How to Identify Vintage Hawaiian Shirts: Tips for Collectors

It is hard to find a vintage Hawaiian shirt these days—you know, a lot of brands are copycats and claim their products are rare and original. However, it’s easier than you think with a few helpful tips. Let’s dive into how to identify vintage Hawaiian shirts with Tapa Aloha Shirts today and get five awesome brand info that has authentic vintage Aloha shirts!

How to Identify Vintage Hawaiian Shirts? 5+ Keys To Follow

If you are looking for a classic Hawaiian shirt, then you already know what a Hawaiian shirt is. You might think, “Oh, I’ll just grab a shirt that looks like the one Tom Selleck rocked in Magnum P.I. and call it vintage.” Sure, the pattern is a factor, but that’s not enough. You’ll need to check out a few other details, like these:

1. Fabric and Material

Fabric is one of the most obvious indicators when looking for a vintage Hawaiian shirt. In the 20th century, most Aloha shirts were made of rayon, silk, or cotton. Vintage rayon, for example, has a smooth, luxurious quality that is almost absent from modern synthetics.

If the material feels stiff or too shiny, it’s probably not vintage. Always give it a touch test—your fingers will know the difference!

2. Neck Tags and Labels

Neck tags are like shirt IDs—some veteran collectors can tell the age of the shirt. So, how to tell vintage Aloha shirt tags? It’s simple, vintage labels often have a vintage, nostalgic look, such as a classic font and bold colors. Some even have handwritten tags—but these are rarer because the ink fades over time.

Tags are usually sewn in simple, clean lines, not the mass-produced styles you see today. Some older Aloha shirts might even have handwritten size info, which is a nice little charm you don’t find in modern pieces.

If you find brands like Kamehameha,  Royal Hawaiian, or see “Made in Hawaii” on the tag, that’s a great sign it’s a vintage piece you’re looking for. However, the market isn’t without fakes—some brands just print similar patterns and put them on that label to pass them off as vintage. So, be cautious!

3. Buttons and Buttonholes

One surprising feature of vintage Hawaiian shirts is their buttons. They are often made from natural materials like coconut shells, wood, or even metal, rather than plastic like most modern shirts. This makes it easier for you to spot the treasure.

Here’s a little detail that only true vintage Hawaiian shirt enthusiasts know: vintage shirts usually have horizontal buttonholes, while modern shirts usually have vertical ones. It’s a small detail, but not everyone notices it!

4. Collar Styles

Original Hawaiian shirts usually have a more unique collar style compared to modern trends. Collectors often look for wide, open collars that lay flat, sometimes called “camp collars”. They give off a relaxed island vibe and are a key element of classic designs. Some shirts even have loops and buttons at the top.

On the other hand, modern Hawaiian shirts tend to have stiffer collars, which are a little more formal. Conversely, classic collars are soft for a more casual, relaxed look. If the collar is too sharp or formal with a handwritten tag, they are trying to mimic the vintage look!

5. Stitching and Construction

This may be a small detail that you often overlook when collecting Hawaiian shirts, but the stitching and construction of a Hawaiian shirt can reveal a lot about its age and quality. You need to pay close attention!

Since it is hand-stitched, the stitches are not as uniform as the machine stitches you see today. However, they are still neat and uniform by the hands of the craftsmen of the past. In the 1930s, popular stitching styles included double-stitching, meaning vintage shirts often had two rows of stitches to secure the seams.

6. Pockets

Vintage Hawaiian shirts often have “matching pockets”, where the pocket pattern matches the design of the shirt—a feat of craftsmanship that is truly remarkable. However, not all vintage shirts have matching pockets, so it’s best to look at other factors to determine which one is best.

Most vintage shirts also have a chest pocket, usually on the left side, but some have two pockets on both sides. Multiple pockets or unusual placements could mean the shirt is more modern.

Where to Find the Best Original and Vintage Hawaiian Shirts?

