Not everyone can pull off wearing a Hawaiian shirt. But everyone should try! There’s something about slipping on a shirt so bright you ought to wear shades that instantly lowers the blood pressure. The time instantly becomes Happy Hour, the smell of coconuts seemingly fills the air and … hey, is that a Jimmy Buffett song playing off in the distance?
If you’re ready to escape for some island time, here are the shirts you should be wearing during your journey.
28 Palms
With 30-plus designs to choose from, you’ll surely find something here that works as well at the beach as it does at the office on Casual Friday. We love the lived-in look of these shirts too.
SSLR Men’s Flamingos Shirt
In Florida, there’s practically a state law requiring everyone to own something flamingo-related. You can buy the lawn ornaments if you prefer, but we migrate toward this shirt. By the way, did you know there’s still no proven scientific explanation for why a flamingo often stands on just one leg? Think about that the next time you put on this shirt.
RAISEVERN Men’s Tropical Hawaiian Shirt
Well, hello, Happy Pineapple. If this shirt doesn’t cheer you up, then maybe try the “Cat Taco” design also offered by RAISEVERN. The manufacturer promises no shrinking and no fading. (We recommend hand washing just to be double careful.)
Hawaiian Tiki Panel Aloha Shirt
Not everyone can pull off the attitude needed to wear some of the crazier Hawaiian shirt designs – that’s why we love this understated offering. The subtle coloring and panel design make this a more laid-back and relaxed choice.
Johari West Geometric Forest
Looking for something unique? These shirts are hand printed to ensure that no shirt is exactly like another. The fabric is also pre-shrunk so the size you buy will be the size that stays wash after wash.
Funky Hawaiian Shirt
Attention, Magnum P.I. fans: This is the closest shirt to the one worn by Tom Selleck in the popular ’80s television series. (In all fairness, he wore more than one Hawaiian shirt, but this red one is the classic look.) Just add a Detroit Tigers hat and a fake mustache (unless you still rock a real one) and you’re set for the next ’80s costume party.
Steve Spears is editor of Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. He is based in Orlando and counts St. Augustine, Key West and the Gulf Beaches among his favorite destinations in the state.
