It is no secret that Hawaiian shirts have been the go-to outfit for vacationing dads. They have been regarded as the epitome of uncool, even worse than wearing socks with sandals. However, is this a fair assessment?
The Hawaiian shirt has had its moments of glory, especially when worn by fashion icons like Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo & Juliet. Even Winston Bishop from New Girl, known for his love of Hawaiian shirts, proves their fashion potential. It is not just celebrities, though; the high street has plenty of options, with brands like Mango and H&M offering stylish and trendy Hawaiian shirts.
If you are still not convinced, here are five ways to rock Hawaiian shirts and look effortlessly cool.
A Unique Twist with Bold Trousers

Substituting Jacket with a Twist
It's a universally accepted truth that we Brits turn into blushing lobsters during summer. A novel idea is to pair your Hawaiian shirt with your skimpy cotton “dress”, providing a modicum of modesty. Opting for a mid-calf dress like the textured one from Nanushka is an excellent option. As a matter of fact, it bears an uncanny resemblance to a grass skirt.
Styling with dungarees
Although dungarees may come across as bothersome for people with tiny bladders, they have a unique way of making a Hawaiian shirt look effortlessly cool. It's essential to avoid pairing them with flip-flops, as that might make people assume you just stepped off the beach. Instead, opt for something classy, such as gold loafers or Converse trainers, to silence the doubters.
Fashioning with a matching skirt
I scored this shirt for a mere ten bucks at a vintage market stall and have been hunting for a matching item for almost a year. Then came this sunny-side-up skirt from Sea, which perfectly brings out the primrose-yellow hues on my shirt, enhancing its otherwise printed-sack-like appearance. Regardless of whether your skirt pattern features hibiscus or conch shells or a friendly turtle, selecting a similar color will undoubtedly make it stand out.
As a Beach Garment
