20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (2024)

Table of Contents
Best budget pick Best on Amazon Most authentic pick best casual pick Best fit Best value pick Best classic-looking Most versatile pick best design Best athleisure pick Alimens & Gentle Casual Hawaiian Shirt Alimens & Gentle Casual Hawaiian Shirt Tipsy Elves Blue Talk Birdie to Me Hawaiian Shirt Tipsy Elves Blue Talk Birdie to Me Hawaiian Shirt Hawaii Hangover Aloha Shirt Hawaii Hangover Aloha Shirt Reef Daintree Short Sleeve Shirt Reef Daintree Short Sleeve Shirt Chubbies Friday Shirt Chubbies Friday Shirt Patagonia Go To Shirt Patagonia Go To Shirt J.Crew Short-Sleeve Slub Cotton Shirt J.Crew Short-Sleeve Slub Cotton Shirt Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt Banana Republic Linen-Cotton Expedition Shirt Banana Republic Linen-Cotton Expedition Shirt Lululemon Airing Easy Camp Collar Shirt Lululemon Airing Easy Camp Collar Shirt Tommy Bahama Coconut Point Balboa Island Shirt Tommy Bahama Coconut Point Balboa Island Shirt Wellen Easy Linen Short Sleeve Shirt Wellen Easy Linen Short Sleeve Shirt Scotch & Soda Printed Camp Shirt Scotch & Soda Printed Camp Shirt Todd Snyder Poppy Vine Camp Collar Shirt in Black Todd Snyder Poppy Vine Camp Collar Shirt in Black TravisMathew Sugar Rim Button-Up TravisMathew Sugar Rim Button-Up Faherty Short-Sleeve Breeze Shirt Faherty Short-Sleeve Breeze Shirt Peter Millar Linen Sport Shirt Peter Millar Linen Sport Shirt Bugatchi Milo Aquarelle Leaf Print Ooohcotton Short Sleeve Shirt Bugatchi Milo Aquarelle Leaf Print Ooohcotton Short Sleeve Shirt Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Tropical-Print Camp Shirt Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Tropical-Print Camp Shirt Rails Carson Shirt Rails Carson Shirt FAQs
20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (1)

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NO SHORT-SLEEVE shirt style better represents spring, summer, and endless days of sunshine than the Hawaiian shirt—also known as the Aloha shirt. Characterized by bright colors, floral or tropical patterns, and a relaxed fit, the top reason why Hawaiian shirts should be your go-to summer shirt is their lightweight, breathable fabric consisting of silk-like, cool-to-touch rayon. Coupled with a loose fit, hot summer air will only circulate to keep you cool in Aloha shirts instead of smothering you.

Hawaiian shirts unfortunately are now associated with oversized tops worn by tourists coming from the Honolulu airport. (Yikes.) But we’re here to change such perception with the best Hawaiian shirts for men that are thoroughly cool and modern, not to mention trendy.

The best Hawaiian shirts today are suitable for any casual occasion. They can either be cut in a flattering slim-fit to differentiate from your Dad’s closet full of hibiscus duds, or crafted in the retro, slightly wider camp collar shirt version once popularized by Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra in old Hollywood movies. Read on to see the 20 best Hawaiian shirts for men to embrace the Aloha spirit. In a wide range of prints and even performance feats, these Hawaiian shirts will make your warmer weather fits pop.

Best T-Shirts | Best Polo Shirts | Best Henley Shirts | Best Linen Shirts | Best Summer Clothes | Best V-Neck T-Shirts

Best budget pick

Alimens & Gentle Casual Hawaiian Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (13)

Best budget pick

Alimens & Gentle Casual Hawaiian Shirt

Amazon is chock full of cheap Hawaiian shirts at such great prices that you could end up with one for every day of the week. Start with this style, a touch of island life in cooler tones to subtly sport the trend, without overwhelming the eyes.

Best on Amazon

Tipsy Elves Blue Talk Birdie to Me Hawaiian Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (14)

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (15)

Best on Amazon

Tipsy Elves Blue Talk Birdie to Me Hawaiian Shirt

Now 16% Off

This Hawaiian shirt with stretch is the perfect style to throw on on a hot day and stay comfortable. Perfect for channeling a laid-back beachside mood even if you’re stuck in the city on a weekend. In addition, it's buttery soft and wrinkle-resistant, courtesy of the signature Aloha shirt fabric rayon. Under $50 nonetheless, for an Amazon find, this one is lit.