It’s a Hawaiian shirt, so all you really need to do is head to Hawaii, and you’ll find some places selling classic Aloha shirts. Sounds easy. However, not everywhere has them. For example, it’s pretty hard to find what you’re looking for in Hilo, Hawi, or Kailua-Kona.

So, which city is the best for finding Hawaiian shirts? That’s where it all started: Honolulu. Here are 8 famous vintage shirt makers you should check out when you’re in Hawaii.

1. Shaheen’s

You don’t have to know how to tell a real Hawaiian shirt when visiting this destination. Shaheen’s started in Honolulu and became famous for its high-end Hawaiian shirts in the middle of the ‘50s. They use soft, fancy cotton fabrics, sometimes with a slight sheen. Not only that, bold tropical designs are also the reason why collectors love their vintage shirts today.

Vintage Shaheen’s shirts can range from $150 to $500, with rare designs fetching even more.

2. Kamehameha

When people hear the name Kamehameha, some might not recognize it, or anime fans might think of it from the famous Dragon Ball series. That’s why many people might mistakenly assume it’s an animated store. But no, this is actually one of the oldest Hawaiian shirt brands, beginning in the 1930s.

• Fabric: They’re known for using smooth, fine cotton or cotton blends and sometimes rayon, which gives their shirts a silky, soft texture.
• Design: Vintage Kamehameha shirts often feature big collars and custom buttons, making them a true classic in Hawaiian shirt history.
• Price: Typically sell for $100 to $400, but unique designs can climb higher in price.

3. Diamond Head

People love Diamond Head shirts for their vintage charm and bold prints. An interesting fact is that it is named after the iconic volcano in Oahu.

• Fabric: Lightweight materials like cotton, rayon, and linen, ideal for sunny days.
• Design: Vibrant tropical prints featuring flowers and landscapes.
• Price: This one is cheaper, vintage pieces typically cost $50 to $150, depending on rarity and condition.

4. Iolani

Iolani is a family-run brand that has been around since 1953, with simple yet creative Hawaiian shirt designs.

• Fabric: Soft cotton and rayon blends for easy, breezy wear.
• Design: A mix of classic Hawaiian patterns and modern updates.
• Price: Because it was family-made, so it is cheaper than other brands. Their classic shirts range from $60 to $200, with older styles often more expensive.

5. Other Local Shops in Hawaii

While your search for vintage Hawaiian shirts will be a little more difficult outside of Honolulu, it is certainly doable. Local stores in Hawaii still have them. All you need is patience and attention to the details listed in the checklist above to make the best decision.

To refresh your memory, your checklist should include the following details: (1) Fabric and material; (2) tags and neck labels; (3) buttons and buttonholes; (4) collar; (5) stitching; (6) pockets. Any shirt that meets all six of these criteria is the treasure in your search.

FAQs

1. Why are vintage Hawaiian shirts so expensive?

Modern Hawaiian shirts are already expensive, and vintage ones are even more pricey. Much of that is because these hand-embroidered shirts are no longer produced and are only available in Honolulu.

2. How can I tell the fake vintage Hawaiian shirts?

Authentic collar labels with vintage fonts and logos are the easiest to check. Next is fabric (look for natural materials like rayon or cotton), and look for handcrafted details like pockets and horizontal buttonholes.

3. Can I wash the vintage Hawaiian shirts by putting them in a washing machine?

Yes, you can. Learn how to wash Hawaiian shirts without fading the color and tags. It’s advised to use the gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. It’s best to place the shirt in a mesh laundry bag to keep it safe.

Final Thoughts

That’s all about how to identify vintage Hawaiian shirts! Easy tips and tricks, right? Vintage Hawaiian shirts are definitely worth adding to your wardrobe or vintage collection. If possible, your best bet is to head to Honolulu, Hawaii, to actually “treasure hunt.” But if that’s not possible, you can still shop online on platforms like eBay or other online marketplaces.

Just make sure to check carefully for the brand, fabric, design, buttons, stitching, etc. It’s always worth paying attention to these details!