Sun Surf is a brand that focuses on vintage rayon aloha shirts created during the golden era of the 1930s to 1950s. Established in the 1970s, Sun Surf has meticulously collected and analyzed thousands of vintage aloha shirts. These shirts are renowned for their vibrant colors and deep hues, achieved through traditional printing techniques such as discharge printing and overprinting. Sun Surf aims to bring the charm of these rare, hard-to-find vintage aloha shirts to a wider audience by paying close attention to detail and reviving many classic designs for the modern era.

On this page, you'll find everything from the rich history and unique materials used in these iconic shirts to the intricate printing techniques and various design patterns. We'll also dive into the special series that Sun Surf offers and the story behind the origins and evolution of aloha shirts.

1. Materials of Aloha Shirts

The most highly regarded vintage aloha shirts, created from the 1930s to the 1950s, are made from rayon. Rayon, also known as artificial silk, is a natural fiber derived from plants. It offers excellent moisture absorption and release, a smooth texture, and high heat dissipation, making it ideal for Hawaii's tropical climate. Throughout the history of aloha shirts, materials such as silk, cotton, and polyester have also been used.

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2. Printing Techniques for Aloha Shirts

There are two main printing techniques used for aloha shirts: discharge printing and overprinting. The choice of technique depends on the fabric, design, and number of colors used.

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3. Patterns and Design of Aloha Shirts

The patterns and designs of aloha shirts are closely related to the materials and printing techniques used, as well as changes over time. In the early days of aloha shirts in the 1930s, the predominant pattern was the "All Over Pattern." Over the years, the motifs in these patterns gradually increased in size. By the late 1940s, a more flamboyant style emerged known as the "Border Pattern."

During the peak of aloha shirts in the 1950s, even bolder designs came into vogue, such as the "Horizontal Pattern," which made the shirt itself look like a single painting. On the mainland U.S., designs like the "Back Panel Pattern" and "Picture Print" became popular, offering more dramatic and impactful visuals.

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4. Buttons of Aloha Shirts

Aloha shirts feature a wide variety of buttons, each adding to the overall aesthetic and balance of the design.

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5. Klaxon's Recommended Sun Surf Series

SUN SURF SPECIAL EDITION

These aloha shirts symbolize the paradise of Hawaii, deeply influenced by Japanese immigrants. They feature both tropical and Japanese patterns, recreating the vibrant prints and striking designs of the mid-20th century when Hawaii established itself as a prime tourist destination. By collecting vintage aloha shirts, Sun Surf occasionally encounters special pieces, and the Special Edition line meticulously recreates these masterpieces. With luxurious multi-color prints and dramatic designs, each Special Edition shirt honors the original textile designers who created these now-rare works.

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STAR OF HOLLYWOOD

This brand from the 1950s, once known only to a few vintage clothing enthusiasts, is renowned for its striking and unforgettable designs. The brand's fabrics and motifs were assembled with exceptional taste, making each piece a standout. Based on the masterpieces of the time, Sun Surf's Star of Hollywood series proudly presents original designs that stay true to the brand's legacy of bold and captivating style.

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KEONI OF HAWAII

In 1996, Sun Surf discovered that legendary textile designer John Meigs was still alive. Visiting him, they found previously unpublished works he had created in the 1940s. These designs were produced under the "Keoni of Hawaii" name, and Meigs even resumed designing aloha shirts. Although he retired due to age-related challenges in 2001, other artists who shared his vision continued his work, ensuring the brand's enduring legacy.

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DUKE KAHANAMOKU SPECIAL EDITION

Named after the Hawaiian hero and legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku, this collection celebrates his contributions to both sports and Hawaiian culture. A gold medalist swimmer and the father of modern surfing, Duke started his own aloha shirt brand in the 1930s, using his fame to promote Hawaiian culture worldwide. Sun Surf's Special Edition honors Duke's legacy by faithfully recreating the vintage aloha shirts that bear his name, bringing his exceptional taste and influence to modern audiences.

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The Origins and History of Aloha Shirts

Founded in the 1970s, Sun Surf has analyzed thousands of vintage aloha shirts collected over the years. These shirts are celebrated for their vibrant prints and deep colors, achieved through traditional printing techniques such as discharge printing and overprinting. By meticulously reproducing the details of these classic designs, Sun Surf brings the allure of rare vintage aloha shirts to a wider audience.

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