Talk Story: Stories Behind Western Aloha Shirts
In Hawaii, to talk story is to take the time to listen and talk to each other about what's happening in life. Every Western Aloha shirt starts with a story inspired by life in Hawaii, or wherever people share the Aloha spirit.
Shirt heritage
Where our shirts come from, and how the Aloha shirt and the Western shirt ended up together.
The History of the Aloha ShirtFrom kimono cloth in 1930s Honolulu to the shirt the world knows today.
The Story of the PareuThe Tahitian cloth that shaped Aloha shirt prints.
Palaka: Hawaii's Original Work ShirtThe plaid of Hawaii's cowboys and plantation crews.
The Western Snap ShirtPearl snaps, yokes and flap pockets, from the ranch to the Islands.
Aloha Shirt vs. Hawaiian ShirtWhat locals call it, and why.
Paniolo and Hawaii Island
The people and the place behind the brand.
What Is a Paniolo?Hawaiian cowboys, from the first cattle in 1793 to today.
Our StoryHow Western Aloha started in Waimea.
Talk Story with Western Aloha's FounderPaul Sullivan, jack of all trades, master of none. (At least so far.)
Prints
Original prints drawn from life on Hawaii Island, printed in small batches.
The ʻAlenuihāhā PrintHokusai's Great Wave meets Hawaii's wildest channel.
The ʻŌhiʻa PrintHawaii's lava-born tree and a legend of love.
The ʻIʻiwi PrintHawaii's scarlet songbird, drawn in the style of batik.
Printed in Small BatchesHow we print our shirts, and why some prints are on the reverse side for a softer, sun-faded look.
Fabric and fit
What our shirts are made of, and how to find your size.
