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 Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt Showing Hawaiian Island Navy Blue
Originally produced in Hawaii in the 1940's by Tanaka 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 shirt bold contrasts between colors and images of theHawaiian islands, making it the perfect selection for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of tourist print in a fabulous, rare color combination.
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
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt Spiral-Shell Paradise, Wine
Last ONE Left!
Originally produced in Hawaii in 1940 by Paradise 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 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 State of Hawaii Black
Originally produced in Hawaii in 1950 by Hawaiian Togs, it is outfitted with a single "invisible" pocket, wooden 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 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, Hula Dancer
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
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt, Noh-Men, Black
This shirt is very special because it is made from the costly Kabe crepe rayon and it depicts the masks used in the Japanese theatrical art of "Noh,"which is a type of play where various masks are used to depict a change in characters and emotions and moods.
Kabe crepe rayon has the appearance and feel somewhat similar to crepe paper, hence the name. Crepe rayon is not as slick as rayon acetate, but is still very light and airy. This style was originally produced in Hawaii in the 1950’s by Sun Bros. Co., it is outfitted with a single pocket, genuine wooden 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.
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt, Screw Pine Border
This dazzling floral vertical border print was originally produced in Hawaii in the late 1940's by Kuu-Ipo. 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 a dazzling border style. Green is a rare color to locate in vintage Hawaiian shirts and the combination of colors on the green background of this shirt makes this absolutely a standout!
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.
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt, Traditional Tattoo Motif
Last TWO Left!
This is one of the most unique Hawaiian shirts Sun Surf has offered in years. The design emulates the traditional tattoo patterns once in use by native tribes, but incorporated in a Hawaiian shirt as originally produced by Watumull's in 1940.
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 totally unique look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts in a killer border style.
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.
Sun Surf Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirt, United Airlines
Last ONE Left!
Originally produced in Hawaii in 1950 under the Waikiki Sports label, it 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 shirt features propeller-driven United Airlines airliners and the tourists they deposited in Hawaii, making it the perfect selection for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of tourist print in a rare color.
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