Most authentic pick

Hawaii Hangover Aloha Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (16)

Most authentic pick

Hawaii Hangover Aloha Shirt

While Walmart is a treasure trove for cheap Hawaiian shirts, you would not believe that you can find this long-time Hawaii-based brand there, selling this bona fide Aloha style in silk-like fabric for any casual spring and summer outing. Really, this is as authentic as Hawaiian shirts can get.

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best casual pick

Reef Daintree Short Sleeve Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (17)

best casual pick

Reef Daintree Short Sleeve Shirt

Now 20% Off

This nostalgic Hawaiian shirt makes it feel like summer is right around the corner. It’s cut with a roomy fit, giving it a retro-yet-fashion-forward vibe. And the print is definitely what you'll want to see in a Hawaiian shirt—so casual that it means business.

Best fit

Chubbies Friday Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (18)

Best fit

Chubbies Friday Shirt

People are going gaga over how this Hawaiian shirt fits just right: roomy at the waist for comfort but still looks tailored, hem is short for an untucked flex, and the sleeves show just the right tad of muscles. And did we mention the light, stretchy fabric that’ll keep you moving on?

Best value pick

Patagonia Go To Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (19)

Best value pick

Patagonia Go To Shirt

Now 51% Off

Talk about a no-brainer Aloha shirt: Patagonia’s got everything in spades from price to comfort to breathability to a clean look. Available in several prints that are perfect for weekend hangs with the boys or a night out at the bar.

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Best classic-looking

J.Crew Short-Sleeve Slub Cotton Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (20)

Best classic-looking

J.Crew Short-Sleeve Slub Cotton Shirt

Instead of playing down the pattern, J.Crew condenses it instead to create a print that is dressy yet versatile, fun yet elevated. In a classic fit and Oxford cut nonetheless, should you want to dress up for a summer diner party, it’ll go swell with chinos plus loafers, or jeans plus dress sneakers.

Most versatile pick

Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

Most versatile pick

Bonobos Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

Thanks to slim tailoring, Bonobos is one of the places to get the best Hawaiian shirts. It’s hard not to look forward to longer days ahead when you’re sporting this colorful purple and coral version that’s surprisingly wearable with dark jeans. Available in short to long lengths, slim to athletic fit, it's also stretchy for on-the-go style flex.

best design

Banana Republic Linen-Cotton Expedition Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (22)

best design

Banana Republic Linen-Cotton Expedition Shirt

Stripping a busy pattern down to just a couple of floral motifs (and two neat pockets) keeps this Hawaiian shirt from being overwhelming. Dress it up by topping it with a blazer and pleated pants and wear it to work on summer Fridays, or wear it down with swim trunks or sweat shorts—we'll be damned if this style doesn't flatter you.

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Best athleisure pick

Lululemon Airing Easy Camp Collar Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (23)

Best athleisure pick

Lululemon Airing Easy Camp Collar Shirt

What Lululemon’s camp shirts lack in the variety of prints—there are only two worthy of being called Hawaiian—they’ve more than made up in performance and comfort. They’re breathable, stretchy, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and in a laid-back relaxed fit that’s perfect for summer. For traveling or beach days.

best-looking

Tommy Bahama Coconut Point Balboa Island Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (24)

best-looking

Tommy Bahama Coconut Point Balboa Island Shirt

We can’t talk about Hawaiian shirts without giving a shoutout to Tommy Bahama—the causal wear brand churns out tropical designs that are at the forefront front of preppy, frat summer style. But its newest selection of Aloha shirts is elevated, to boot, in patterns that feel elegant and aren’t overwhelming, crafted in performance materials that are silky, cooling, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and travel-ready.

Most breathable pick

Wellen Easy Linen Short Sleeve Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (25)

Most breathable pick

Wellen Easy Linen Short Sleeve Shirt

For the most sizzling days of summer, linen is not merely enough, which is why Wellen’s linen-rayon blend Aloha shirt can lend a thorough upgrade—made of two ultra-breathable materials, it’ll surely be extra breezy and soft. With an easy-going fit inspired by surfing culture, it really lets you stay cool in the heat.

