Hawaiian Shirts: A Gangster Favorite
，作者：Natureechos
In films and TV shows, gangsters are often seen with three signature items: sunglasses, chunky gold chains, and floral shirts. Bold, flashy, and rebellious, floral shirts perfectly match the fearless, rule-breaking attitude associated with both mob bosses and their crews.
During the peak of Hawaiian shirts in the 1990s, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas featured Johnny Depp wearing gold-rimmed tinted sunglasses, a cigarette hanging from his lips, and a loosely unbuttoned floral shirt—an image that perfectly aligned with the film’s chaotic and surreal visual style.
This effortlessly cool shirt is formally known as the Hawaiian shirt, or Aloha shirt. However, it is not a traditional garment of native Hawaiians. The first Aloha shirts appeared in the 1930s, reportedly inspired by local workwear called “Palaka.” As for who exactly invented the Hawaiian shirt, that remains a subject of debate.
In 1936, Hawaiian Chinese businessman Ellery J. Chun became the first to register “Aloha Sportswear” as a trademark, followed by “Aloha Shirt,” laying the foundation for its commercialization.
In 1961, Elvis Presley wore an Aloha shirt on the cover of the album Blue Hawaii, propelling it into mainstream fashion.
Despite its flamboyant appearance, the Aloha shirt is considered formal attire in Hawaii. In certain settings, it can even be worn with a tie and a suit jacket.
The global popularity of Hawaiian culture is closely tied to the frequent appearance of Aloha shirts in films. In 1995, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Romeo + Juliet, creating one of the most iconic “pretty boy” interpretations of the Aloha shirt.
Today, both luxury fashion houses and streetwear brands continue to draw inspiration from the Aloha shirt, and it regularly appears in celebrity street style.
Yet, the true essence of the Aloha shirt still belongs to Hawaii. What makes this place special is that, whether you’re a gangster, a working-class local, or a global celebrity, everyone can experience complete relaxation—from head to toe, down to every last pore.