Last Updated on November 1, 2021
Every man needs at least one Hawaiian shirt in his closet. You can not go on vacation without one, and even on nights out during the summer, they can be a real show of character and are a great conversation starter. However, Hawaiian shirts have been around for years, and if you are not careful, you could find yourself buying a low-quality shirt from the 1980s that even your dad would cringe at.
Hawaiian shirts have significantly evolved over the decades, have unique and modern designs, and are made from better quality materials. This article will provide you with a list of five quality Hawaiian shirt companies and then list off the top 10 (in my opinion) Hawaiian shirts that you can buy right now.
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How to Approach Choosing a Hawaiian Shirt
I believe that there are two approaches that one can take when deciding what Hawaiian shirt to buy: the boring approach and the correct approach.
The Boring Approach
The boring approach is when you opt to buy a tasteful Hawaiian shirt. This shirt might have a couple of little designs on it, but it will probably not cause your family to gasp and not want to be seen with you in public. And if they don’t mind being seen with you in public when you are wearing your Hawaiian shirt, you are not doing it right.
The Correct Approach
This is more like it. Whether old or new, a good Hawaiian shirt needs to evoke a sense of pure terror from anyone that sees it. It should be colourful and have ridiculous patterns that do not belong on a t-shirt. If your family is embarrassed to be seen with you when you are wearing it, congratulations, my friend, you have done a good job.
5 Hawaiian Shirt Brands for the Modern Man
1. Neuw Denim
There is a lot to like about Neuw Denim, especially if you like modern Hawaiian shirts. Many of their designs are inspired by denim fashion from past and present, so each shirt has a uniquely inspired feel. Founded in 2009 by Australian Richard Bell, they focus on darker tones and incorporate a lot of light and dark blues into their shirts. They also sell oxford dress shirts too, but their Hawaiian shirts are the star of the show and cost about $100 (Australian Dollars, that is).
2. Barney Cools
Yet another Australian powerhouse, Barney Cools prides itself on being a brand that supplies breathable, stylish, and well-priced Hawaiian shirts. They have a party and casual range of Hawaiian shirts, which is nice because you can decide which one to buy according to your needs. Again, look to pay about $100 Australian, or $85 US for one of these bad boys, but the fit is nice and loose, and the designs are sleek and modern.
3. Urban Outfitters
One of the most popular clothing companies globally, Urban Outfitters has a sterling reputation for creating awesome Hawaiian shirts that will be sure to get people talking. The company was founded in the US in the 1970s, but don’t let its age fool you. Urban Outfitters has been well able to keep up with clothing trends and many of their newer shirts are very well designed. Look to pay between $40 and $80 for one.
4. MR. KOYA
There is something about this brand that I find so good. They have super cool shirt designs, great names to go with the shirts and an excellent reputation. They cost about $65 US, and boy oh boy, are some of their designs an eyesore. They are perfect for the modern man looking to embarrass those around him completely. What more could you want?
5. Tommy Bahama
Last but not least, we have Tommy Bahama. They are known for their more old-school tropical designs. They have managed to add a modern twist to many of their newer models. In saying that, there is nothing wrong with retro, and even though their shirts come in at $110-150 apiece, they are a timeless classic that looks good on any modern man.
10 Hawaiian Shirts for the Modern Man
1. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Tropical Shirt
It’s Ralph Lauren, so it has to be at the top of the list. This shirt is crazy, but for whatever reason, I can’t stop looking at it. It borders on looking like a costume or novelty shirt, but it is so stylish that it pulls off some crazy casual vibe. It is a blue shirt, but a tropical landscape is plastered along the front and sides.
However, it is not tacky, Ralph Lauren know what they are doing, and everything has its place on the shirt. The price is, of course, at $220, its main drawback. However, as with many of Ralph Laurens products, it can go in and out of fashion and therefore on and off the site, so keep your eyes peeled.
2. ASOS Revere Collar Hawaiian Shirt
ASOS is one of the best online retailers in my view. So I may be a little biased putting one of their shirts here, but I love them. They regularly have sales on their clothes and brilliantly designed; fitted Hawaiian shirts can be found at a low price as a result. This revere collar shirt looks stylish, and with its warm vanilla tones and faded greens offset by a cool black, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a subtle yet stylish Hawaiian shirt.
3. SIR7 Men’s Floral Print Shirt
This is a shirt that I would wear anywhere, to be honest. SIR7 have hit a home run with this colorful yet classy design. Made with comfortable and breathable cotton, it is a super versatile and fun Hawaiian shirt. The floral pattern might be a little too much for some people, but the darker background mutes the loudness of the shirt and offers a beautiful contrast. Furthermore, it is affordable and is made with anti-wrinkle fabric.
4. Levi’s Cubano Shirt
Not only is Levi’s a trusted and respected brand, but their printed camp shirt can be bought for just $25, and it looks great. It is a black shirt with red, blue, and green hints that give it a retro look. It is not quite oversized, but it does give a lot of room, allowing for breathability. Considering its price and retro design, it is a perfect choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive and good quality Hawaiian shirt.
5. Versace Jeans Couture Printed Camp Collar Shirt
One look at this shirt, and you will know exactly why it is on this list. As you would expect from Versace, their shirt oozes style and sophistication. Made with silk and depicting a beautiful tropical paradise, the colors mesh beautifully together, and it is sure to attract attention. Ideal for a night out in my view, this $300 beauty is worth every cent.
6. Tommy Bahama Luau Blooms Camp Shirt
I had to include one Tommy Bahama shirt on the list for good measure. I love the blues and the whites in this shirt. It is one of the more laid-back shirts on the list, but that is not bad. It would work perfectly at a casual get-together or a party where there is a casual dress code. The only problem with this shirt is that your dad probably has one that looks like it, but there is nothing wrong with a bit of old school.
7. Ted Baker London Chela Slim Fit Tropical Shirt
Yet another designer pulls it out of the bag to create a Hawaiian shirt that is both practical and fun—the pinks and blues of the flamingos and flowers and beautifully offset by the more dominant blacks. There is a lot of space on the shirt, making it more appropriate for different occasions because you won’t be shocking your loved ones with crazy patterns all over your clothing. This gives the shirt a cleaner and more professional look.
8. SSLR Men’s Flamingo Casual Shirt
Even though the words’ flamingo’ and ‘casual’ should never be used in the same sentence to describe a shirt, SSLR does a great job at making a fun and inexpensive shirt that will turn some heads. Light greens and pinks complement the Light blue shirt, and with its slim-fit design, it will feel good and look good. It costs $45 and can be a little hard to find, but I have linked its eBay pricing just above.
9. Tombolo x Ana Leovy Hawaiian Shirt
One of the more unique looks on the list, this Mexican inspired shirt is red and has a very exotic nature, featuring pretty ladies, palm trees, and beach balls; it perfectly captures the essence of a tropical paradise. It is available for around $130, and reviews are always great for this shirt, with many complimenting its breathable fit, its fun design, and the quality of its material. Designed by Mexican artist Ana Leovy, it is bound to be a hit!
10. The Rail Short Sleeve Print Poplin Shirt
While many shirts on the list are loud and, in your face, the final shirt on the list by The Rail manages to have a subtlety to it that I think makes it a beautiful shirt. Its slim fit cotton design is easy on the skin and ensures breathability, and its dark and light blue undertones make the gold of the flowers pop out even more. Available on Nordstrom for about $40, it is well-priced, and it is a fan favorite on the site.