These Are the Best Hawaiian Shirts to Help You Channel Paradise Wherever You Go (2024)

From one of the first brands ever to produce Hawaiian shirts dating back to 1936, there’s no question the Kahala Duke’s Pareo short-sleeve shirt is a classic. Made in Hawaii, this shirt showcases a 1960’s heritage print featuring pineapple and floral imagery and comes in a variety of island-ready colors. It’s made from 100 percent durable cotton broadcloth and is machine washable, though you may want to size up to avoid shrinkage.

The Details: XS to 3XL | 100 percent cotton broadcloth

What brand better represents the tropical lifestyle than Tommy Bahama. This shirt comes from their Artist Series, featuring a print called “Perfect Paradise” and is custom designed by Beppe Spadacini, a leading textile artist. With blush pink undertones, the print perfectly captures the natural beauty and serene environment of the Hawaiian islands, depicting a mountain beside a gorgeous bay. This shirt will look good with shorts, over a bathing suit for an aprés-beach look, or with linen pants or chinos for dinnertime on your next vacation.

We gave this Tommy Bahama shirt high marks for the not-too-fitted, not-too-loose fit, the high-quality of the buttons and stitching, and for the print that feels classically Hawaiian yet still unique. It’s made from 100 percent silk, so if you take good care of this piece, it will last for many, many tropical adventures to come.

The Details: S to XXL | 100 percent silk

There’s a difference between “budget” and “cheap,” and when we set out to find the best budget Hawaiian shirt for men, we wanted to strike that balance between the right price and the right quality. This Coofandy shirt hits the mark. The thick, textured cotton material has the look and feel of something much more expensive, and the updated print is the ideal blend of classic and modern Hawaiian style.

The Details: S to XXXXL | 100 percent cotton

Cult classic brand Tombolo has been building an army of fans around the world for their cheerful vacation-minded shirts, and this “Sunny Disposition” style is no exception. It’s made with a mod-style print that is just bold enough to help you stand out. For an updated, more fashion-forward take on the classic Hawaiian shirt, this could be your best bet.

The Details: XXS to XXL | 100 percent lyocell

You know and love Lululemon for their gym attire and athleisure, but how about this camp collar shirt? Some dudes may seek the breathability of a Hawaiian shirt but don’t have the need for a bold floral print. If that’s you, you’re in luck – Lululemon’s “WovenAir” fabric stays cool even in the stickiest situations. The material is quick-drying, naturally breathable, sweat-wicking, and has a four-way stretch that follows your every move.

The Details: S to XXL | 89 percent nylon, 11 percent elastane

Outerknown has been making waves in the menswear world the last few years for the brand’s commitment to sustainability, and this Hawaiian-inspired “camp” shirt is no exception. It’s made from European-grown flax, one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly fibers on the planet. Outerknown also has a commitment to sustainable fabric dying practices to lessen production’s impact on our waterways. And on top of that, the material is naturally breathable and heat-regulating, making this a solid choice for any and all of your summer plans.

The Details: S to XL | 100 percent linen

Don’t let linen and cotton have all the fun this summer — this Vilebrequin shirt is crafted from a sustainable, silky, breathable hemp and lyocell blend. Coming from French brand Vilebrequin, no detail goes overlooked, from the tone-on-tone embroidery, to the perfect fit, to the side slits for added motility and breathability. The stunning multicolor print also makes this shirt look put-together.

The Details: S to XXXL | 54 percent hemp, 46 percent tencel

Few brands come close to the authenticity of Hawaiian-born Tori Richard, known for — among other things — their iconic Hawaiian shirts. The cut on this one is just right — breezy enough to keep you cool, but tailored enough to be flattering, as well. This print was inspired by art from the archives of the Matson Navigation Company, a cruise line which sailed the Pacific from the 1908 until the 1950s.

The Details: XS to XXXL | 100 percent cotton

Why have hibiscus floral prints when you can have tigers? The award for most unique Hawaiian shirt goes to this Go Barefoot shirt, made from a light and airy cotton and rayon blend, and with sustainably sourced coconut buttons to really bring home that tropical aesthetic. Are there tigers in Hawaii? Definitely not. But do they look cool on this shirt? You bet they do.

The Details: S to XL | 55 percent cotton, 45 percent rayon

Most people hear “rayon” and think a synthetic material can’t be luxe — but the opposite is true. Rayon was the original fabric of choice when people started wearing Hawaiian shirts after World War II, when silk had been rationed for parachutes. This shirt is a collaboration between American menswear darling Todd Snyder and quintessential Hawaiian shirt brand Kahala — for an updated take on the classic style you’re sure to love.

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent rayon

Love the idea of a summery, colorful Hawaiian shirt but don’t love the boxy, billowy fit? Then take a look at this SSLR Hawaiian Shirt, cut in a modern, slim fit that’s sure to appeal to guys with a contemporary sense of style. The sleeves hug your biceps for a flattering look, and the torso is cut for a flattering, slimmer fit. Pair it with your favorite dark jeans for a dinner-ready look on your next beach vacation.

The Details: S to XXXXL | 100 percent cotton

Hawaiian shirts offer an opportunity to really take a risk and show some color. This Molokai Surf shirt has a gorgeous print that plays with various tropical colors set over a black background. The result is nothing short of stunning — and if this exact style isn’t your cup of tea, the brand offers dozens of other prints. We also love that the fabric on this one has just a hint of spandex for a comfortable, stretchy fit that drapes beautifully.

The Details: M to XXL | 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex

Channel all the color of tropical island life with this KingSize short-sleeve shirt. It has an open collar, a relaxed cut, and comes in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body types. It’s made from a woven rayon that captures colors well and will last for many years in your closet. Plus, it’s finished with smart, island-appropriate details like coconut button closures.

The Details: 3X to 9X | 100 percent rayon

The problem a lot of people have with 100 percent linen shirts is that linen as a fabric doesn’t have much natural give to it; that’s why this Marine Layer shirt has been updated with a linen-lyocell blend, so you get the textured breathability of linen perfect for summer with a bit of stretchy silkiness from the lyocell. The shirt is cut with a wide yoke so it falls slightly off the shoulder for that effortless, boxy fit. We also can’t get enough of the print – it has the floral references of a traditional Hawaiian shirt, but comes in a color palette that feels totally modern without trying too hard.

The Details: S to XL | 70 percent lyocell, 30 percent linen

Frequently Asked Questions

• When should you wear a Hawaiian shirt?

  “Consider selecting shirts that can effortlessly transition into evening attire,” said Kazanc. Historically, Hawaiian shirts have been used for business casual occasions — meetings or events that require a step above typical resort wear, but without the formality or constriction of a classic suit or blazer.However, more recently, Hawaiian shirts can really be worn whenever you like. Or as Kazanc put it: “it’s about feeling great in what you wear, and when that happens, you’re sure to captivate the attention of those around you.”

• How do you wash a Hawaiian shirt?

  The answer to this one is simple: check the manufacturer’s tag for washing instructions. Most Hawaiian shirts can typically be washed in cold water and tumble dried on low. If you’re looking to make the colors on your shirt stay crisp and vibrant for many years to come, however, try being a little gentler on your clothes — washing them in cold water on delicate, and hanging them out to dry.