Hawaiian shirts aren’t just for summer—they can brighten up your winter wardrobe too! With the right layering and accessories, these vibrant shirts can be both stylish and cozy during the colder months. In this article, we’ll share creative tips to help you wear your favorite Hawaiian shirts all winter long, whether it’s just a little bit chilly or freezing cold.

How to Wear a Hawaiian Shirt in Winter? 5 Simple But Elegant Ways

Trying to wear a Hawaiian (or Aloha) shirt in the winter is not easy. They are just like a piece of cotton or rayon, so it can get really cold if you wear them outside. Not sure how to style them to stay both fashionable and warm? Here’s how.

1. Layered with a Turtleneck

This is almost the easiest way to mix and match outfits while achieving great results. Turtlenecks are a winter wardrobe staple that keep you warm and add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. When you wear this combination, the bold colors and tropical patterns of the Hawaiian shirt will be highlighted, definitely making you stand out!

How to style:

• First, start with a slim-fit turtleneck in a neutral color like black, white, or gray.

If you want to add a pop of color, choose a color that matches the pattern of the shirt, like light blue or beige.

• Wear the Aloha shirt over the turtleneck, leaving it open or partially buttoned for a layered look.
• Coat with tights or dark jeans to balance out the outfit and keep it neat.
• Complete the look with ankle boots for a statement look or sneakers for a more casual, everyday feel.

This outfit is perfect for casual, not-so-cold gatherings, weekend getaways, or even creative workspaces where you want to look stylish while staying warm.

2. Under a Suit or Blazer/Coat

Hawaiian shirt with suit? This is a perfect combination of elegance and something playful, relaxed. The sharp, formal vibe of a blazer or coat pairs perfectly with the fun, laid-back patterns of an Aloha shirt, giving you a unique, eye-catching look. It’s a cool way to balance polished and relaxed styles.

How to style:

• Grab a dark or neutral blazer—or if it’s cold, go for a cozy cardigan. These tones help dial down the loudness of the Aloha shirt, making the whole outfit feel more balanced.
• Got a special occasion? Button up the shirt for a sharper, more put-together vibe.
• For the bottoms, stick with tailored trousers or dark jeans to keep things clean and stylish.

A classy watch would be the perfect accessory to this outfit, but you’ll also need a pair of really fancy shoes. Leather loafers, oxfords, or stylish boots work well with this combination.

And this combo is perfect for both casual office environments and weekend outings and still keeps you warm enough.

3. As a Base Layer Under a Sweater

Similar to the turtleneck, but instead of wearing the Aloha shirt on top, we wear it underneath. The Aloha shirt brings a burst of color and fun pattern inside a cozy, comfortable sweater, adding life to your outfit.

How to style it:

• Button up the Aloha shirt and wear it under a solid-colored sweater.
• Leave the collar, cuffs, and hem exposed for a cool layered look.
• Corduroy pants or chinos are the perfect choice for a relaxed yet stylish look due to the same fabric on the shirt and bottom.

You may wonder what shoes to wear with a Hawaiian shirt, right? We’ve got you! Finish the outfit with loafers or boots to keep things casual and chic.

4. With a Puffer or Quilted Jacket

A puffer jacket keeps you warm in the winter but still lets your Aloha shirt peek out, so you can stay cozy and stylish.

How to style:

• Throw the Aloha shirt over a thermal or long-sleeve tee for that extra warmth.
• Add a puffer jacket—bright or neutral, whatever suits you best.
• Pair it with joggers or straight-leg jeans for a comfy vibe
• Finish it off with sturdy boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

A beanie or scarf will add some extra warmth and style. You could also grab a casual backpack or crossbody bag to carry your stuff without fuss.

5. Over a Long-Sleeve Tee 

This is a super chill way to stay warm while still rocking that relaxed Aloha shirt vibe.

How to style:

• Throw on a long-sleeve tee in a color that works with your Aloha shirt, whether it matches or stands out.
• Leave the Aloha shirt unbuttoned and loose for that laid-back look.
• Pair it with jeans and sneakers for an easy, no-fuss outfit.

