A wearable slice of paradise

“Wearing a Hawaiian shirt, you don’t ever come across as offensive. Nobody sees you as a threat. You see someone in a Hawaiian shirt, and you are like ‘this guy is ready to party.’” — American stand-up comedian and actor Gabriel Jesús “Fluffy” Iglesias (1976-)

With the thermometer set to reach 77 today as I write and the long-range forecast calling for highs in the 70s and 80s for the next 10 days — and presumably from there well into September, my wardrobe instantaneously made the abrupt annual seasonal transition from long pants and fleecy hoodies to cargo shorts, sandals and breezy Hawaiian shirts.

Several years ago, I reached the life decision age when comfort — read Hawaiian aloha shirts — became the defining factor of my wardrobe.

Save for a few necessary short- and long-sleeved dress shirts and the forever classic single multi-purpose formal funeral, wedding and job interview suit, the bulk of my clothing selections have pivoted to the uber-comfortable end of the apparel spectrum — Under Armour hoodies and ice hockey jerseys for the cold weather season and baseball jerseys and Hawaiian shirts for the warm weather months.

It would be entrepreneurial World War II veteran turned textile manufacturer Alfred Shaheen who jump-started America’s enduring love affair with Hawaiian aloha shirts, first popularized in the 1949 Rogers and Hammerstein musical “South Pacific,” later by rock-and-roll king Elvis Presley in the 1961 musical romantic comedy-drama film “Blue Hawaii,” and mainstreamed in American pop culture by actor Tom Selleck during his 1980-88 run as Hawaiian-shirted private investigator Thomas Magnum in TV’s “Magnum, P.I.”

Hawaiian aloha shirts are not just for Hawaiian traditional pop musician, singer and entertainer Don Ho anymore. I’m forever grateful.

Hawaiian shirts have proven to be a fun and colorful addition to my wardrobe, bringing me a sense of joy and relaxation. There’s something special about slipping into a brightly patterned Hawaiian shirt. While never having been any closer to Hawaii in my adult life than San Francisco, the vibrant colors and exotic designs magically transport me to an aloha-spirited tropical paradise, even if I’m just running errands around town or working a casual Friday at the office.

One of the best things about Hawaiian shirts is their versatility. No matter how I choose to style it, a Hawaiian shirt always exudes a laid-back and carefree vibe that is perfect for almost any occasion.

Another joy of wearing Hawaiian shirts is the attention they attract. People can’t help but smile when they see someone sporting a bold and festive print. Whether I’m at a barbecue, the ballpark, a summer music festival, road-tripping, or reporting, a Hawaiian shirt is a conversation starter in a sea of plain tees and button-downs.

Hawaiian shirts are also incredibly comfortable to wear. Made from lightweight and breathable fabrics, they’re perfect for staying cool and comfortable on hot, humid summer days. Plus, the loose fit and relaxed silhouette of Hawaiian shirts make them a great choice for lounging around at home or hitting the town with family and friends.

One of the best things I’ve found about Hawaiian shirts is the ability of their bright colors and bold, cheerful prints to lift my mood and brighten my day. Just putting one on can make me feel like I’m on vacation, relaxed and carefree, even if I’m stuck in the office or running to the grocery store.

Evoking feelings of escapism and wanderlust that can transport me to a faraway paradise, if only in my mind, Hawaiian shirts are like wearing a piece of vacation wherever I go, reminding me to take life a little less seriously and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Hawaiian shirts are also a great way to express individuality and show off my personality and interests, with my aloha shirt wardrobe running the gamut from traditional Hawaiian and tropical themed prints to my offbeat print newspaper and U.S. Highway 51 styled shirts.

Whether it’s bold florals, quirky prints or classic palm trees, there’s pretty much a Hawaiian shirt out there for everyone.

And where clothing fads come and go, one of the best things about Hawaiian shirts is their seemingly timeless classic contemporary appeal as a simple way to inject a little bit of fun, carefree aloha spirit into everyday life.

I think we could all use a little more aloha in our lives. I know I do.

News-Review freelance columnist Eric Johnson can be reached at eric@fyinorthwoods.com.