ISLAND STYLE
Experts tell us what aloha shirts say about the owner

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Playing it safe Artist June Yatsunoff's interpretation of the classic two-color Polynesian print, seen here on model Chris Walsh in rust and cream organic cotton, is part of Patagonia's Pataloha line. It's appropriate for a man of any age who exudes the spirit of aloha and loves the simple things in life. Comments: "That's the local uniform." "Every local boy should have a shirt like that." "That's an 'I love being in Hawai'i' shirt." Photos by Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

But what will your shirt reveal about you? Will it convey sophistication or shyness? Kama'aina or malihini? Laid-back local boy or Bishop Street businessman? Surfer or poser?

The aloha shirt strongly evokes a sense of place. In recent years, the island icon has become known nationally and internationally as the Hawaiian shirt, and its popularity is rising all over the world, from Illinois to Italy to India.

There are thousands of prints from which to choose, in many fabrics and styles.

Unlike the solid-color button-down dress shirt, each aloha print says something about its wearer. It can communicate a personal passion, from motorcycles to deep-sea fishing. It can evoke a favorite era, place or symbol.

An aloha shirt can be the most elegant garment in your closet or the tackiest shirt on the block.

The Advertiser asked five of our fashion panelists to look at six aloha shirts and tell us what each conveyed to them.

A mixed bag

An RJC shirt from ABC Stores with a red sunset print inspired mixed feelings, but overall, the impression is of a cool guy who can shop at Goodwill and pull it off.

"He's got a wife with matching mu'umu'u and they're walking around Waikiki or the swap meet," one panelist said.

"He's an eccentric surfer guy who still surfs a board with a single fin," said another.

More comments: "A young guy at a raging surfer party."

"It's a 'look at me' shirt."

"A good first-timer's aloha shirt, when a visitor is going full blast and full color and says 'Hey, this is what I'm here for.' "

"It's a badge of honor that you have made it to Hawai'i."

Sophisticated and snooty

A rayon Napa Valley wine shirt by artist Emma Howard for Kahala also drew mixed comments. The look is of a sophisticated (if not stiff) guy who would be comfortable giving a fondue party in his apartment.

"I don't see the aloha in that aloha shirt."

"It looks like something you'd wear in San Francisco, Napa Valley or Europe."

"It's for a company dinner or someplace you didn't really want to be. It's not for hanging out with your friends."

"It's too pretentious for me to feel comfortable wearing it."

"Gotta wear slacks and dress shoes with that one — no shorts and slippers."

Old Waikiki

A nostalgic surfboard print by artist Michael Cassidy made of rayon by Kahala drew kudos. This kama'aina has taste, style, confidence and an understanding of the Islands.

"It's got the style and soul of old Hawai'i."

"It says: Aloha, Hawai'i."

"That's Duke's at pau hana time."

"That's a classic, all about longboarding and our favorite icon, Diamond Head."

"It says 'Old Waikiki' to me."

All about work

Reyn's Spooner cotton, small-flower print in patriotic colors impressed the panelists as a style to be worn by a conservative, businesslike, scholarly and educated man — who probably went to a private school.

"This shirt says 'I'm off to work on Bishop Street.' "

"He's a refined, professional guy."

"It doesn't say 'fun-loving' to me, but it beats a shirt and tie."

"It's Hawai'i formal."

"This is for his serious face. It's all about work. When he's not working, this guy wears a more whimsical aloha shirt."

Fun & playful

This black silk Avanti with a hula-girl border would be worn by a man in his mid-twenties who hangs out at the Mai Tai Bar. He's fashion-forward and has a "fun personality."

"It's not a safe shirt."

"I see a romantic, South Pacific guy on a sandy beach with his pants rolled up and a bottle of fine wine and two glasses in his hand."

"It's fun, but classier."

"This guy is confident."

"He's whimsical, jovial, playful."

The panelists

T J Coffin

• Age: 26.
• Profession: Case manager, adults with mental illness, for CARE Hawaii
• Quote: "I like wearing aloha shirts because they're comfortable. It feels like it's part of my identity, being Polynesian and growing up in Hawai'i."

Dale Hope

• Age: 50.
• Profession: Author of "The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands," oversees Patagonia's warm weather/ocean sportswear line
• Quote: "Like a lei, the aloha shirt is worn as a statement of one's love for, and connection to, a most special place.' "

Iwalani Isbell

• Age: 39.
• Profession: Owner/designer, Pualani Hawai'i Swimwear
• Quote: "When I see a man wearing an aloha shirt, I feel he is expressing his aloha for the 'aina, the people of Hawai'i and the individuals who created these works of art. He is saying 'aloha' without the words."

Kelli Kumukoa

• Age: 25.
• Profession: Retail manager, Riches Hawaii
• Quote: "Every local person grows up seeing their dad, brother, uncles, grampa wearing them. It's like their uniform. I like it because it represents the aloha spirit: laid back, relaxed and comfortable in your own skin."

Chris Walsh (our model)

• Age: 29.
• Profession: State Department of Agriculture, special projects
• Quote: "The sea life, dancing girls, swaying palms and flower lei found on these shirts celebrate our unique island lifestyle. They keep the sun off your back but are loose enough to let in the trade winds. Appropriate for any occasion."