Thanks partly to Ace Ventura and drunk dads cooking shrimp on the BBQ, no summer shirt has created more controversy than the alohaâaka the Hawaiian. The âis it cool or cornyâ debate has been a topic of menswear conversation for years, and I, for one, think itâs about time it stopped.
The best menâs Hawaiian shirts are cool. In fact, theyâve always been cool. From Elvis Presley on the cover of his Blue Hawaii soundtrack album to a fresh-faced Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet, the evidence was there all along. You just werenât looking hard enough.
Admittedly, the right Hawaiian shirts can be difficult to find. Which is why Iâve rounded up a selection of essential styles that are timeless, not tragicâfrom jumbo-sized florals to dressy designs and everything in between.
Key Takeaway
The Hawaiian shirt, also known as the aloha shirt, is your best bet for making a statement in the sun. Whether youâre sipping cocktails by the Mediterranean or simply want to bring some carefree island vibes to your outfits, its bright colors, tropical patterns, and lightweight fabrics are perfect for summer.
To find the best Hawaiian shirts, I pored over hundreds of customer reviews and assessed each shortlisted option for versatility, quality, and the power of its print. What I was left with was eight standout styles, including Wax Londonâs Didcot shirt and a budget-friendly design from H&M.
Why itâs great: If you were wondering how Hawaiian shirts have ended up on everyoneâs vacation wardrobe wish list, look no further. Wax Londonâs design is a far cry from the novelty styles youâd wear at frat parties. Itâs made from 100% viscose in a relaxed fit thatâs spacious and airy.
The vibrant pattern is bold but surprisingly easy to style, and the camp collar gives it a timeless feel.
Who is this for? Available in several prints, the Didcot is a real showstopper thatâs suitable for weekend hangs with the boys or summer soirées with your lady. And it goes without saying that you should be packing it for your next vacation. Itâs the best of the best menâs Hawaiian shirts.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You may struggle to get away with this in more formal settings (itâs definitely not a dress shirt), though you could try pairing it underneath an unstructured blazer with ankle-grazing pants and some canvas sneakers.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: XSâXXL | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine Wash
Why itâs great: Billy Reidâs version of the Hawaiian shirt is made from pure cotton, making it a slightly heavier yet more versatile option that can be shown off throughout the year. Donât worry, itâs still light enough for the summer, but the extra thickness means it can also be used as a layer during spring and fall.
Who is this for? If you plan on wearing your Hawaiian shirt beyond vacations and sizzling summers, this should be your go-to. It can be styled in multiple ways, plus it can be machine washed and tumble dried.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It doesnât have the silky soft handle of your regular aloha shirt, nor does it drape as freely.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XSâXXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why itâs great: Amazon is full of Hawaiian shirts, but this one from Coofandy stood out thanks to the thousands of glowing reviews. Adorned with a tropical pattern in a relaxed-fit style, itâs given five stars for its striking appearance, comfort, and value for money.
Who is this for? Itâs competitively priced and available in a wide range of sizes, so this is an excellent all-rounder thatâll interest most guys looking for the best menâs Hawaiian shirts.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: There are a few grumbles about the quality and feel of the fabric. Some say it feels too stiff and synthetic, especially when it first arrives and hasnât been washed a few times.
Material: Cotton/Polyester | Sizes: SâXXXXL | Colors: 10+ | Care: Machine Wash
Why itâs great: When it comes to printed designer shirts, Casablanca never misses. Case in point is this silk-twill version, inspired by Nigerian culture.
Light and flowy in a boxy shape, itâs decorated heavily with various instruments and motifs that have been taken from â70s vinyl records. Easier than you think to style, it can be paired with everything from baggy jeans and sneakers to tailored shorts and pool slides.
Who is this for? One for the big spenders and flash Harrys, itâs certainly an acquired taste. Those who like it the most will probably already be fans of Casablancaâs work. Youâll also be the kind of guy who appreciates the luxury silk construction thatâs been used instead of viscose.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though itâs definitely one of the best menâs Hawaiian shirts, not everyone will be able to afford it, or justify the price tag. Itâs also worth noting that youâll have to take it to the dry cleaners, as it canât be machine washed.
Material: 100% Silk | Sizes: XSâXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Dry clean
Why itâs great: If youâre going to rock a Hawaiian shirt, you might as well do it properly, right? This loud and proud design reminds me of the badass styles worn by Al Pacino in Scarface or Robert de Niro in Cape Fear. Itâs a real conversation starter and has a price tag we can all get behind.
Who is this for? This is one of the best menâs Hawaiian shirts. Itâs a dream for those on a budget, as well as anyone whoâs buying a Hawaiian shirt to wear as a one-off. You can style it alone with shorts and loafers or layer it on top of a crew neck tee.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Itâs bold, so youâll need to be confident to pull it off. Should you have the cojones, youâll reap the benefits and certainly up your style cred.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: XSâXXXL | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine Wash
Why itâs great: OAS â named after its founder, Oliver Adam Sebastian â is a brand that was born during trips to Barcelona. So, if anyone knows how to create year-round vacation wear, itâs them.
The labelâs Eldovado shirt is made from a breezy, silky soft viscose fabric and cut to an uber-comfortable fit thatâs ideal for summer. You can wear it with plenty of wardrobe staples, including tailored pants, jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers. Better yet, the brand offers free standard shipping for all orders worldwide.
