The Hawaiian shirt has it’s own traditions. And it’s own reputation. Let’s be honest. Some of the tackiest fabric patterns on the face of the planet have found their way onto shirts of this kind. They’ve even managed to become icons of pop culture.

Depending on who tells the tale, these shirts have quite a history. Some folks credit early missionaries to the Islands as encouraging the native populations to cover up and become more modest. There are stories of modern versions of these shirts first being produces in the mid 30’s during the growth of the tourist trade in Honolulu. Some say that the first floral patterned, short-sleeved shirt from fabric remnants from muumuus.

These shirts were favored by Waikiki natives,  surfers and tourists alike. With light weight Rayon introduced, the colorful tropical shirt was a natural vacation souvenir returning home to the mainland. And today, some of those classic shirts command a high price and are extremely valued by collectors.

A California businessman named Reyn McCullough caught the island fever when statehood arrived, and eventually moved his clothing business from Catalina Island to Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center in 1959. With the help of a local seamstress, Ruth Spooner, he began producing shirts and swim wear that was a hit with patrons. Using the reverse print process allowed some intricate designs on high quality fabric, producing shirts for wear more than just luaus.

Over the years, some of the more interesting shirts produced by Reyn’s were for the crew of a small animation company located in Point Richmond, California. John Lasseter of Pixar seems to revel in Hawaiian shirts. A glance at many photos of him shows he has a good wardrobe of them.

Arriving for Disneyland’s Rededication on July 17, 2005. John Lasseter wearing his Reyn Spooner “Incredibles” shirt.

Photo by Roger Colton

So far, there have been shirts produced for Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, The Incredibles and Cars. And the Disney animators haven’t been left out either. Reyn Spooner has produced shirts for Fantasia 2000 (pink flamingos?) as well as Lilo & Stitch. There has also been a line of Disney themed shirts available for the public as well. Check out the list of current offerings here. eBay is the place you’ll find some of those earlier out-of-production shirts, but expect fierce bidding if you do.

If there may be one drawback to the popularity of these shirts, it must be price. The average Disney themed shirt runs in the $70 price range, but comparable to the popular Shag shirts sold at Disneyland and online. Checking in now and then, one does find a bargain for one of these.

Themes for the Reyn Spooner shirts don’t begin or end with Disney. They offer shirts for your favorite college, MLB or NFL teams (including shirts for the Pro Bowl - held each year in Honolulu). Even a line of classic car and Hawaiian Christmas (Mele Kalikimaka) shirts.

And yes, I’ll admit to having a number of these shirts with a variety of themes. Their comfortable and lightweight, and some great conversation starters, too!

Something for the ladies...

How about a Disney Quack Attack blouse?

And don’t forget Kid sizes, too!

So check ‘em out.

Who knows? There might be one in your future!