With Hawaiian shirts, you might think “the big lie” is something you do in a hammock with a book in your hand or on the beach with a drink next to you.
Or maybe you think “the big lie” is that Hawaiian shirts are tacky for anyone not in Hawaii or on a beach, which is actually a pretty good guess.
Really, though, “the big lie” is that Hawaiian shirts all look alike. When you think Hawaiian shirt, you might get one, and only one, image in your mind. Maybe it’s Tom Selleck’s classic red “Jungle bird” shirt from the Magnum P.I. TV show in the 1980s. Maybe it’s the shirt Jimmy Buffett was wearing that night you saw him in concert. Or maybe it’s the one Hawaiian shirt your dad owned and wore every time you went on vacation somewhere near an ocean.
Hawaiian shirts come in an infinite number of colors, patterns, designs and styles. Some are so bright they can be seen a mile away while others are quite subdued. They come in different fabrics too. There are more combinations than there are fruity drinks at your favorite bar.
With so many combinations, you can easily find a Hawaiian shirt look that looks great during the day and at night.
Day Outside, Night Inside
Imagine you’re spending the day outside at the park or the beach and the night on the town.
During the day, a Hawaiian shirt will look natural on a man untucked over swim trunks or shorts. The shirt can be partially buttoned or unbuttoned, and shoes are optional. Ladies can wear their Hawaiian shirts over shorts or a one-piece or two-piece bathing suit.
When the sun goes down and the breeze kicks up, you can change your mood, but you don’t have to change your shirt.
For a night out, men can transform their look by putting on a nice pair of trousers and belt and tucking in the shirt. Wear a crisp white undershirt with your Hawaiian shirt buttoned up or unbuttoned. Or forget the belt and leave the shirt untucked. Either way, solid-colored pants works best so the eye won’t be overwhelmed with too many colors and patterns. Try a solid-colored blazer over your Hawaiian shirt for a look that’s stylish and yet relaxed.
Ladies will find Hawaiian shirts that go with pants or skirts of varying lengths. A bold piece of jewelry will transform the look.
Day Inside, Night Outside
Rather than spending the day at the beach and the night on the town, maybe you’re spending the day at the office and the night at an outdoor party.
Not every Hawaiian shirt screams “party.” Plenty of more subdued styles are appropriate for many offices with a “business casual” dress code. Tucked in or worn out, these shirts will go with chino pants and a wide variety of shoes and belts for men. If you are worried the boss won’t approve, wear it under a sweater for just a whiff of mischief.
At night, it’s a party! Your neighbor might not be invited, but your Hawaiian shirt is always welcome.