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. 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 weren’t looking hard enough.
Admittedly, the right Hawaiian shirts can be difficult to find. 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.
Key Takeaway
The Hawaiian shirt, also known as the aloha shirt, is your best bet for making a statement 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.
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 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 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 that’s 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. It’s the best of the best men’s Hawaiian shirts.
Flaws but 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? 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 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 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, it’s given five stars for its striking appearance, comfort, and value for money.
Who is this 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.
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 hasn’t been washed a few times.
Material: Cotton/Polyester | Sizes: S–XXXXL | Colors: 10+ | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s 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, it’s decorated heavily with various instruments and motifs that have been taken from ’70s 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, 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.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: 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 loud and proud design reminds me of the badass styles worn by Al Pacino 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. You can style it alone with shorts and loafers or layer it on top of a crew neck tee.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: 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. 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? 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.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: 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: 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 men’s 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. It’ll appeal most to the fashion-forward fella who’s 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 you’ll need to let it dry naturally.
Material: 100% Viscose | Sizes: S–XL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why it’s 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 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. 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 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 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 you’ll 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.
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. 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 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 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 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 featured only names that consistently performed in terms of product quality and customer satisfaction.
Why 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.
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 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.
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 men’s 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 island’s 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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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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