Originally inspired by 90s leading men from cult-classic movies such as “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Ace Ventura Pet Detective”, Hawaiian style shirts have been an on-again, off-again Summer fashion trend in the past few years and its loud prints inevitably triggered some polarising opinions. This year, however, the Hawaiian shirt trend came back even louder than before with slimmer fits and modernized prints, taking the heat off the shirt’s bad rep. And while it seems duly appropriate for the current season, the revival of Hawaiian shirts are expected to stick around for longer this time.

Tropical Tops are Back (Again) as an All Year Round Fashion Staple

Sartorial style is shifting its focus from athleisure and loungewear to resort wear. Once recognized as “dad” and “tourist” style, the Aloha fashion is now at the epicentre of chic menswear. The embrace of the new(ish) tropical zest sees retailers growing their product offerings in that sector. Buying Director Fiona Firth at Mr Porter too, noted that the demand for resort wear no longer restricts to Spring/Summer seasons and recently launched an exclusive collection with Prada as an approach to fulfil the demands for holiday wear between fashion seasons.

Mr Porter X Prada: The Winning Combination

“We’ve found that alongside the traditional demand for swimwear, customers are searching for more lifestyle products. Smarter loose T-shirts, linen pieces and lightweight trousers are all selling well year round.”

Similarly at Matchesfashion, Damien Paul, head of menswear reveals in a statement that sales over the past two years have increased by 300%. “We’ve found that alongside the traditional demand for swimwear, customers are searching for more lifestyle products. Smarter loose T-shirts, linen pieces and lightweight trousers are all selling well year round. What has been fascinating has been discovering a wealth of less well-known names that specialise in this area and cater to more nomadic lifestyles and warmer climates.”

Gucci at Mr Porter

Louis Vuitton

That said, as the rules to fashion is ever-changing, and seasonal collections have become less relevant. Hence, taking the irony out of wearing summer wear in any other seasons. Hawaiian shirts which are usually made lightweight in loose linen materials is also practical and easily transitioned with weather and purpose. For those who are put off by the bold prints, try balancing your ensemble by keeping the rest of your outfit tame. Take cue from the streets and elevate your wardrobe with a statement.

Stella Mccartney