Sun Surf
Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirts
The Hawaiian aloha shirts from the 1930s – 1950s have become highly collectible, being 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 soldier 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 1940s and early 1950s. 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 the Schofield Barracks near 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 1960s, thus went the unique beauty, designs, style and quality of the original shirts from the first 30 years, hence the great scarcity and collectibility for these vintage shirts today.
We are proud to present the finest, most authentic vintage-style Hawaiian shirts available in the world – Sun Surf. Sun Surf can trace its beginnings back to the 1980s and is produced by the same people in Japan who bring us Buzz Rickson’s and Sugar Cane brands. Every Sun Surf shirt is an exact copy of an original design from the heyday of Hawaiian shirts (1930s - 1950s), reproduced true to their original and brilliant colors and charm. The fabrics are custom made to precisely match the long-lost formula for the type of high-quality rayon employed in the manufacture of the original vintage examples, while the processes for silk screening of the ornate patterns have been duplicated with care. The fit and shape of the shirts is uncompromisingly just like the originals, not oversized and sloppy. The directorship of this company shares that same passion as our friends in Japan, and thus we are both pleased and proud to offer our like-minded customers in America and elsewhere these fabulous shirts heretofore available only in Japan. Shirt designs are produced only once per year in Japan, then that design is never duplicated again. Supply to the USA is even more limited, especially in larger sizes, thus our customers can rest assured they will not find these designs easy to come by. Aloha!
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirts are wearable works of art from the 1930s-'50s, reproduced true to their original and brilliant colors and charm. Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt Matson Line
This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in 1950 by the Kilohana brand. This design stands out with its navy-colored, ultra-desirable background color (the choice of Hawaiian shirt enthusiasts) that provides for maximum color contrast, while the combination of lei, tourists, and Matson cruise liners are among the most famous motifs depicted on vintage Hawaiian shirts.
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: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt. 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
Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt Moonlight Hula
Last FEW Left!
This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in 1950 by the Poi Pounder Tog brand. Original examples of this shirt are about as rare as they get, and the color combination is exceptionally rare and desirable, being navy, light blue, and yellow.
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: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt. 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
Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt, Duke’s Palm Tree, Brown – Closeout!
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
Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt, Duke’s Tropical View, Brown
Last ONE Left!
This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt produced under license for their Duke Kahanamoku label. The design deftly copies an original example produced in the 1950's 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
Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt, PAA Air Travel Navy Blue
This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in the 1940's under the Royal Hawaiian brand. This shirt features propeller-driven Pan Am airliners and the tourists they deposited in paradise, Diamond Head, hula girls, Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and other classic motifs, making it the perfect selection for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of an all-over "tourist" print in a rare color. Original examples of this shirt are extremely rare and extremely desirable.
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: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt. 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
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt Halekulani Blue
Originally produced under the Random Wear brand in California in the late 1940's, this style 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 style from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of an all-over "tourist" 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.
Sun Surf shirts are imported from Japan
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt Pineapple Islands Black
Originally produced in Hawaii in 1940 by Kihikihi Sportswear, 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 in bold, sharply contrasted colors 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
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt Pineapple Passion, Red
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
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt Pua Mohala Black
Originally produced in Hawaii in 1950 by Palomino, this boldly colorful print features sharp color contrasts and is outfitted with a single "invisible" pocket, genuine-urea 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 style from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of a classic border 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
