We are proud to present the finest, most authentic vintage reproduction, retro style Hawaiian shirts available in the world. The esteemed “An Original Kalakaua, Made in Hawaiiâ€, was originally established in 1937. These are vintage designs from the heyday of Hawaiian shirts (1930’s - 1950’s) reproduced true to their original and brilliant colors and charm. The imported fabrics are custom made 100% rayon, cotton/rayon blends, and 100% cottons. Processes for silk screening of the ornate patterns have been duplicated with care. Buttons are handcrafted, cut, drilled and polished coconut. The fit and shape of the shirt is uncompromisingly just like the originals, not updated for today’s fashion look. Each vintage cut shirt features double needle stitching, an expertly matched pocket, top loop and button and an extra button stitched into the inside front facing. We manufacture our shirts in sizes ranging from extra small to eight (8) extra large. Complimenting our men’s shirts is a full range of junior women’s wear and of course we have keiki (children’s) wear for the little ones in the family. We take great satisfaction in our work to produce this fine line of Hawaiian wear. Remember, Hawaiian shirts really can only be made in Hawaii. All others claiming to be Hawaiian but made offshore are merely imitations. Don’t wear anything but the best, you deserve no less. Aloha!
Any of these shirts can be ordered at www.anoriginalkalakaua.com .
And now, some history:
The Hawaiian aloha shirts from the 1930’s – 1950’s have become highly collectible, being correctly perceived by many as an indigenous form of art unique to America and the islands of Hawaii. With the great influx of U. S. service personnel in Hawaii headed to Pacific battlefields during the Second World War, interest in the Hawaiian shirt boomed as every sailor, marine or GI perceived these shirts as a catalyst for the good times associated with a weekend pass or liberty. After the war, the Hawaiian shirt continued to gain popularity from the exposure it received with returning servicemen, Major clothing manufacturers began producing Hawaiian-styled shirts in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower were forever seen sporting these shirts during relaxing moments at ball games, on vacation or while on golf outings. Hollywood icons and entertainers, such as: Elvis Presley, Arthur Godfrey, Bing Crosby, Lee Marvin and, of course, John Wayne, were also quick to identify with these styles. But it was From Here to Eternity, the magnificent 1954 academy award-winning film about pre-war army life at Schofield Barracks and nearby Pearl Harbor, that flung the Hawaiian shirt to the forefront of popularity. This film hosts a feast of magnificent vintage Hawaiian shirts, most of which are prominently worn by lead actors Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra and Ernest Borgnine. Unfortunately, the great demand for the shirts in the late 1950’s spawned mass production of the polyester shirts of the 1960’s, thus went the unique beauty, designs, style and quality of the original shirts from the first 30 years, hence the great scarcity, collectibility and demand for these vintage shirts today.
