Sun Surf
Vintage-Style Hawaiian Shirts
The Hawaiian aloha shirts from the 1930s – 1950s have become highly collectible, being perceived by many as an indigenous form of art unique to America and the islands of Hawaii. With the great influx of U. S. service personnel in Hawaii headed to Pacific battlefields during the Second World War, interest in the Hawaiian shirt boomed as every sailor, marine or soldier perceived these shirts as a catalyst for the good times associated with a weekend pass or liberty. After the war, the Hawaiian shirt continued to gain popularity from the exposure it received with returning servicemen; major clothing manufacturers began producing Hawaiian-styled shirts in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower were forever seen sporting these shirts during relaxing moments at ball games, on vacation or while on golf outings. Hollywood icons and entertainers, such as: Elvis Presley, Arthur Godfrey, Bing Crosby, Lee Marvin and, of course, John Wayne, were also quick to identify with these styles. But it was “From Here to Eternity,” the magnificent 1954 academy award-winning film about pre-war army life at the Schofield Barracks near Pearl Harbor, that flung the Hawaiian shirt to the forefront of popularity. This film hosts a feast of magnificent vintage Hawaiian shirts, most of which are prominently worn by lead actors Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra and Ernest Borgnine. Unfortunately, the great demand for the shirts in the late 1950’s spawned mass production of the polyester shirts of the 1960s, thus went the unique beauty, designs, style and quality of the original shirts from the first 30 years, hence the great scarcity and collectibility for these vintage shirts today.
We are proud to present the finest, most authentic vintage-style Hawaiian shirts available in the world – Sun Surf. Sun Surf can trace its beginnings back to the 1980s and is produced by the same people in Japan who bring us Buzz Rickson’s and Sugar Cane brands. Every Sun Surf shirt is an exact copy of an original design from the heyday of Hawaiian shirts (1930s - 1950s), reproduced true to their original and brilliant colors and charm. The fabrics are custom made to precisely match the long-lost formula for the type of high-quality rayon employed in the manufacture of the original vintage examples, while the processes for silk screening of the ornate patterns have been duplicated with care. The fit and shape of the shirts is uncompromisingly just like the originals, not oversized and sloppy. The directorship of this company shares that same passion as our friends in Japan, and thus we are both pleased and proud to offer our like-minded customers in America and elsewhere these fabulous shirts heretofore available only in Japan. Shirt designs are produced only once per year in Japan, then that design is never duplicated again. Supply to the USA is even more limited, especially in larger sizes, thus our customers can rest assured they will not find these designs easy to come by. Aloha!
Buzz Rickson’s WWII 20th Air Force Souvenir Shirt
This is a Buzz Rickson's Special-Edition souvenir shirt from 1944-45. Buzz Rickson's does not typically make Hawaiian-style shirts, but when they do we find them to be welcome editions to the Sun Surf styles, which come from the same parent company.
This souvenir shirt comically depicts service life in cartoon form in the Pacific Theater of Operations for a USAAF 20th Air Force repair unit between 1944-45, spanning stints on Oahu, Cuba, Panama Canal, Guam and the massive B-29 bomber base on Tinian. The artwork includes many comic lines, barking sergeants, 20th Air Force insignia, B-29 and B-25 bombers, P-51 fighters, jeeps, dirigibles, ships, surprised fish, and, of course, naked sunbathing nurses. Printed in the original style on a super-dense cotton featuring one invisible chest pocket, genuine-urea buttons, and a vintage-style label woven on rayon, this shirt deftly copies all features of an original example.
As with all Special Editions, once gone, these will not be offered again.
Laundry recommendations include washing in cool water and line drying to preserve color and minimize shrinkage.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
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Star of Hollywood Argyle Diamonds Shirt
Last ONE Left!
Those of you familiar with the Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf brands we import from Japan will understand the dedication to quality, uniqueness of design, vintage aesthetics, and the employment of vintage machinery used to create their amazing articles of clothing that have been equally captured under the brand Star of Hollywood.
Star of Hollywood was an American brand of the 1950's that established a niche for producing some wildly unique shirt designs, with some of the more renowned featuring diamonds or tarantulas. The same manufacturing minds that have given us Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf have resurrected Star of Hollywood on a very limited basis. The shirt designs are original creations and not reproductions of what Star of Hollywood once produced, but the overall vibe and look is spot on with the original Star of Hollywood, making this a go-to label for those who thrive on standing out from the crowd in a retro way that's not at all dated.