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best camp shirt

Scotch & Soda Printed Camp Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (26)

best camp shirt

Scotch & Soda Printed Camp Shirt

Now 31% Off

If Hawaiian florals and palms and even fruits are just your taste, Scotch & Soda’s breezy camp collar shirts will be your statement piece for summer. These stunners pair well with jeans, chinos, or shorts in prints that are just as wild. As camp shirts made in Viscose, they’re also comfortable as hell.

most stylish

Todd Snyder Poppy Vine Camp Collar Shirt in Black

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (27)

most stylish

Todd Snyder Poppy Vine Camp Collar Shirt in Black

Now 28% Off

For an elevated Hawaiian shirt look you won’t see anyone else in, score Todd Snyder's latest camp shirt in a bright, poppy print inspired by vintage art. Really, it has that same playful energy you expect with a Hawaiian shirt, but with a unique pattern that makes it wearable art. Made in Tencel, it's also incredibly soft and breathable for wearing all day, and the fit drapes nicely over you.

Best toned-down

TravisMathew Sugar Rim Button-Up

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (28)

Best toned-down

TravisMathew Sugar Rim Button-Up

Rock an ode to the classic Hawaiian shirt with this stylish palm frond print in a darker, more elevated tone that doesn’t scream “I need a vacation.” Appropriate to wear to brunch or the bar, wherever your weekend takes you, this toned-down Aloha shirt is also stretchy.

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Most comfortable

Faherty Short-Sleeve Breeze Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (29)

Most comfortable

Faherty Short-Sleeve Breeze Shirt

We’re throwing it back to your parents’ era, when the beer was cheaper and fashion was so bad it was actually good. This Hawaiian shirt made in a blend of hemp, Lyocell, and elastane has a straight fit that is stretchy and incredibly soft. Wear it for a wild night out or all day long, it'll make you look good and feel good.

Best linen shirt

Peter Millar Linen Sport Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (30)

Best linen shirt

Peter Millar Linen Sport Shirt

You’ll feel like you’re on a beach vacation in this soft, Hawaiian shirt made with soft, breathable linen. Can be worn tucked or untucked, it'll feel refreshing with each wear, making it seem like new every time you put it on.

best performance pick

Bugatchi Milo Aquarelle Leaf Print Ooohcotton Short Sleeve Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (31)

best performance pick

Bugatchi Milo Aquarelle Leaf Print Ooohcotton Short Sleeve Shirt

We love a Hawaiian shirt with stretch because it will take you from the beach to a casual dinner, without losing its shape along the way. Bugatchi's shirt, however, has an eight-way stretch to top all other stretch Aloha shirts. Other than that, it's quick-drying, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, breathable, and thermal regulating, making it a Hawaiian shirt you'll actually want to wear all day. (If this print is not your cup of tea, Bugatchi has plenty of others.)

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Best dressy pick

Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Tropical-Print Camp Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (32)

Best dressy pick

Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Tropical-Print Camp Shirt

Trying to score the best Hawaiian shirts to get your tropical freak on? Look no further than this Ralph Lauren retro style. It's lightweight, and the beach-inspired print doesn't scream "Hawaiian" shirt. In fact, pair it with your best dress trousers or chinos, they'll still look dandy.

best everyday pick

Rails Carson Shirt

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (33)

best everyday pick

Rails Carson Shirt

Still dilly-dallying over if that Aloha print looks too much? Well, Rails has churned out several—from jungles to floral—that look casual and decent for everyday wardrobe, but can still function as summer style flex when the occasion calls for it. Their lightweight linen-rayon blend also puts you at easy when you’re wearing it outside.

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (34)

Maverick Li

Former Style and Commerce Editor

Maverick Li is a former Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covered clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.

20 Aloha Shirts That Prove the Hawaiian Trend Is Far From Cheesy (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Aloha and Hawaiian shirts? ›

Aloha shirts tend to be referred to as "Hawaiian shirts" by the populace from the mainland United States, and are often brilliantly colored with floral patterns or generic Polynesian motifs. The aloha shirt is currently the premier textile export of the Hawaii manufacturing industry.

Why are Hawaiian shirts popular now? ›

The shirts were also popular with surfers and beachgoers, and by the 1950s, Hawaiian shirts had become a symbol of relaxed, carefree living. Today, Hawaiian shirts are still popular all around the world. They're often worn as casual summer wear, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

What is the meaning of the Aloha shirt? ›

The Aloha shirt gained popularity during the Great Depression, as it represented the idyllic, carefree, untroubled life people longed to be living at the time. Since then, the Aloha shirt has evolved as a warm-weather fashion statement, and to this day evokes the same cool, laidback look we still aim to capture.

