Every Friday is Aloha Friday in Hawaii. Beyond imparting the goodwill spirit of the islands, Aloha Friday is typically when business people are allowed to loosen up their office attire. This tradition dating back decades also contributed to the rise of aloha shirts in Hawaii fashion.

How Did Aloha Friday Start?

During the 1960s, the Hawaiian Fashion Guild petitioned the government to allow locals to wear “aloha attire” during the summer to provide relief from the heat. Instead of the usual suits and long-sleeved button-ups, the guild championed the short-sleeved aloha shirt. Though once known as vibrant souvenirs for tourists, the shirts were toned down to become more appropriate for business settings.

Aloha Friday gained traction when the Bank of Hawaii president Wilson P. Cannon, Jr., began wearing aloha shirts to work. Soon, businesses followed suit and allowed employees to don aloha shirts in the office once a week for Aloha Fridays. The idea became so popular it was lauded in a song by local musician Kimo Kahoano.

What Does It Mean Today?

While many mainlanders may not have heard of Aloha Friday, they’re likely familiar with the closely related Casual Friday. By the 1990s, as a result of the Aloha Friday success, computer company Hewlett-Packard had embraced Casual Fridays when people could wear more relaxed outfits. Following this, many tech companies loosened their overall dress codes to allow business casual at all times. 

If you’re looking for Hawaiian clothing to wear for Aloha Fridays, contact Bete Mu'u on Oahu, HI, to create aloha shirts or other custom apparel. The company has been in business for over 60 years and sells over 30 styles of locally manufactured, traditional Hawaiian clothing. Call the Honolulu company at (808) 591-9449 to place an order, or visit the website for information on their long history of creating beautiful island fashions.