Thanks partly to Ace Ventura and drunk dads cooking shrimp on the BBQ, no summer shirt has created more controversy than the aloha—aka the Hawaiian. The ‘is it cool or corny’ debate has been a topic of menswear conversation for years, and I, for one, think it’s about time it stopped.
The best men’s Hawaiian shirts are cool. In fact, they’ve always been cool. Elvis Presley’s cover for his album. Blue Hawaii Leonardo DiCaprio, a young Leonardo DiCaprio from the year 2000. Romeo and JulietYou didn’t look hard enough. You just weren’t looking hard enough.
It can be hard to find the perfect Hawaiian shirt. Which is why I’ve rounded up a selection of essential styles that are timeless, not tragic—from jumbo-sized florals to dressy designs and everything in between.
Takeaway
The Hawaiian shirt is also called the aloha-shirt and it’s the perfect way to stand out in the sun. Whether you’re 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.
In order to find the best Hawaiian shirts I read hundreds of reviews from customers and evaluated each option for its versatility, quality and print power. What I was left with was eight standout styles, including Wax London’s Didcot shirt and a budget-friendly design from H&M.
Why it’s great: If you were wondering how Hawaiian shirts have ended up on everyone’s vacation wardrobe wish list, look no further. Wax London’s design is a far cry from the novelty styles you’d wear at frat parties. It’s made from 100% viscose in a relaxed fit that’s spacious and airy.
The bold pattern is easy to style and has a timeless look.
Who is this for? Available in several prints, the Didcot is a real showstopper that’s suitable for weekend hangs with the boys or summer soirées with your lady. It goes without saying you should pack it for your next trip. It’s the best of the best men’s Hawaiian shirts.
There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. You may struggle to get away with this in more formal settings (it’s 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: XS–XXL | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s great: Billy Reid’s 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. Don’t worry, it’s 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? This is the shirt to choose if you want to wear your Hawaiian shirt after summer vacations. The shirt can be worn in many different ways and can also be machine-washed and tumble-dried.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. It doesn’t have the silky soft handle of your regular aloha shirt, nor does it drape as freely.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s great: Amazon has thousands of Hawaiian shirts. However, this Coofandy shirt stood out due to its glowing reviews. Adorned with a tropical pattern in a relaxed-fit style, it’s given five stars for its striking appearance, comfort, and value for money.
Who is it for? It’s competitively priced and available in a wide range of sizes, so this is an excellent all-rounder that’ll interest most guys looking for the best men’s Hawaiian shirts.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Some complain about the quality of the material. Some say it feels too stiff and synthetic, especially when it first arrives and hasn’t been washed a few times.
Material: Cotton/Polyester | Sizes: S–XXXXL | Colors: 10+ | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s great: Casablanca has a great selection of designer printed shirts. The silk-twill version inspired by Nigerian culture is one example.
Light and flowy in a boxy shape, it’s decorated heavily with various instruments and motifs that have been taken from ’70s vinyl records. It’s easier to style than you might think. You can pair it with anything from baggy jeans to sneakers, to tailored shorts to pool slides.
Who is it for? One for the big spenders and flash Harrys, it’s certainly an acquired taste. Those who like it the most will probably already be fans of Casablanca’s work. You’ll also be the kind of guy who appreciates the luxury silk construction that’s been used instead of viscose.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Though it’s definitely one of the best men’s Hawaiian shirts, not everyone will be able to afford it, or justify the price tag. It’s also worth noting that you’ll have to take it to the dry cleaners, as it can’t be machine washed.
Material: 100% Silk | Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Care: Dry Clean
Why it’s great: If you’re going to rock a Hawaiian shirt, you might as well do it properly, right? This design is loud and proud, reminding me of Al Pacino’s badass looks in Scarface or Robert de Niro in Cape Fear. It’s a real conversation starter and has a price tag we can all get behind.
Who is this for? This is one of the best men’s Hawaiian shirts. It’s a dream for those on a budget, as well as anyone who’s buying a Hawaiian shirt to wear as a one-off. It can be worn alone with loafers and shorts or layered over a crew-neck tee.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. It’s bold, so you’ll need to be confident to pull it off. Should you have the cojones, you’ll reap the benefits and certainly up your style cred.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: XS–XXXL | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s great: OAS – named after its founder, Oliver Adam Sebastian – is a brand that was born during trips to Barcelona. So, if anyone knows how to create year-round vacation wear, it’s them.
The label’s Eldovado shirt is made from a breezy, silky soft viscose fabric and cut to an uber-comfortable fit that’s ideal for summer. Wear it with your wardrobe’s staples like tailored pants, jeans and T-shirts. Even better, all orders are eligible for free standard shipping worldwide.
