Closeout:  This style is priced $50.00 off the original retail price!!!  

This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt produced under their Duke Kahanamoku label.  The design deftly copies an original example produced in 1950 under Duke's own brand.

Special Editions are manufactured to degrees of authenticity that soar beyond the standard editions, fabulous as the standard editions are; each Special Edition is precisely recreated to match the vintage example it copies using yarns and dyes specifically reproduced to match just this one shirt style to utmost precision, and the rayon is screen printed using a filament discharge, just as the original examples of this print once were. 

Special Editions incorporate colors and color shades not found on the standard editions, thus providing for more precise color matching to the vintage shirt being copied.  Other original features include: two deftly matched invisible pockets, mother-of-pearl  buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the  original label found on this shirt with the legendary name of Duke Kahanamoku.  And to enhance the collectibility of this shirt, it comes in its own presentation/storage box.  Once produced, the special edition is retired from production, thus ensuring each is extremely limited in quantity made.

Sun Surf Special Editions are nearly impossible to obtain outside of Japan and we are proud beyond words to have been able to obtain a few of this shirt print that stands out as one of the most unique ever offered.  

To help preserve the fabric and colors, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.

Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Last FEW Left!

Originally produced in Hawaii in 1950 by Don Carlos, Jr., it is outfitted with a single "invisible" pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that typifies the original designs of the era; this particular shirt is perfect for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of an all-over print that easily is complemented with so many other color choices in one’s wardrobe.

Vintage Hawaiian shirts were typically made of high-quality rayon acetate, the formula for which was lost in a Dupont factory fire back in the 1950’s. This Sun Surf design is printed on high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.” Unquestionably, Sun Surf rayon is the most authentic in the vintage Hawaiian shirt industry today. Just as with the original fabric it copies, this material is extremely breathable and airy, and it takes the original screen printing inks as splendidly as did the vintage originals.

To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.  Please see SIZING TIPS to obtain the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Last FEW Left!

Originally produced in Hawaii in the 1950’s by Capistrano of California, it is outfitted with a single pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that typifies the original designs of the era, this particular shirt is perfect for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of an all-over print in brown.  Brown is a very rare color in vintage Hawaiian shirts and this example is one of our favorites!

Vintage Hawaiian shirts were typically made of high-quality rayon acetate, the formula for which was lost in a Dupont factory fire back in the 1950’s. This Sun Surf design is printed on high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.” Unquestionably, Sun Surf rayon is the most authentic in the vintage Hawaiian shirt industry today. Just as with the original fabric it copies, this material is extremely breathable and airy, and it takes the original screen printing inks as splendidly as did the vintage originals.

To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.

Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Clearance liquidation of overstock sizes ONLY.   These are new, unworn, and complete with factory warranty.  Clearance pricing applies ONLY to the listed, select sizes on this website that are in stock at our New Jersey facility (no discounting applies to sizes not listed as available on this website):  25% off regular retail price of $1, 900.00!!!  No refunds will be given on clearance items, but returns are allowed for exchange credit toward any items and/or services we offer with no expiration date on credit.

The type A-1 Flight Jacket was standardized on November 27th 1927, being the predecessor of the now-famous type A-2 Flight Jacket. Synonymous with early aviation heroes, such as: Jimmy Doolittle, Ira Eaker and Carl Spaatz, it was the very first of the windcheater-type flying jackets outfitted with knitted waist and cuffs, and a design that was to set the basic outline for flying jacket styling to this day.

Originally, the A-1 Flight Jacket was specified to be made from a olive drab cape leather, but the few existing examples that can be found today are always a chestnut-brown shade of capeskin. The frontal closure was facilitated with genuine horn buttons, and backed again with smaller real horn buttons for extra strength, as were the pocket flaps.  The jacket lining was a densely woven brown sateen cotton, while the collar, cuffs and waist band were 100% worsted wool. Our reproduction is crafted just as the original was, including the sleek 1920s fit.  Typical of designs of that era, many jackets had a rather slim cut with narrow sleeves and nippy shoulders.  We have followed the original design precisely; however, unlike jackets made from stiffer, less-forgiving hides, the A-1 Jacket's softer, finer leather construction – Capeskin – wears easily, and is, perhaps, best described as feeling as if you had on a sheepskin shirt.  However, it’s easy to see why the Army Air Corps made the A-2 from more-durable leathers, as capeskin is not necessarily the best type of hide for a rugged and utilitarian application.  It is not surprising that original A-1 Jackets are hard to find, since capeskin wouldn’t take the rigors of combat use and rubbing on any sharp, angular parts likely found in the 1920s cockpits.

Capeskin is, basically, sheepskin - the same leather that was used to make the B-3 and B-6 Flight Jackets - the only real difference between capeskin and sheepskin is that Cape is a particular breed derived from Africa and noted for its fine quality and smooth texture, making it perfect for hair-off leather garments.  But as a reproduction flying jacket wearer of today, please do not be put off by the notion that capeskin is inherently less durable than, say, horsehide.  Capeskin is perfectly acceptable for the kind of daily use the average person would plan to give their jacket; indeed, lamb and sheepskin jackets are worn by scores of individuals every day without any issues, and thousands of our happy customers continue to enjoy wearing our many sheepskin flying jackets year after year without suffering damage to end the useful life of their jackets.  This A-1 really is a pleasure to wear, too, being light in weight and extremely flexible, feeling as if you have nothing much more on than a cardigan.  It is an ideal jacket for spring, summer and early fall, which can be worn upon entering a building and not making one feel the need to remove their jacket.  The A-1 Flight Jacket, in our opinion, is the perfect all-around jacket, built from a buttery-soft leather that simply exudes quality in a design that is all about classic styling without looking dated at all.

We’ve spared no expense with the rest of the A-1 Jacket construction.  Check out these authentic features found only on an original A-1 Jacket and ours:

•Aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned capeskin outer shell in the original chestnut shade of brown

• Custom-made, all-cotton sateen for the lining that has been dye matched exactly to the original A-1

• Custom-made, genuine-horn buttons in the correct tortoise-shell, amber-hued shade and made to the exact shape and size of those found on the original example

• Custom-made, genuine-horn backing buttons, produced in the exact shape and size of those found on the original example

• Custom-made, woven spec. and size labels produced on a vintage shuttle loom to the exact size and font face as found on the original A-1

When you examine the detailed comparison photos found on the respective link on this web site, you will be able to see all of these details in close-up, side by side comparison with an original A-1 Jacket.  Your first impression may be that the color of our A-1 is markedly darker than the original we show for comparison; this is only because the original has become very faded and scuffed over time.  We have taken color matches from areas on the jacket where the original color is still perfectly preserved; in fact, if you look closely at the shots illustrating the pocket, you will see some of the true color where the flap is lifted up.  The original A-1 would have looked the same as our copy when it was new; only use and age have rendered it as it appears today.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England