Post #15551 by Talkie-Tiki on Thu, Dec 5, 2002 9:35 PM

How to Buy a Vintage Aloha Shirt
By
Maximilian Vandiver

Since I love “Hawaiian shirts” (also called aloha shirts) I feel it is important to know how to obtain the “real McCoy.” First, you need to do your homework. There are many good books on the subject. Read up! Next, you must find them. This is not an easy as you may think. Your best bet is the Internet. After that, check thrift shops, resale shops or antique malls. There are a lot of modern day imitations and the regular stores have these types of shirts…but I concerned about finding the real thing.
Recently, vintage clothing stores have popped up in many large cities. You can find neat stuff, but it usually is more expensive. Prices can range from a few dollars to over a few thousand dollars for very rare shirts. Hawaiian shirts have become very popular with young people today. These Hawaiian shirts are the epitome of cool.
What you have to decide on is the style/design that suits you. I think nothing looks worse than someone trying to look cool in a shirt just because everyone else is wearing them. If you are not comfortable, it shows. Also never tuck them in. They are casual wear and nothing says, “square” like a tucked in Hawaiian shirt.
When you purchasing a shirt, new or used, always-go one size larger if you can. If you are a large, go with an extra large. Hawaiian shirts are supposed to be loose, flowing garments. Remember you want to look like you came from somewhere fun not from a business meeting
Look for labels. Republic labels add to the value, not necessarily the price of the shirt. Surfrider, Kahala, Duke Kahanamoku, Musa-shiya and Alfred Shaheen Shirtmakers are all good brands. Finally, look for rips and stains. Large rips or stains will detract from the value. Look for missing buttons. Oh, by the way, coconut buttons are a clue to a good authentic shirt. If you follow these few steps you and your shirt will have a long, happy life together.