It’s best to keep it simple with a casual watch. How about hats? What hat to wear with a Hawaiian shirt? If it’s a chilly day, you can add a beanie or a cap for extra warmth.

How to Style Hawaiian shirts: 4 Creative Tips 

Voilà, now you’ve got the basics of outfit styling down. Each style works for different occasions, so keep that in mind. But that’s not all—you’ll need a few extra tips to really stand out!

1. Use it as a Mid-Layer

A Hawaiian shirt works great as a mid-layer! Start with a fitted long-sleeve tee or turtleneck underneath to stay warm, then layer a blazer, cardigan, or coat over the top for a polished look.

The Hawaiian shirt will peek out, adding some fun color and personality to your outfit.

Pair it with dark jeans or tailored trousers and finish with boots or loafers to keep it stylish and cozy. If you want a more refined appearance, tuck in your Hawaiian shirt to create a sleek and polished silhouette.  Add a scarf or watch to complete the look for extra flair!

2. Use it as a Base Layer

An Aloha shirt, blue jeans, heavy duty boots are the first combo. Now, let’s start layering, add a layer of cardigan and finally, a layer of heavy coat. If you find yourself still shaking, use a scarf to keep your neck warm or maybe a hat too. And now, you’re ready to bring Hawaiian shirts back in the winter.

3. Mix and Match Patterns

Don’t be afraid to get bold—pair your Hawaiian shirt with striped or checkered pants for a funky, fashion-forward outfit. Just make sure the colors work well together.

For a bold, fashion-forward look, pair your Hawaiian shirt with other patterned pieces! Here are a few examples:

• Striped Pants: A brightly colored Hawaiian shirt with vertical black-and-white striped pants creates a striking contrast while keeping the look balanced.
• Checkered Shorts: Match a floral Hawaiian shirt with checkered shorts in complementary tones, like navy and white, for a fun yet cohesive vibe.
• Polka Dot Skirt: Try a tropical-print Hawaiian shirt with a polka dot skirt. Pick dots in neutral shades like black or beige to tone it down slightly.

The key is to let one pattern (like the Hawaiian shirt) take center stage while the other pattern plays a supporting role. Keep the colors harmonious to avoid clashing.

4. Go for Winter Accessories

Pair your Hawaiian shirt with cozy accessories like scarves, beanies, and gloves. They may seem like an unlikely combination, but they work! They’ll keep you warm and add a seasonal touch to your outfit.

>> Read more: The art of styling: What kind of haircut works with hawaiian shirts

FAQs

1. Can I wear a Hawaiian shirt in winter if it’s made from thicker fabric?

Yes! There are many clothing brands that produce personalized Hawaiian shirts using warmer materials to suit the cooler months. If your Hawaiian shirt is made from thicker fabric like fleece or wool, you can definitely wear it when it’s chilly. For colder weather, you can layer it with other pieces as mentioned earlier.

2. Can I wear a Hawaiian shirt to work in the winter?

It depends on your workplace dress code. If your office has Casual Friday or a business casual vibe, you can definitely pull off a Hawaiian shirt by layering it with a blazer or sweater to keep the look polished but still fun. Just make sure it fits with your company’s culture!

3. Can I wear a Hawaiian shirt with winter sportswear?

Absolutely! You can pair your Hawaiian shirt with thermal leggings or snow pants for a fun contrast. Layer it under a ski jacket or puffer coat to create a warm and playful winter sports look. However, if you plan to exercise, it’s best to wear athletic gear that offers more stretch, as Aloha shirts aren’t as flexible for this purpose.

Final Words

How to wear a Hawaiian shirt in winter? It may seem like an impossible question, but with our styling tips, you’ll definitely bring Hawaii back into fashion right in the middle of winter. Knowing when to wear Hawaiian shirts can help you adapt them for both fun, laid-back outings and more formal occasions—everything is possible! And of course, you can style it for both laid-back, fun outings or more formal occasions—everything is possible!