Save Our Shirts!

I'm thinking we need a new charity dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Hawaiian shirts, not that there's much, mind you, but it's an interesting idea nonetheless. Since we've passed Labor Day, the 'full Cleveland' look - which includes those lovely white shoes and belt coupled with a polyester leisure suit - has to be put back in the closet until next summer.

Seriously, I have never owned a leisure suit, white shoes (other than Converse All Stars) nor a white belt. If I ever appeared in public wearing such apparel, I would expect one of you to shoot me immediately to end the misery. I'd consider that merciful.

According to Wikipedia, Hawaiian shirts are considered business wear and are suitable for all but the most formal occasions in Hawaii. We need to promote that on the mainland, too, but if it catches on, I'll have to change my wardrobe.

Hawaiian shirts

These are some detail photos from various Hawaiian shirts in my closet. Now, a purist (if there is such a thing) may not strictly consider all of them as Hawaiian shirts, but from my casual perspective, they fit because they're uniformly LOUD! The pattern above - tuna wearing sunglasses, is on the only cotton shirt, and it's from Colombia Sportswear.

Yes. Spongebob. According to my son, he's very educational. "Watch what Spongebob does, and then don't DO that!" he says.

Fish. Mary hates fish, but she bought this shirt for me. It must be love.

Flowers - big blue ones, on a shirt that wrinkles easily even though it's synthetic.

Mmmmm. Beer!

Flowers and motorcycles. Somehow, I don't think it would fit well in a biker bar.

More flowers.

My Hawaiian co-worker identified these once, but I can't remember what they're called.

Mmmmm. Spider man.

More big, loud flowers.

Our management recently sent out a memo advising us that the only acceptable shorts for use on the maintenance base are navy blue uniform shorts with or without the company logo. Many of us have been wearing cargo shorts because we can carry more in them, but they're no longer acceptable. The guys in the hangars wear what I call 'aviation chic" - T-shirt, baseball cap, work gloves, cargo shorts, and steel-toed boots, sometimes with knee protectors for working inside aircraft. But now we have to present a more 'professional' appearance. So I'm wearing blue uniform shorts with loud Hawaiian shirts. I truly look professional!