Hawaiian Shirts - Aloha Shirts

[mikespens]

Charlie, Dale, and Harv, thanks!

 

[mikespens]

The main reason I got this one is because it was a steal, $9.95 delivered! Turns out once in hand I love it, it really has a mello vibe to it. Modern Kahala repop with really nice details. 70% silk 30% linen looks like barkcloth but has soft/squishy/cool feel of crepe. Loop collar, 2 pleat back, side slits, matched pocket, coconut buttons with contrast stitched button holes, and a couple of embroidered details. I really like the Kahala brand, the current owner wrote "The Aloha Shirt" book and really respects vintage style and fabric. Made in China but top notch quality.






Nice embroidered details

 

[dh66]

That's a nice one Mike. Even in the pics I can tell the fabric is killer. I like the texture of it.

Also.....I need the down low on this book of which you speak.

 

[mikespens]

Thanks Dale, the fabric has that cool like its damp feeling.

Here's the book, also might find a bargain on Ebay:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Aloha-Shi...id=1410215579&sr=8-2&keywords=the+aloha+shirt

 

[seabass]

Mike Great shirt & book as well
as Dale states the weave of that fabric is very nice & probably reflects the linen in the mix nice & airy too.
the book is great for the history & I noticed a few of the Avanti repops are from some of the originals in the book
man I wish I held on to some of the originals I sported as a youngster now I know why they sold fast when I moved them a long time ago.
che

 

[dh66]

Thanks for the info Mike. I don't have that one, but I will soon.

 

[mikespens]

Thanks Che. Yep, the book isn't your typical picture book (there are lots) but also includes a lot of inside the industry insight by the author. I'd call it must have if your interested in these shirts. I now know just enough to be a danger to myself.

 

[RJR]

Thanks for the info re the book!

 

[mikespens]

Thanks for the info re the book!

RJR, the more you know the more you appreciate them. I'm referencing the book all the time.

 

[dh66]

http://youtu.be/72jr7VAn29s

Thought this might be of interest to some of you guys.

 

[mikespens]

Hep kats, hep times.

 

[mikespens]

A late season pick up. I've been looking for the right pineapple shirt for some time, not sure this is it but it is also an Iolani which is a brand I've wanted to try as well. Pleased with the brand, made in Hawaii. 100% Rayon, loop collar, coconut buttons, and 2 pleats on the back. May look red because I had to use flash but it's actually closer to being a rust tone.

 

[dh66]

Very nice one, Mike! Fantastic graphics. I'd call it a keeper.

Come oooon springtime!!

 

[RJR]

Nice acquisition!

 

[mikespens]

Thanks Dale and RJR. Short sleeves seem a long ways away now........

 

[GregNYC]

Great find, Dale! Getting me in the mood for my Honolulu trip next week!

 

[mikespens]

It's been 6 long months since there's been any action here. There are some advantages to the winter season, Pendelton shirts and mouton collar coats for example, but my favorite season is Straw hat and Aloha shirt season. It's still a bit too cool here, but the sun is starting to shine more often than not and I'm looking forward to the fashion switch. I'm also always on the lookout for another shirt, OCD would be more correct. So I was stoked to finally receive this shirt in the mail today after a long wait for the post. I have been looking for this shirt for a LONG time and since this particular color seems to be out of production, that combined with my oversize left me pessimistic for success. So to say I'm stoked to find a nice example would be an understatement. This shirt has been around, made in Hawaii and posted from Poland to me.

The original motif of this shirt by Kahala is prominently featured in "The Aloha Shirt book" book on page 139 and is shown being worn by Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan for you youngsters). Mine is a repop by Kalakaua of Hawaii and although there is no fabric tag their websites says it's "100% Rayon Poplin". It has a soft cotton feel. While not an exact reproduction of the pictured shirt, it's is quite close. Kalakaua calls the print "Comic Fish" and credits the design to the 40's. It features a wide lapel loop collar, 2 pleats on the back, pocket matching, and coconut buttons. Excuse the creases, this is fresh from the package before I send it off to the dry cleaners




Here is a pix of "The Aloha Shirt" book page



An even closer match in the Rin Tanaka book

 

[Bamaboots]

mikespens, I'm a big fan of Aloha shirts and that is one fine example. I'm impressed with that pocket matching, excellent work. Enjoy wearing it.

 

[RJR]

Wow,that is a nice one,mikespens.

 

[dh66]