Aloha Shirt vs Hawaiian Shirt: What's the Difference?
Is an aloha shirt the same as a Hawaiian shirt? Yes. It is the same shirt with two names. In Hawaii, people call it an aloha shirt. On the mainland, most people say Hawaiian shirt. The cut, the bright prints and the relaxed fit are the same.
Below you'll find what makes a shirt an aloha shirt, where it came from, and how to wear one today, from the beach to a wedding. You can also browse our custom Hawaiian shirts and make one with your own photos.
Aloha shirt vs Hawaiian shirt: the short answer
- Aloha shirt: the name used in Hawaii, where the shirt was born. It first appeared in print in a Honolulu newspaper in 1935.
- Hawaiian shirt: the name most people use on the US mainland and around the world.
- The shirt itself: the same. A printed, collared shirt with buttons down the front and short sleeves, usually worn untucked.
Some people use "aloha shirt" for the classic island style, with soft colors and traditional flowers, and "Hawaiian shirt" for louder, more playful prints. That is a habit, not a rule. You can use either name for any of them.
What makes a shirt an aloha shirt?
A few details set the aloha shirt apart from other short-sleeve shirts:
- A printed fabric. Flowers, leaves, waves, surfboards, canoes, fish and island scenes are the classics.
- A camp or open collar that lies flat, so the shirt looks relaxed even when buttoned.
- Short sleeves and a straight hem made to be worn outside your pants.
- A matched chest pocket. On a well-made shirt, the print on the pocket lines up with the print behind it, so the pattern looks unbroken.
- Light, breathable fabric for warm weather.
A short history of the aloha shirt
The aloha shirt was born in Honolulu in the 1920s and 1930s. Two shops are usually named as its starting point. Musa-Shiya, a tailor shop run by Kōichirō Miyamoto, made shirts from colorful Japanese prints. Ellery Chun of King-Smith Clothiers is credited with producing them in large numbers, and he trademarked the name "Aloha Shirt" in 1937.
After World War II, travelers and soldiers carried the shirt home to the mainland, where it became the "Hawaiian shirt." Designer Alfred Shaheen raised the bar with richer fabrics and more detailed prints, and Elvis Presley wore one of his shirts on the cover of the 1961 album Blue Hawaii.
Locals often preferred quieter shirts. One popular style is the reverse print, where the fabric is turned inside out so the colors look soft and faded. It is still a favorite today, like our Reverse Print Hibiscus shirt.
What is Aloha Friday?
In the 1960s, Hawaii's clothing makers wanted people to wear aloha shirts to work. Led by the Hawaiian Fashion Guild, "Aloha Friday" officially began in 1966, letting men wear an aloha shirt to the office on Fridays. By 1970 the shirt was accepted at work on any weekday in Hawaii. The idea later spread across the country as "Casual Friday."
That is why "aloha attire" still appears on invitations in Hawaii. It simply means an aloha shirt for men and a bright island dress for women.
Classic aloha shirt prints
- Hibiscus and plumeria: the most classic floral look. See our floral and hibiscus Hawaiian shirts.
- Vintage island scenes: palm trees, canoes and ukuleles in a 1950s style. Browse our vintage Hawaiian shirts.
- Tiki: carved masks and torches for a fun, retro party feel, like our tiki Hawaiian shirts.
- Pineapples and fruit: playful and bright, great for summer parties.
- Ocean and surf: waves, turtles and surfboards for beach days.
How to wear an aloha shirt
Everyday
Wear it untucked with shorts, chinos or jeans. Let the shirt be the star and keep everything else simple: solid colors, sneakers, loafers or sandals.
Dressed up
An aloha shirt works with tailored slacks or under a light blazer or jacket. Pick a softer print, like a reverse print or a two-color floral, and you'll look relaxed but put together.
At work
In Hawaii, an aloha shirt is normal business wear. Elsewhere, save it for Fridays, casual offices and team events, and choose a calm print.
Tucked or untucked?
Untucked is the tradition. The straight hem is made for it. Tuck it in only when the dress code asks for a more formal look.
How to choose an aloha shirt
- Fit: it should hang straight and loose, with the hem landing around the middle of your back pocket. Too long looks sloppy untucked; too tight pulls at the buttons.
- Print size: big, bold flowers make a statement. Small, dense prints look calmer and are easier to dress up.
- Colors: dark or faded tones work for evenings and the office. Bright reds, pinks and teals are made for parties, cruises and the beach.
- The occasion: a wedding or work event calls for a softer print. A birthday, bachelor party or family trip is the time for something fun, like a shirt printed with faces.
Not sure which size to pick? Open the size guide on the product page and compare it with a shirt you already love to wear.
Aloha shirts for weddings, groups and family
An aloha shirt is a favorite for beach weddings. Grooms and groomsmen often match in the same print, or the groom wears a different color to stand out. See our guide to the beach wedding dress code for men, or browse wedding Hawaiian shirts like the Vibrant Hibiscus shirt.
They are just as popular for bachelor parties, cruises and reunions. For trips and photos, try matching family Hawaiian shirts or couples matching Hawaiian shirts.
Make your own custom aloha shirt
Want an aloha shirt nobody else has? Put your own photos into the print. A face, your dog or the whole family, mixed in with the hibiscus and palm leaves. It makes a funny, memorable gift for birthdays, Father's Day, retirements and vacations.
- Pick a design. Start with a print you love in our custom Hawaiian shirts collection.
- Upload your photos. Clear, front-facing photos work best. Our photo tips for custom Hawaiian shirts show you how to choose them.
- Choose the size and style, then check the preview before you order.
Shirts with pets are a big hit, like this Vintage Tropical Natural shirt with a husky's face in the print.
FAQ
Is an aloha shirt the same as a Hawaiian shirt?
Yes. "Aloha shirt" is the name used in Hawaii, and "Hawaiian shirt" is the name used on the mainland. It is the same printed, collared, short-sleeve shirt.
Why is it called an aloha shirt?
"Aloha" is the Hawaiian word for hello, goodbye and love. Honolulu shops used the name in the 1930s, and it first appeared in print in 1935.
Should you tuck in an aloha shirt?
Usually not. Aloha shirts are made to be worn untucked. Tuck one in only when the dress code is more formal.
What is aloha attire?
Aloha attire is a dress code from Hawaii. For men, it means an aloha shirt with slacks or chinos. For women, it means a bright island dress or a printed top.
Can I make a custom aloha shirt with photos?
Yes. Choose a design, upload your photos and preview the shirt before you order. Faces, pets and family photos all work.
Ready to make yours? Pick a print, add your photos and wear your own piece of aloha. Shop custom Hawaiian shirts.