking for vintage or repro? What do you like to see?

 

[mikespens]

Indeed, this thread needs a bump. Either vintage or repro works for me since the style is pretty timeless. Let's see some!

 

[mikespens]

Pulled one out even though it's still too cool to wear here in Wa. Summer starts July 5th up here. This is a favorite of mine although it's not vintage. Celebrates Tiki Kulture, of which I am a fan, so a ba***rd relation to Hawaiian shirts. Hope it doesn't offend the purists. Made in China for Kahala of Hawaii but nicely done and detailed, 100% silk. Normally would have passed on this because it's made in China but it was very reasonably priced off Ebay and once I got it I was impressed by it's quality.





Embroidered details:


Behind the pocket:


Coconut buttons:


The back:


Cheers:

 

[mikespens]

I came across this interesting online site for shirts, made to order. Apologize if this is a duplicate post.

http://www.alohaland.com/index.php

 

[Simons]

Learning a lot from this thread. Thankyou

 

[mikespens]

Just received a new repro Pakala off Ebay. The Pakala is a traditional Hawaiian Plantation shirt that probably spawned the Aloha shirts. Slightly heavier and rougher cotton fabric more suitable for work that I'm sure will soften nicely with washing. Very breathable too. Want a blue one but settled for red for now, the price was right. This one is by RJC of Hawaii and they are still in business: http://www.rjchawaii.com/



Double pleated back

 

[maduro 5]

Mike, I got inspired by your post and contacted RJC. They do not deal with general public and they referred me to www.mauishirts.com. Mauishirts .com did not have any palaka shirts in my size and I ordered a blue palaka shirt from Judi at http://www.alohaland.com/hawaiian-palaka-shirts. It should show up in Canada in couple of weeks.

And here is a gift from my brother for my birthday. He found it amusing...It is by Dry Bones and made in Japan. It is on its way to me.

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[mikespens]

m5, the Pakalas are hard to find especially if your looking for pre-owned to save some peso. I'm sure they are readily available on the islands. I was about to breakdown and pay for one of Judi's when I came across the red RJC NWT on Ebay for $25 to my door. It has fake coconut buttons, interesting to know what Judi's are. Still looking for a blue one.

Your Dry Bones is amusing and probably well made coming from Japan.

This post needs some life.

 

[mikespens]

This thread seems to be turning into my own private Idaho. Oh well. Here's another repro, this time an Alfred Shaheen by Reyn Spooner in 100% cotton, reverse print, and made in Hawaii. Really like this print a lot, kind of a tribal batik. Reminds me of Tiki Kulture.

 

[maduro 5]

Mike, very nice print, you do like them in subdued colors. I thought you got more than one?

 

[mikespens]

Thanks Michael. I did get another but felt it's not as significant as the Shaheen print so didn't post it although it is a more traditional floral print. With the action this thread is generating I could probably get away with posting a tee shirt

 

[MikeBravo]

What about this one? Not vintage indeed, but was that really made in Hawaii?

I just picked up a KY's shirt for $8, it has surfboards on it. It says Made in Hawaii.

Pics soon

 

[mikespens]

Life on this thread at last! I'm a fan of surfboards myself MikeBravo but still haven't found the "right" shirt yet. Look forward to your pics.

In the meantime here's another subdued shirt mentioned above as not significant. Joe Kealuha's 100% cotton reverse print and made in Hawaii. Buttons appear to be fake bone, in plastic I'm guessing but nicely done regardless. Got it used for a song but appears unworn.

 

[dh66]

Mike you have an impressive supply of shirts

 

[mikespens]

Welcome to the Lounge dh66! Regarding the supply of shirts, you never know when you'll need a fresh one so I keep my eye out.

 

[MikeBravo]

Here's one I've had for a while. The brand is "Hilo Hattie"

 

[MikeBravo]

Here's a recent acquisition (the previously mentioned surfboard shirt). The brand is KY's International Fashions