Do Hawaiians actually wear Aloha shirts? ›

“In Hawai'i, Aloha shirts are worn nearly everywhere and by everyone,” says Chelle Pahinui, executive director of the Nā'ālehu Theatre on the Big Island of Hawai'i. “If you go to a celebratory evening, nearly every man is wearing a Sig Zane [a popular local brand].”

Why do people wear aloha shirts? ›

For decades the Hawaiian shirt has evoked the feeling of a tropical Hawaiian vacation. Like so many aspects of Hawaiian culture, the aloha shirt is rooted in the islands' rich traditions. What started as a laborers' uniform transformed into a global icon that instantly brings sandy beaches and crystal waters to mind.

What is the oldest Hawaiian shirt brand? ›

Founded in Honolulu, Hawai'i in 1936 by George Brangier and Nat Norfleet, Kahala is the oldest operating apparel company in Hawai'i and the first brand to manufacture aloha shirts.

Are Hawaiian shirts supposed to be baggy? ›

Reason Number 2 for choosing a loose fit is that when you don a Hawaiian shirt, it is actually engineered to be loose fitting in all the right areas, which is what makes them so extremely comfortable to wear.

Who invented the Aloha shirt? ›

Some say the first was made by a Japanese tailor in Hawaii from kimono cloth, others that it derives from the so-called 'tails-out' shirts native to the Philippines. Still others have argued that it migrated from Tahiti, where images of hibiscus, breadfruit and other exotica have long been printed on cloth.

What do you wear under an aloha shirt? ›

For a relaxed but attractive look, there is no better option than to wear a round neck t-shirt under your Hawaiian shirt. In fact, you can choose a colorful t-shirt that contrasts with the print. Choose a bold pattern for the Hawaiian shirt and wear it open with a T-shirt underneath.

Can you wear an aloha shirt with a suit? ›

What are some great ways to wear a Hawaii shirt with a suit or blazer? - Quora. If you wore the Hawaiian shirt with a light or pastel colored blazer and casual, pants, rolled up hems- basically pair up the shirt with the pants and then add a summer weight blazer. Check out these options. they all look fresh and young.

What does upside down aloha mean? ›

What does VH07V mean? In short, VH07V spells ALOHA upside down and is meant to be a daily reminder for us to keep ALOHA in our hearts.

What flip flops do Hawaiians wear? ›

In Hawaii, locals don't wear “flip-flops,” nor do they wear “thongs.” What you should understand is the deep island pride in the iconic rubber slipper, also known as the “slippah,” which traces its roots back to the Japanese zori (traditional flat sandals made of rice straw or plant fibers) and came into popular use in ...

What to wear with a Hawaiian shirt girl? ›

Use it as a mid-layer. Wear it over a white tank and under a leather or denim jacket for those colder months. Business on the brain , try tucking it into jeans for a simple yet stylish look. Tuck it into a pencil skirt and add chunky boots to complete the look: Rock'n'Roll professional.

What not to wear to a luau? ›

When you're planning what to wear to your luau, keep in mind that they are family-friendly affairs and there are only a few guidelines to follow: Leave beachwear, activewear, and skimpy attire at the hotel. Dress comfortably, you'll be outside for hours. Dress for a festive occasion, but don't go overboard.

Should aloha shirts be tucked in? ›

So by default, Hawaiian shirts should usually be worn untucked. There are certain types of Hawaiian shirts that are designed to be untucked. Those shirts are have a “picture” across the shirt sometimes called an “engineered” print or a bottom design print.

How to tell a real Hawaiian shirt? ›

A true Aloha Shirt has coconut buttons and a “camp” collar. The buttons are easy enough to spot; if they're brown in color and organic in texture, you're good to go. The camp collar is seldom seen on anything besides Aloha Shirts these days, but it has a long and distinguished history.

What is the difference between a camp shirt and a Hawaiian shirt? ›

Hawaiian shirts usually have a colorful floral print. Bowling shirts usually have two colors and space for printing team and or name information on fronts and or back. They may or may not have slits on the sides and a pocket. Camp shirts are solid earth tone colors and may have side slits and more than one pocket.

What do you wear under an Aloha shirt? ›

For a relaxed but attractive look, there is no better option than to wear a round neck t-shirt under your Hawaiian shirt. In fact, you can choose a colorful t-shirt that contrasts with the print. Choose a bold pattern for the Hawaiian shirt and wear it open with a T-shirt underneath.

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