Breaker High and The Aloha Shirt

Does anyone remember the show "Breaker High"?  For those of you who don't, let me fill you in. Breaker High was a Canadian comedy featuring a cast of wholesome, yet quirky, teens working through the pubescent years of highschool...on a boat! Wasn't it a collective fantasy of every 90s youth to be shipped off to sea with their entire student body with no hope of escape? Well, with such a limited and unlikely premise, it's no wonder this little piece of canadiana didn't last long. But, I sure did enjoy it at the time.

That's why I had a little surge of excitement today when I spotted Tyler Labine - otherwise known as Jimmy Farrell - the wise-cracking joker of Breaker High.  Paired up with lame-but-lovable best friend Sean Hanlon (played by Ryan Gosling - that's right, Breaker High produced an Oscar Nominee!), the two kept the so-called hilarity coming amidst corny gender battles and boo-hooing.

The Boys of Breaker High
Guess which one is Jimmy!
courtesy of www.vidiot.com 

The most memorable thing about Jimmy though was his fashion sense. I'm not sure where the Breaker High boat was anchored, but judging by the consistent sunny weather, it was somewhere tropical.  And Jimmy was always decked out in the best and brightest of warm weather gear - the Aloha Shirt.

Elvis from Blue Hawaii
courtesy of
everyhit.com

The Aloha shirt (or simply the Hawaiian shirt to us mainlanders)  originated sometime around 1930s and was invented by a Japanese immigrant who sewed together scraps of kimonos to create a colourful and lightweight garment.  The Aloha shirt exploded in popularity post WWII with celebrity endorsements from the likes of John Wayne and The King himself, Elvis Presley.  

Magnum in all his glory
courtesy of
tvguide.com

Today, mainlanders wear a toned-down version of the Aloha shirt, saving the bright and floral versions for tourists. But, vintage Hawaiian gear is quite the collectors item - the most desirable pieces coming from the 1930s - 1960s.  Vintage pieces tend to have unique patterns and a distinct retro style.  But, the quintessential Hawaiian shirt is short-sleeved, collared and features a colourful design of anything from flowers and palm trees to traditional Polynesian art. If you you're seeking a genuine vintage piece, be sure to look for the "Made in Hawaii" label.

So, whether you enjoy the airy feel of rayon on a hot summer day, you like to stand out with that Magnum P.I. look or you are an avid Aloha enthusiast - this vintage classic is guaranteed to put a pineapple-sized grin on your face.

Here are some great example of this classic trend:

POLLYWANNA Hawaiian Shirt by Honey Pie Vintage

A recent listing in my etsy shop

Big Kahuna Hawaiian Shirt by Allison Bean

Practically the same shirt Jimmy is wearing in the above picture. Clearly a popular style.

Nautical Hawaiian Shirt by Pillager

More subdued colours and a nautical pattern add some class to this Aloha shirt.

Tiki Lounge Shirt by Box Top Vintage

This style is very popular with the Rockabilly set. Plus, you can see from the label this is authentic vintage!

Okay, so it's not exactly Hawaiian shirt weather here in Vancouver, but I hope, wherever you are, this collection has brought you a little sunshine.