Honestly, doing laundry is the easiest thing in the world, even for Hawaiian shirts . Just toss them in the washing machine, add detergent, press a few buttons, wait for the cycle to finish, dry them, and done! Repeating this process over and over, one day, you suddenly notice that your Hawaiian shirt has… faded and come apart at the seams! Why is that? It’s because your washing method isn’t quite suitable for the shirt!
In this article, Tapa Aloha Shirt will share tips on how to wash Hawaiian shirts and how to take care of them. That way, you can keep wearing them for a long time!
3 Things to Know Before Washing Your Hawaiian Shirt
Before your hands act faster than your brain and you toss your Hawaiian shirt into the washing machine or scrub it vigorously, here are a few things you should keep in mind!
1. Remember To Check the Care Label First!
You know that little tag you usually ignore until it starts itching your neck ? Yeah, that one. It’s time to start respecting it. A care label is like your shirt’s personal diary, it tells you everything you need to know about how to treat it.
- Does it say ” hand wash only “? Then don’t even think about tossing it in the machine.
- Does it say ” dry clean only “? Well, you might want to get friendly with your local dry cleaner.

Don’t forget to take a look at the care label of the shirt
>> Read more: Aloha shirt vs hawaiian shirt
2. Yes, Sort Your Laundry
Next up, do not forget to sort your laundry !
It might feel like a chore, it’s worth it. Hawaiian shirts, including women’s aloha shirts, are like the divas of your wardrobe, picky and not great at blending in.
- So, keep them away from rough fabrics like denim or towels that could snag or dull their vibrant colors.
And for the love of all things tropical, please don’t wash them with anything that might bleed color. The last thing you want is a bright pink hibiscus turning into a sad muddy mess.

Mess up with another clothes will make your hawaii shirt worse
3. Choose the Right Detergent For Your Hawaiian Shirt
Not all detergents are created equal, and your Hawaiian shirt deserves the best.
- You should go for a mild detergent that’s gentle on fabric and will not strip away those bright colors, something like Tide , All , or Persil !
- You might stay away from bleach . That’s basically a one way ticket to Faded Shirt City. If you really need to brighten things up, try a detergent specially made for vibrant colors .

Choose the right detergent for shirt is very important
How to Wash Hawaiian Shirts by Machine Washing? 4 Step To Follow
Alright! You’ve checked the care label, sorted your laundry, and picked the right detergent. Now it’s time to start washing.
If your Hawaiian shirt is machine-washable, here’s how to clean it without turning it into a sad, wrinkled mess.
Step 1. Put Hawaiian Shirts Into The Wash Machine With Detergent.
- Of course, the first step is to toss your Hawaiian shirt into the washing machine. But remember what we told you, sort your laundry properly!
- Next, just add a bit of mild detergent. Not too much, not too little, just the right amount. The best idea that you should stick to abou t 60-65 ml f or 6 to 7 kg of laundry!

Throwing your Hawaiian shirt with mild detergent in the washing machine is the first step
Step 2. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water Mode
This step is pretty important: choose the right wash water mode!
Hot water is great for coffee, but probably not for your Hawaiian shirt. It can fade the colors and shrink the fabric, basically the opposite of what you want—unless you’re specifically looking for tips on how to shrink a Hawaiian shirt.
So, remember to stick with cold or warm water to keep your shirt looking fresh and fabulous!

To keep your clothing appearing new, always use either cold or warm water
Step 3. Set to Gentle or Delicate Cycle
Your Hawaiian shirt is delicate, kind of like your ego after a terrible karaoke performance.
So, please treat it with care by setting your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. This slower softer wash helps prevent fabric damage and keeps those vibrant colors intact.
And if your machine has a “ hand wash ” setting? Even better! It’s like giving your shirt a spa day.

A mild cycle in your washing machine to handle your garment with care
Step 4: Wait and Use Fabric Softener (If Needed)
At this stage, all you have to do is wait for the wash cycle to finish.
Once it’s done, you can use a bit of fabric softener to bring your Hawaiian shirt a fresh scent and make it feel even softer!