This shirt is fabricated from the same pedigree of high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.” Just as with the original fabric it copies, this material is extremely breathable and airy, and it takes the original screen printing inks as splendidly as did the vintage originals.
Salient shirt details include:
- Custom manufacture of high-quality rayon acetate on vintage looms
- Discharge-printed graphics
- Vintage-style urea pearl buttons
- Single chest pocket
To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
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Star of Hollywood Rattlesnake Shirt
Those of you familiar with the Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf brands we import from Japan will understand the dedication to quality, uniqueness of design, vintage aesthetics, and the employment of vintage machinery used to create their amazing articles of clothing that have been equally captured under the brand Star of Hollywood.
Star of Hollywood was an American brand of the 1950's that established a niche for producing some wildly unique shirt designs, with some of the more renowned featuring diamonds or tarantulas. The same manufacturing minds that have given us Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf have resurrected Star of Hollywood on a very limited basis. The shirt designs are original creations and not reproductions of what Star of Hollywood once produced, but the overall vibe and look is spot on with the original Star of Hollywood, making this a go-to label for those who thrive on standing out from the crowd in a retro way that's not at all dated.
This shirt is fabricated from the same pedigree of high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.” Just as with the original fabric it copies, this material is extremely breathable and airy, and it takes the original screen printing inks as splendidly as did the vintage originals.
Salient shirt details include:
- Custom manufacture of high-quality rayon acetate on vintage looms
- Discharge-printed graphics
- Vintage-style urea pearl buttons
- Single chest pocket
To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
Click for Information and Photos
Star of Hollywood Wildcat Girls Shirt, Orange – Closeout!
Closeout! Last One Left - SAVE $80.00 off retail price of $235.00 - while supplies last!
Those of you familiar with the Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf brands we import from Japan will understand the dedication to quality, uniqueness of design, vintage aesthetics, and the employment of vintage machinery used to create their amazing articles of clothing that have been equally captured under the brand Star of Hollywood.
Star of Hollywood was an American brand of the 1950's that established a niche for producing some wildly unique shirt designs, with some of the more renowned featuring diamonds or tarantulas. The same manufacturing minds that have given us Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf have resurrected Star of Hollywood on a very limited basis. The shirt designs are original creations and not reproductions of what Star of Hollywood once produced, but the overall vibe and look is spot on with the original Star of Hollywood, making this a go-to label for those who thrive on standing out from the crowd in a retro way that's not at all dated.
This shirt is fabricated from the same pedigree of high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.” Just as with the original fabric it copies, this material is extremely breathable and airy, and it takes the original screen printing inks as splendidly as did the vintage originals.
Salient shirt details include:
- Custom manufacture of high-quality, super-fine cotton on vintage looms
- Discharge-printed graphics
- Vintage-style urea pearl buttons
- Single button-closure hidden chest pocket
- Satin-lined yoke
To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
Click for Information and Photos
Sun Surf Duke’s Surfboards Cotton Parka, White – Clearance!
SUPER DISCOUNT!!!
The Duke Collection never sells for prices below retail, but someone's misfortune is your gain and we are offering Duke's vest to our customers at a deep discount well below retail, so get these while you can! Full retail $255.00, now $100.00 off!!!
Duke Kahanamoku, legendary surfing champion, received his own sportswear label in the 1950's, which helped launch Hawaiian shirts and surfing attire into the mainstream and today stands out as one of the most iconic and collectible shirt labels to own. Recently, the legendary Hawaiian shirt manufacturer, Sun Surf, has resurrected "Duke's" name and original 1950's graphic designs under license for their special collection of surf/resort attire - "The Duke Kahanamoku Collection."
This parka is the perfect companion when returning to dry land, being made from a lightweight, breathable cotton designed to block the sun and light wind, yet remain airy enough to allow for quick drying if it should get wet.
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All-cotton fabric
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Original 1950's "Duke's Surfboards" graphics produced under license
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Two slash-style, bag pockets
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Two-way front-closure zipper
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Genuine coconut-shell buttons (as found on vintage Hawaiian shirts) on wrist tabs and collar closure
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Drawstring closure at neck and jacket bottom
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Hooded
Sizes: M-XL. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
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Sun Surf Special Edition for Keoni of Hawaii: Hoolaulea in Hawaii
Keoni of Hawaii is an original brand for Sun Surf that was developed in 1996 with the cooperation of the great Hawaiian-shirt master designer of the 1940's, John Meigs. John was alive and well in 1996, and in conjunction with Sun Surf, his original, never-released designs of the 1940's were brought to life under this then-new relationship. By 2001, John's advanced age precluded further direct participation, and so other artists from around the world contributed to carry on the original concepts under the Keoni of Hawaii brand, all the while maintaining John's motto: "Let Hawaiian shirts be the bridge between Hawaii and Japan." Today, all designs under the brand are unique, one-of-a-kind creations available exclusively from Sun Surf that follow John's 1940's concepts with the same attention to artistic storytelling in true vintage form.
