Summer 2011: Go Hawaiian

I admit straight off the bat that this post may not be for everyone. Some may scoff and scratch their heads at my notions for the Hawaiian shirt to be considered a summer essential. But rather than seeing it as silly or kitsch, I honestly feel it is a timeless piece to have around.

The Hawaiian shirt reminds me of a different time. A time when during those lazy summer barbeques Grandpa would be grilling up some tasty burgers looking right at home in a brightly printed floral shirt that was no doubt made IN Hawaii. There was never a sign of embarrassment or shame on his freshly shaven face because the summer was and always should be the most appropriate time to break out a piece like this.

I was lucky enough to find mine at a Goodwill here in New York for only $3. It was made at Royal Creations in Hawaii and I wore it for a recent barbeque on my rooftop and just like Grandpa, I was more than comfortable grilling and mingling in my Hawaiian based get up. It certainly makes more of a statement than a polo or a t-shirt and it looks more imaginative than a plain button up.

One of my guests gave possibly the best compliment I could have received when she stated: “You know, with the tattoos, that shirt, your hat, and shorts you look like someone straight out of the World War II era.”

Flattered is an understatement.

Some tips:

1) Stick with a classic looking piece. Preferably one with flowers all over it. Avoid things like flaming guitars. That’s just dumb.

2) Do your best to get one that is fitted but not tight. You don’t want to be swimming (no pun there) in it and you don’t want it to be so close to your body that you can’t wear it comfortably in the heat.

3) Pair it with shorts that compliment one of the more muted colors in the pattern. For example, I pair my own with a pair of blue shorts to compliment the blue in the shirt.

4) Look for a vintage one like my own. They just don’t make them like these anymore.

Out of all the “classics” to make a come back in menswear I really hope this one catches on. Not only because it screams summer, but Grandpa would have been damn proud.