Who is this for? Itâs patterned with hand-drawn shapes, not colorful flowers, so it feels more appropriate for everyday wear. Itâs not as bold as your generic Hawaiian shirts, so itâs a great option for guys who want to subtly add more character to their closets.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Be careful with the sunscreenâgetting it on the shirt can cause discoloration. Even the best menâs Hawaiian shirts can suffer from that.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: XSâXXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why itâs great: Beautifully lightweight and adorned with a classy yet eye-catching print, this option from Mango shouts more high-fashion than Honolulu. As functional as it is stylish, the flowy fabric will be a godsend on hot and sticky days.
In addition, the chest pocket in this exemplifier of the best menâs Hawaiian shirts is the perfect place to store your shades.
Who is this for? A versatile addition to your summer rotation, this one can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Itâll appeal most to the fashion-forward fella whoâs looking for a Hawaiian shirt that will always be taken seriously.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The washing instructions tell you to avoid throwing this into the tumble dryer, so youâll need to let it dry naturally.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: SâXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why itâs great: You might know Shinesty best for their outlandish underwear and statement ski suits, but they also have a collection of the best Hawaiian shirts. This one is made from a lightweight fabric and features a recurring horse motif thatâs fun and freakinâ awesome.
My favorite feature is the discreet pocket at the back thatâs perfectly sized to hold a bottle of beer.
Who is this for? This is a winner for the guy who doesnât take himself too seriously. The design makes it an eye-catching piece that is sure to be a topic of conversation at beach parties, weekend brunches, and barbeques.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The fabric composition is a touch on the cheap side, but admittedly it doesnât really feel it.
Material: 78% Polyester, 12% Cotton, 10% Spandex | Sizes: SâXXXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Buying Considerations for The Best Menâs Hawaiian Shirts
Hawaiian shirts are renowned for their bold and vibrant prints, so consider the design that best suits your style and personality. Whether you prefer traditional floral patterns, tropical motifs, or more subtle designs, choose the one you feel most comfortable wearing.
Additionally, you should pay attention to the color scheme and overall aesthetic of the shirt to ensure that it aligns with the rest of your wardrobe and the outfits you intended to wear it with.
Fabric
The fabric of the shirt is crucial for comfort and durability, especially as youâll be wearing it most in warm weather. Look for the best Hawaiian shirts made from lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton or viscose, which offer excellent ventilation and comfort.
Itâs also a good idea to check the quality of stitching and construction to ensure longevity.
Fit
Youâll find that the best menâs Hawaiian shirts come in various cuts and styles, so itâs essential to find the right fit for your body type and preferences. Think about whether you prefer a relaxed, loose fit for a casual vibe or a more tailored silhouette for something smarter.
How We Chose
To uncover the best menâs Hawaiian shirts, I analyzed Reddit forums, customer reviews, and brand profiles, plus considered numerous factorsâfrom how each style fits and what you can wear it with to how much it costs and whether itâs worth the money.
Price: Are you getting what youâre paying for? I rounded up a variety of designs suitable for every budget and looked at how much each shirt cost and whether or not it justified its price tag.
Customer Reviews: Are customers happy with the shirt? If I hadnât already tried it myself, reviewing feedback on numerous platforms allowed me to gain a much better understanding of what it was really like beyond the screen.
Brand Reputation: Checking up on each brandâs reputation was key to finding the best Hawaiian shirts. I featured only names that consistently performed in terms of product quality and customer satisfaction.
Why Trust Us?
What Billy Webb doesnât know about shirting isnât worth knowing. Heâs been in the menswear game for over a decade and has covered everything from untucked Oxfords to dress shirts for big guys. Which is why thereâs no better man to take you through the best menâs Hawaiian shirts.
Billyâs commitment to providing honest, detailed advice has made him a trusted authority in the fashion community. His expertise is not just in identifying whatâs stylish but also in understanding what makes each piece of clothing functional and worthy of recommendation.
With his book overflowing with go-to brands and assistance from fellow aloha enthusiasts, he has unearthed a collection of boldly brilliant designs. From alfresco dining to beachside bars and summer festivals, each of these Hawaiian shirts promises to elevate your style with its vibrant flair.
Final Verdict
For ultimate wearability and general awesomeness, Wax Londonâs Hawaiian shirt is hard to beat. Made from a light and airy viscose fabric in a relaxed fit, itâs a comfortable and stylish option that can be styled numerous ways and shown off throughout the summer at barbecues, festivals, summer vacations, and more.
Itâs the Big Kahuna of the best menâs Hawaiian shirts.
FAQ
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Hawaiian shirts are very much in style, having been reinterpreted and updated with sleeker designs and contemporary patterns. Whether worn to beach parties or backyard barbecues, they offer a timeless charm that transcends trends and remains a staple in menâs fashion.
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The two are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Originally, the aloha shirt referred specifically to styles made in Hawaii. They featured bold, colorful prints inspired by the islandâs flora, fauna, and culture. The Hawaiian shirt looks the same but is a broader term that refers to similar styles of shirts regardless of where they are made.
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Menâs Hawaiian shirts are otherwise known as aloha shirts. This term originated from the Hawaiian greeting âalohaâ and is used to describe the vibrant, colorful shirts adorned with tropical prints that are synonymous with Hawaiian fashion.
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