Who is it for then? It’s patterned with hand-drawn shapes, not colorful flowers, so it feels more appropriate for everyday wear. It’s not as bold as your generic Hawaiian shirts, so it’s a great option for guys who want to subtly add more character to their closets.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Be careful with the sunscreen—getting it on the shirt can cause discoloration. Even the best men’s Hawaiian shirts can suffer from that.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s great: Mango’s option is gorgeously lightweight with a print that is both eye-catching and classy. It shouts high fashion more than Honolulu. The flowy fabric is as stylish as it’s functional.
In addition, the chest pocket in this exemplifier of the best men’s Hawaiian shirts is the perfect place to store your shades.
Who is this for? This versatile shirt can be dressed down or up to suit your mood. It’ll appeal most to the fashion-forward fella who’s looking for a Hawaiian shirt that will always be taken seriously.
There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. The washing instructions tell you to avoid throwing this into the tumble dryer, so you’ll need to let it dry naturally.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: S–XL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s great: Shinesty may be best known for their outrageous underwear and statement suits, but the company also has a collection that includes some of the most beautiful Hawaiian shirts. This one is made from a lightweight fabric and features a recurring horse motif that’s fun and freakin’ awesome.
My favorite feature is the discreet pocket at the back that’s perfectly sized to hold a bottle of beer.
Who is this for? This is a winner for the guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously. This is a piece that will attract attention at parties, barbecues, and weekend brunches.
There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. The fabric composition is a touch on the cheap side, but admittedly it doesn’t really feel it.
Material: 78% polyester, 12% cotton, 10% spandex | Sizes: S–XXXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Buying Considerations for The Best Men’s Hawaiian Shirts
Hawaiian shirts have bold, vibrant prints. Choose the one that suits your personality and style. You can choose from a variety of designs and patterns.
Also, pay attention the the color scheme of the shirt and its overall aesthetic. This will help you to match it to your other clothing and outfits.
Fabric
The fabric of the shirt is crucial for comfort and durability, especially as you’ll be wearing it most in warm weather. You should look for shirts that are made of lightweight materials, such as cotton, viscose or polyester, to ensure comfort and ventilation.
It’s also a good idea to check the quality of stitching and construction to ensure longevity.
Fit
You’ll find that the best men’s Hawaiian shirts come in various cuts and styles, so it’s essential to find the right fit for your body type and preferences. Consider whether you want a loose, relaxed fit for a more casual look or a tailored silhouette for a smarter look.
How We Selected
To uncover the best men’s Hawaiian shirts, I analyzed Reddit forums, customer reviews, and brand profiles, plus considered numerous factors—from how each style fits and what you can wear it with to how much it costs and whether it’s worth the money.
Price: Are you getting what you’re paying for? I found a range of designs that fit every budget. Then, I looked at the price and whether it was worth it.
Customer Reviews Are the customers satisfied with the shirt you have purchased? If I hadn’t 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 brand’s reputation was key to finding the best Hawaiian shirts. I chose only brands that have consistently delivered in terms product quality and satisfaction.
Why should you trust us?
What Billy Webb doesn’t know about shirting isn’t worth knowing. He’s 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 there’s no better man to take you through the best men’s Hawaiian shirts.
Billy’s commitment to providing honest, detailed advice has made him a trusted authority in the fashion community. His expertise is not just in identifying what’s stylish but also in understanding what makes each piece of clothing functional and worthy of recommendation.
His book is filled with the best brands, and he’s gotten help from other aloha lovers to create a collection of brilliantly bold designs. Each of these Hawaiian shirts is sure to enhance your style, whether you’re dining al fresco or attending summer festivals.
Final Verdict
For ultimate wearability and general awesomeness, Wax London’s Hawaiian shirt is hard to beat. Made from a light and airy viscose fabric in a relaxed fit, it’s a comfortable and stylish option that can be styled numerous ways and shown off throughout the summer at barbecues, festivals, summer vacations, and more.
It’s the Big Kahuna of the best men’s Hawaiian shirts.
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Hawaiian shirts, which have been reinterpreted in a modern way with contemporary patterns and sleeker designs, are still very popular. Whether worn to beach parties or backyard barbecues, they offer a timeless charm that transcends trends and remains a staple in men’s fashion.
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They are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference. Originally the term aloha shirt was used to describe styles that were made in Hawaii. They featured bold, colorful prints inspired by the island’s flora, fauna, and culture. Hawaiian shirts look the same, but are a general term for similar styles of shirts no matter where they’re made.
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Men’s Hawaiian shirts are otherwise known as aloha shirts. This term originated from the Hawaiian greeting “aloha” and is used to describe the vibrant, colorful shirts adorned with tropical prints that are synonymous with Hawaiian fashion.
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