Though Hawaiian shirts have their origin in Hawaii, their popularity is nonetheless noticed in other parts of the world. They are made of exquisite fabric, which is at the same time colorful and very comfortable. So how did it come into being and what made it so popular?
The Origin of the Hawaiian Shirt
In the 1880s, although Hawaii was self-governed, businesses run by US merchants dominated most of the place. This is when in search of cheap labor, the plantation owners had to hire workers from other countries such as China, Korea, and Portugal. This was also the time when Japanese immigrants had started coming here in large numbers.
The real Hawaiian Shirts, which are also known as Aloha Shirts, are said to have been created around the 1920s. There is much debate as to who is the creator of these shirts, but some connection has been made with the Japanese, Chinese and Filipino immigrants there. The Japanese people came there and as remembrances used to bring kimono cloth, multi-colored silks and barong talongs (traditional untucked shirt) respectively.
The Man Behind the Name of Hawaiian Shirts
There is a personality, however, who is widely considered the brain behind the names of the Hawaii Shirts – Aloha. Ellery Chun, as the Chinese-Hawaiian Businessman is named, had confidently started to promote local shirts after his business began to decline during the Great Depression.
Hawaiian Shirts and Fashion
If you do not have an Aloha shirt in your wardrobe already, you are not fashionable. Aloha shirts are one of those style statements which never manage to get old with time. They are equally popular among men as well as women. The only sad part is, however, the men have much more options to choose from when it comes to the fabric and prints, while women have to be content with only some of them.
There is a slight difference between the shirts designed for men and women. Men’s Hawaiian Shirts have their buttons placed on the right side. On the contrary, the buttons of Women’s Hawaiian Shirts are generally placed at the left side. It is better to look into this matter while you are shopping, but if the placement of the buttons does not bother you, you can easily go with any of the shirts.
Aloha Camp Shirts
Hawaiian Shirts came into fashion only as a beach wear, or as a dress code to follow when camping. Nevertheless, it became favorite among people to that extent that they even started wearing them to the office!
Most of the companies allow their employees to wear casual dresses to the office once a week, and people take this advantage very seriously. Employees can be seen wearing Aloha shirts to work on Fridays. These shirts are also great when out for shopping or lazing around a lake, or spending time with friends and family.
Aloha or Hawaiian Shirts are synonymous to ultimate comfort clothing. The fabric is very soothing to the skin, which makes it comfortable during summers. And also, the designs on them are all that take to invite attention in the crowd! So when are you buying your shirt?
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