Keoni of Hawaii designs incorporate colors and color shades not found on the Sun Surf standard editions. Other original features include: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine wooden buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the vintage aesthetics and materials found in the 1940's. And to enhance the collectibility of this shirt, it comes in its own presentation/storage box. Once produced, the special edition is retired from production, thus ensuring each is extremely limited in quantity made.
Keoni of Hawaii designs are nearly impossible to obtain outside of Japan, and we are proud beyond words to have been able to obtain a few of this shirt print that stands out as one of the most unique ever offered.
To help preserve the fabric and colors, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
Click for Information and Photos
Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt – Festival
This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in 1950 under the Pali brand. Original examples of this shirt are extremely rare, and the colors must be seen in person to be appreciated fully: This is the most colorful offering we have!
Special Editions are manufactured to degrees of authenticity that soar beyond the standard editions, fabulous as the standard editions are; each Special Edition is precisely recreated to match the vintage example it copies using yarns and dyes specifically reproduced to match just this one shirt style to utmost precision, and the rayon is screen printed using a filament discharge, just as the original examples of this print once were.
Special Editions incorporate colors and color shades not found on the standard editions, thus providing for more precise color matching to the vintage shirt being copied. Other original features include: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine wooden buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt. And to enhance the collectibility of this shirt, it comes in its own presentation/storage box. Once produced, the special edition is retired from production, thus ensuring each is extremely limited in quantity made.
Sun Surf Special Editions are nearly impossible to obtain outside of Japan and we are proud beyond words to have been able to obtain a few of this shirt print that stands out as one of the most unique ever offered.
To help preserve the fabric and colors, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
Click for Information and Photos
Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt Celebration Red
This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in 1950 under the Polynesian Sportswear brand. Original examples of this shirt are extremely rare, and the colors must be seen in person to be appreciated fully: This is the boldest, most detailed, most colorful offering we have - and in red - a very rare color!
Special Editions are manufactured to degrees of authenticity that soar beyond the standard editions, fabulous as the standard editions are; each Special Edition is precisely recreated to match the vintage example it copies using yarns and dyes specifically reproduced to match just this one shirt style to utmost precision, and the rayon is screen printed using a filament discharge, just as the original examples of this print once were.
Special Editions incorporate colors and color shades not found on the standard editions, thus providing for more precise color matching to the vintage shirt being copied. Other original features include: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt. And to enhance the collectibility of this shirt, it comes in its own presentation/storage box. Once produced, the special edition is retired from production, thus ensuring each is extremely limited in quantity made.
Sun Surf Special Editions are nearly impossible to obtain outside of Japan and we are proud beyond words to have been able to obtain a few of this shirt print that stands out as one of the most unique ever offered.
To help preserve the fabric and colors, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
Click for Information and Photos
Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian Shirt Macintosh Menu
This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in 1950 by the Hookano brand. Back in the Golden Age of Hawaiian shirts, this print was copied from imagery that appeared on the food menus of Macintosh Line cruse ships, hence the name. Original examples of this shirt are about as rare as they get, and the brown-dominant color combination is exceptionally rare and desirable.
Special Editions are manufactured to degrees of authenticity that soar beyond the standard editions, fabulous as the standard editions are; each Special Edition is precisely recreated to match the vintage example it copies using yarns and dyes specifically reproduced to match just this one shirt style to utmost precision, and the rayon is screen printed using a filament discharge, just as the original examples of this print once were.
Special Editions incorporate colors and color shades not found on the standard editions, thus providing for more precise color matching to the vintage shirt being copied. Other original features include: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine wooden buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt. And to enhance the collectibility of this shirt, it comes in its own presentation/storage box. Once produced, the special edition is retired from production, thus ensuring each is extremely limited in quantity made.
Sun Surf Special Editions are nearly impossible to obtain outside of Japan and we are proud beyond words to have been able to obtain a few of this shirt print that stands out as one of the most unique ever offered.
To help preserve the fabric and colors, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.
Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from Japan
Click for Information and Photos
