SUN SURF / Tropical Fish Hawaiian Shirt

SUN SURF
A brand dedicated to faithfully reproducing aloha shirts from the golden age of the 1930s–1950s. Founded in the 1970s, SUN SURF has continuously collected and analyzed thousands of vintage aloha shirts as reference materials since its inception. To recreate the vivid coloration and deep tonal expression of the era, it revives traditional printing techniques such as discharge printing  and overprinting. With meticulous attention to detail, the brand brings back numerous iconic vintage designs, making once-rare aloha shirts accessible to a wider audience.

Subtle sheen, cool comfort, and elegant drape — rayon with discharge print
The long-fiber rayon fabric feels exceptionally smooth against the skin—soft enough that you’ll want to keep touching it. Though lightweight, it retains just enough structure to create an elegant drape without feeling fragile.

Rayon’s breathability and moisture absorption provide a naturally cooling sensation, making it especially comfortable in Japan’s hot and humid summers.



The pattern is created using traditional discharge printing, a technique in which color is removed from dyed fabric and then re-dyed to form the motif. The resulting white outlines between colors enhance depth and bring the design to life with striking clarity.

The glossy finish of the fabric keeps the bold all-over pattern refined, striking a balance that is neither overly casual nor overly formal.





Carefully crafted vintage aloha detailing
The design features colorful tropical fish and marine life illustrated in a playful, expressive style. The pattern follows a classic all-over repeat composition, capturing the lively spirit of traditional aloha shirts.



The collar is an open-collar design, enhancing the relaxed, easygoing character typical of aloha shirts.



The front pocket is carefully pattern-matched, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of vintage aloha garments.







A relaxed silhouette with refined maturity
While retaining the atmosphere of its era, the silhouette avoids excessive oversizing, resulting in a modern relaxed fit. The natural drape of rayon is balanced with just the right amount of structure, creating an effortless yet composed look.



Whether worn as a statement piece or casually layered over a simple outfit, it instantly elevates the look—making it a reliable summer essential with understated presence.