A small amount of fabric softener can be used to add a new fragrance
How to Wash Hawaiian Shirts by Hand Washing? 3 Quick Steps To Follow!
If your Hawaiian shirt is too delicate for the washing machine; or if you just want to be more fancy, as the care label suggests, hand washing is the perfect way to go.
Step 1: Fill a Basin with Cold Water and Mild Detergent.
First, you have to take a clean basin or sink and fill it with cold water. Then, add a small amount of mild detergent.
In the next step, gently swirl the water to mix in the detergent , but don’t overdo it!

You must get a basin and fill it with chilled water and detergent
Step 2. Gently Agitate the Shirt in the Water.
In this step, you will place your Hawaiian shirt into the water and safely swirl it around with your hands.
It seems like you’re giving your own Aloha shirt a light massage. Also, pay attention to any stained areas, but don’t scrub too hard.

After putting your Hawaiian shirt in the water, gently swirl it around.
Step 3. Rinse Thoroughly with Cold Water
Once your shirt is clean, it’s time to rinse it out.
Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cold water. Softly swish the shirt around to remove any leftover detergent. Repeat this process until the water runs clear!

After emptying the soapy water, add fresh, cold water to the basin.
3 Things To Do After Washing Hawaiian Shirt
You’ve successfully washed your Hawaiian shirt without turning it into a tie-dye experiment, nice job!
But you’re not done yet. Here is what to do next to keep your shirt looking its best.
1. How to Dry the Hawaiian Shirt Properly
Drying your Hawaiian shirt takes serious patience. Yes, PATIENCE !
- You have to avoid the dryer at all costs, it’s typically like throwing your shirt into a tropical storm .
- Instead, you might lay the Hawaiian shirt flat on a clean towel or hang it up to air dry. If you’re hanging it, use a padded hanger to avoid those annoying shoulder bumps.

Hang it up to air dry, avoid annoying shoulder bumps
2. Do Not Forget Ironing and Steaming
Wrinkles are everyone’s nightmare! And do you know that your Hawaiian shirt feels the same way?
- Wrinkles are the enemy of style, but don’t reach for the iron just yet. If your shirt gets wrinkled, turn it inside out and use a low heat setting.
Just be careful around any delicate prints or designs, you wouldn’t want to melt the Aloha away!

Use a low heat setting and flip the shirt inside out.
3. Storing Hawaiian Shirts For Save Its Life
When it’s time to put away your Hawaiian shirt, please don’t just stuff it into a drawer like an old pair of socks. Instead, learn how to fold a Hawaiian shirt properly—fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry place.
- If you prefer to hang it, use a padded hanger to help maintain its shape.
And keep it away from moths, nothing ruins the tropical vibe faster than finding tiny holes in your favorite shirt!

To assist keep its shape if you want to hang it use a padded hanger.
>> Read more: How do i make new cotton hawaiian shirts soft
FAQS
1. How Should A Cotton Hawaiian Shirt Be Laundered?
You should use cold water and a mild detergent, to machine wash cotton shirts. To stop shrinking, air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
2. Can I Wash Different Colored Hawaiian Shirts Together?
No. For colorful shirts in particular, it is recommended to wash comparable colors together to avoid color bleeding.
3. After Washing My Hawaiian Shirt, Should I Wring It Out?
No, wringing can cause the cloth to stretch or break. Rather, carefully squeeze out extra water.
Conclusion
Washing a Hawaiian shirt is actually super easy, right? After reading this How to Wash Hawaiian Shirts guide, your Hawaiian shirt will no longer fade or wrinkle from your usual rough washing methods. No matter what you hand wash or machine wash, that’s not the main concern, have you checked the care label yet?
If you’ve got Hawaiian shirts that have faded or come apart at the seams due to past mistakes (before reading this article, of course), check out Tapa Aloha Shirt for some replacements. Tapa Aloha Shirt is the ultimate warrior against any washing machine!

After a successful career as a renowned fashion designer, Ashley Isham took a surprising turn in 2024 by launching Tapa Aloha Shirt. This venture into casual wear marked a departure from his previous work, but Isham saw it as an opportunity to connect with a wider audience and elevate the Hawaiian shirt to a fashion staple. The TapaAlohaShirt website, filled with informative content, reflects Isham’s ambition to redefine the Hawaiian shirt and make it a must-have piece in today’s fashion landscape.