Why we wear it – and love it – every April.

Sweat trickling down your back, your skin transforming into a shade of lobster red from the sun, and your eyes squinting from the glare. Welcome to Thailand in April, where the sun is your adversary and the heat knows no mercy. But there’s a silver lining – it’s Songkran, the festival where you can officially throw all your worries and inhibitions away and into the mix. 

If you’re taking part in the festivities, you’ll want to wear something breezy, comfy, and capable of handling water fights, impromptu dance-offs, and your inevitable street food spills. Enter the Hawaiian shirt, your trusty summer sidekick. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the origins of this brightly coloured, flower-clad gem that graces the streets of Thailand at this time of year?

The Origins: Aloha Meets the Pacific

It’s early 1930s Hawaii, and while there’s not yet a pineapple in every cocktail, the Hawaiian shirt is beginning to make its mark on the islands. The first versions were made from traditional kimono fabrics brought to the islands by Japanese immigrants. And just like the sunsets of Hawaii, these shirts featured eye-catching patterns, bright florals, imbued with a sense of fun. These were not your typical button-ups; they were light, loose, and perfect for the tropical heat.

Fast forward to 1935, and enter Mr. Kiochiro Miyamoto, who opened Musa-Shiya the Shirtmaker, and was the pioneer creating tailor-made Hawaiian shirts. As the official originator of the Hawaiian shirt as we know it, Miyamoto set the stage for what would soon become a global icon.

The Sail Out of Its Home

By 1936, the trend had spread across the islands, and Hawaiian shirts were popping up everywhere. But it was businessman Ellery Chun who helped cement the legacy of the shirt. He partnered with King-Smith Clothiers to trademark the ‘Aloha Shirt,’ a name that would forever be synonymous with summer vibes and lazy beach days. By 1947, a tradition was born. ‘Aloha Friday’ encouraged Hawaiians to wear these shirts every week, and what began as a local tradition became a global phenomenon.

Soon after, the shirts made their way to the mainland United States, and much like the surfboards and longboard wax of the era they became an emblem of a laid-back, carefree lifestyle. From Hollywood films like From Here to Eternity and Blue Hawaii to the Hawaii Five-O TV series, Hawaiian shirts became a staple in pop culture, often donned by celebrities and music legends such as The Beach Boys. And of course, let’s not forget the counterculture’s embrace – the hippie movement loved them too.

From Aloha to Sawasdee

As is often the case with trendsetting, once the Aloha spirit was unleashed, there was no stopping it. Hawaiian shirts spread far beyond the Hawaiian Islands, even across the Pacific to places like Thailand, where the tropical climate and casual lifestyle were a perfect match.

Picture this: the late 1960s, and American military presence is still strong in Thailand. With the US military having a foothold in the country, it didn’t take long for the ‘Aloha’ culture to creep into the Thai wardrobe. The soldiers, stationed in various parts of Thailand, brought the Hawaiian shirt along with them, and just like that, the shirt became not just a summer staple, but a symbol of Western influence, a souvenir from a faraway place, and a beloved casualwear item in Thailand’s tropical heat.

Thailand’s searing sun and sticky humidity made the Hawaiian shirt a natural fit. With its airy design and vibrant prints, it became the go-to choice for comfort and style. The laid-back nature of the shirt mirrored the relaxed vibes of the Thai people, who happily embraced the cheerful addition to their wardrobes. Today, you’ll find Hawaiian shirts worn on everything from sunny beach outings to casual office Fridays (yes, even in the corporate world – it’s a thing now).

Hawaiian Shirts to the Rescue

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: the test for your wardrobe – Songkran. The Thai New Year celebration in April is legendary for its water fights, street parties, and people dousing each other in water, yet somehow managing to stay looking fabulously fresh. In the sweltering heat, wearing the wrong thing can make you feel like you’re trapped in a sauna. Enter the Hawaiian shirt, once again, to save the day.

For Songkran, the Hawaiian shirt is the perfect sartorial partner. The lightweight fabric keeps you cool, while the bright colours and floral prints allow you to blend into the festive atmosphere like a tropical flower in full bloom. And with the loud, cheery prints, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be spotted in a crowd, which means you’re more likely to attract the onslaught of water guns and buckets. 

Everywhere, All the Time

From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Bangkok during Songkran, Hawaiian shirts have transcended their humble beginnings. Today, they’re worn everywhere, from fashion-forward runways to family reunions in the suburbs. The secret? They never take themselves too seriously. They’re colourful, they’re fun, and most importantly, they’re comfortable – a combination that will always have a place in our hearts, especially when the heat is on.

So, as you grab your water pistols and prepare for another round of Songkran madness, remember that your Hawaiian shirt is a symbol of history, culture, and yes, a good time.