How to Style a Hawaiian Shirt for Men and Women

A Hawaiian shirt is one of the few pieces that looks just as good on men as it does on women. Bold tropical prints, a relaxed camp collar and a short-sleeve cut make it the go-to shirt for summer weekends, vacations, backyard parties and casual Fridays. The trick is knowing what to pair it with so the look feels intentional, not like a costume. This guide shows you how to style a Hawaiian shirt for men and women, with 9 easy outfit ideas, fit tips and the mistakes to avoid.

What Makes a Hawaiian Shirt Different

Also called an aloha shirt, a Hawaiian shirt is a short-sleeve, button-up shirt with an open camp collar, a straight hem and a loud, all-over pattern. Classic prints feature palm leaves, hibiscus flowers, surfboards and sunsets, while modern designs play with retro graphics, food, animals and pop culture. Three details set it apart from a regular button-down:

• The collar lies flat and open, so the shirt looks best with the top button undone.
• The straight hem is designed to be worn untucked.
• The fit is relaxed and boxy, which keeps it cool in the heat and makes it easy to wear for any body type.

How a Hawaiian Shirt Should Fit Men and Women

For men

The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, and the hem should land around the middle of your zipper so the shirt looks neat untucked. It should skim your chest without pulling at the buttons. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one for a laid-back fit.

For women

Most Hawaiian shirts are cut unisex, so you can choose your fit. Order your usual size for an oversized, boyfriend-style look you can knot or layer, or size down for a cleaner shape. Check the measurements in our Hawaiian shirt size guide and compare them with a shirt you already like.

Hawaiian Shirt Outfits for Men

1. The classic summer look: shorts and sandals

Pair your shirt with chino shorts in khaki, navy or white, then add sandals or slip-on sneakers. Leave the top one or two buttons open. This is the go-to outfit for beach days, pool parties and cookouts.

2. Open over a white tee

Wear the shirt completely unbuttoned over a plain white or black t-shirt with straight-leg jeans and clean white sneakers. The tee tones down a loud print and turns the shirt into an easy streetwear layer.

3. Dressed up with chinos for date night

Choose a darker print and pair it with slim chinos, a leather belt and loafers or minimalist sneakers. Keep the shirt untucked and the rest of the outfit simple for rooftop bars, dinners or a summer wedding with a relaxed dress code.

4. Finished with a hat

A trucker hat in a color pulled from your shirt’s print instantly makes the outfit look put together. Add sunglasses and a simple watch and you are done.

Hawaiian Shirt Outfits for Women

5. Knotted at the waist

Leave the bottom buttons open and tie the hem at your waist. Pair it with high-waisted denim shorts, a denim skirt or wide-leg trousers for a cropped, flattering shape.

6. Oversized over a tank or bodysuit

Wear the shirt open and loose over a fitted tank, bralette or bodysuit with bike shorts or straight jeans. It is a relaxed, effortless look for brunch, festivals and weekend errands.

7. As a beach cover-up

Throw a roomy Hawaiian shirt over your swimsuit, roll up the sleeves and add slides and a straw tote. It goes from the pool to lunch in seconds.

Hawaiian Shirt Outfits for Everyone

8. Layered for cooler evenings

When the temperature drops, add a denim jacket, light bomber or neutral overshirt and let the collar and print peek out. It keeps your favorite shirt in rotation well past summer.

9. Matching for couples and groups

Vacations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday weekends and luaus are made for matching shirts. Choose one print for the whole crew, or pick a theme and let everyone choose their own design. Our all over print shirts are a great place to find bold patterns for a group look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Tucking it in. The straight hem is made to be worn out (knotting is the exception).
• Buttoning it all the way up. Leave at least the top button open to show off the camp collar.
• Mixing too many prints. Let the shirt be the only pattern unless you are wearing a matching set.
• Going too big for the look you want. Oversized is a style choice; several sizes too big just looks sloppy.

How to Care for Your Hawaiian Shirt

Turn the shirt inside out, machine wash cold with similar colors and use a mild detergent. Skip bleach, tumble dry low or hang to dry, and avoid ironing directly on the print. Hanging the shirt soon after washing helps reduce wrinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women wear men’s Hawaiian shirts?

Yes. Most Hawaiian shirts are unisex. Wear your usual size for an oversized look or size down for a closer fit.

Should you tuck in a Hawaiian shirt?

Usually not. The straight hem is designed to be worn untucked. Women can knot the hem for a cropped look.

Can you wear a Hawaiian shirt to work?

In a casual office, yes. Choose a darker or more subtle print, pair it with chinos or tailored trousers and clean shoes.

What shoes go with a Hawaiian shirt?

Sandals, slides and canvas sneakers keep things casual for men and women. Clean white sneakers, loafers or espadrilles work when you want to dress the look up.

Find Your Next Statement Shirt

Ready to try one of these looks? Browse our Hawaiian shirts for bold tropical prints in relaxed, unisex fits, then finish the outfit with a trucker hat. For more everyday style, check out our graphic t-shirts. Every U.S. order ships for a flat $6.95.