Were Hawaiian Shirts Popular in the 70s?

Were Hawaiian shirts popular in the 70s? Yes, not only were they popular, but the Hawaiian shirt was very well-liked in the 1970s, mainly due to their appearance in TV shows like MASH* and Magnum P.I., where the characters frequently wore them. The cool, comfortable fabric and TV appeal made the Hawaiian shirt a popular choice for casual wear.

Why Were Hawaiian Shirts Popular in the 70s?

Actually, the reason why the Hawaiian shirt (aka Aloha shirt) became so popular might surprise you. Not only thanks to the development of tourism but also due to the influence of famous people at that time.

1. TV shows influence

If you were born in the 70s or 80s, then some of you might know the popular TV show of the time called “Magnum P.I.” The show was about a former Navy SEAL who worked as a private investigator and each episode was a different project.

In the show, the famous actor Tom Selleck wore the Hawaiian shirt and also introduced it as a great fashion choice. With his popularity, it didn’t take long for the shirt to become hot and sought after.

In the 60s, a famous actor also wore a Hawaiian shirt, Elvis Presley, when he starred in the movie Blue Hawaii (1961).

2. Tourist boom

The reason for this is easy to guess: Tourism. With their unique patterns and cultural meanings, every tourist who visits Hawaii wants to buy these fashionable shirts. In fact, buying them is not enough; who wouldn’t want to bring Hawaiian shirts home as souvenirs for their loved ones?

Because of these reasons, Hawaiian shirts (or Aloha shirts) have spread rapidly around the world.

Who wore Hawaiian shirts in the 70s?

Before it was as popular as it is now, at first, it was only worn by locals, tourists, or famous people like Elvis Presley. And until the 70s, more and more people imitated it, plus the large number of tourists coming to Hawaii made the shirts quickly spread and became known to people from all over the world.

The History of the Hawaiian Shirt

Before the 70s

Hawaiian shirts appeared and became very popular when U.S. soldiers returned from Hawaii after World War II.

Nowadays, there is still some debate about how they first appeared. Some people say that there was a Japanese immigrant’s son named Miyamoto Koichiro. He made and sold the first Aloha shirt which then sold very well in the 30s. Others believe that a dry goods store owner named Ellery Chun also sold tropical print shirts in the 1930s.

While no one knows for sure, the true origin likely comes from a mix of influences, including the bright fabrics of Japanese kimonos, the Barong Tagalog from the Philippines, and Hawaii’s unique patterns and colors.

Fashion Trends in the 70s

These Hawaiian shirts became popular in the mid to late 1970s. At this time, the Hawaiian shirt suddenly became a craze, especially for casual wear. These shirts are characterized by bright colors and patterns that make people feel relaxed, such as tropical flowers, palm trees, and the sea, or even the cultural values ​​of Hawaii.

Hawaiian shirts are the most comfortable and easy-to-wear type of shirt. They are usually made of light materials such as cotton or rayon, extremely breathable and comfortable.

As for pants, they were usually a pair of linen or cotton shorts, suitable for picnics or the beach. Or, to be more formal, they are often paired with jeans, and both men and women can wear this style.

Overall, with just an unintentional appearance, the Hawaiian shirt quickly became widely known for its comfort and cultural value woven into each shirt.

The Hawaiian Shirt’s Evolution Since the 70s

Since the 1970s, the Hawaiian shirt has changed a lot in style and especially in popularity. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Hawaiian shirt made a comeback as vintage fashion became popular. Not only worn when traveling, people started wearing them more for casual outings and parties.

Over time, designers began to create more types of Hawaiian shirts. They started using different fabrics and patterns, including bold graphics and modern prints, while still keeping the traditional floral designs.

Celebrities and influencers played a big role in bringing the Hawaiian shirt back into fashion. Some actors who wore them in movies include Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii (1961), Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I. (1980s) and even Leonardo DiCaprio in the classic movie Romeo + Juliet (1996).

FAQs

1. How did casual Fridays at work help Hawaiian shirts become popular?

In the late 60s and 70s, many workplaces introduced casual Fridays, allowing employees to wear relaxed clothes. This made Hawaiian shirts more acceptable in offices and helped them become popular. That’s cool, right?

2. What were the popular colors for 70s Hawaiian shirts?

In the 1970s, popular colors for Hawaiian shirts included bright blue, representing the ocean; sunny yellow, adding a cheerful vibe; lush green, reflecting Hawaii’s landscapes; vivid red, eye-catching for floral designs; and rich orange, a warm and lively color. These bold colors, along with tropical patterns, have made people fall in love with Aloha shirts.

3. How did music in the 70s influence Hawaiian shirts?

The music scene, especially beach and surf music, made Hawaiian shirts more popular. Bands like the Beach Boys often wore these shirts during their performances, linking them to a fun, carefree lifestyle.

With its cultural appeal and comfort, Hawaiian shirts were extremely popular in the 70s. In fact, these were the years that paved the way for Aloha shirts to spread all over the world and saw many improvements in style and fashion in the years that followed.