Anytime you see a Hawaii shirt being worn - whether it’s on television or in a movie - you know what state is being represented.
The sight of a colorful and comfortable Hawaiian shirt or dress makes you want to plan a trip to the islands... Or remind you of your last visit here... Even if it was years ago, the memories of a fun, relaxing time still resonate, right? If you want to browse through heavily discounted authentic Hawaiian shirts and dresses click on the image below:
Have you ever wondered when the Hawaii shirt became so recognizable?
In the 1930’s Hawaii became a popular place to visit. Because of the beauty of the islands and perfect weather, Hollywood became aware of it, air travel was expanding, and stars and starlets could vacation in Hawaii and enjoy the fabulous scenery and gorgeous weather year round.
Many of the islanders were not natives, but those who came to Hawaii to work in the sugar cane and pineapple fields.
Coming from Japan and the Philippines, they brought the Kimono and Barong Tagalong, which is an untucked shirt. Both had bright colors and were relaxing to wear. These fabrics were used to make shirts for little kids and plantation workers.
Then, surfers began buying the shirts as fast as they were being made.
When Hawaii became a state in 1959, the buzz about the 50th state of The United States gave this type of wear tons of exposure. Everybody knew what a Hawaii shirt, often called the Aloha shirt, looked like. Famous faces have been seen wearing them, Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby and the character Magnum P.I. played by Tom Selleck.
Does the name Hilo Hattie sound familiar?
Those who knew her say that she's the reason the Aloha shirt gained its popularity. Hilo Hattie, whose real name was Clarissa "Clara" Haili, was a famous Hawaiian singer, hula dancer, actress and comedian born in 1901.
She wasn’t in it to be a movie star, however she was in a few movies where she wore the famous Hawaii shirt. She even kissed Elvis in “Blue Hawaii”. She also appeared on Hawaii 5-0 for a couple of episodes and wore the colorful shirt that everybody knows belongs to Hawaii.
She also worked with the islands on Easter Seals and she emceed the Luau at Queen's Surf.
Her wearing of the Hawaii shirt downplayed the nature of island women because Hilo portrayed it as a mom who enjoyed her life and wanted to embrace the Hawaiian spirit of the islands. Her chance to tour the world and perform gave people who knew nothing about Hawaii a sense of comfort.
Hilo was a school teacher who taught many subjects but her favorite was music. Her song “When Hilo Hattie Does the Hilo Hop” was as famous as she was.
Hilo passed away in 1979 but her name was not buried with her, the largest manufacturer of Hawaiian shirts bought her name so it could live on. Until recently, Hilo Hattie stores were the chain of Hawaiian-themed stores.
Currently, the largest Hawaii shirt store is in Honolulu with a large selection of authentic, island-style clothing available online, including men's shirts, women's blouses, classy wedding dresses, and cool Aloha wear for kids.
When you buy here, your Hawaiian shirt or dress manufactured in Honolulu is delivered worldwide via FedEx and USPS.
Hilo’s name lives on with each stitch and colorful pattern - and so will every memory you have while wearing one.
