A Guide to Hawaiian Clothes for Women

The fashion of Hawaii is a vibrant expression of the relaxed and carefree lifestyle that is synonymous with the island culture. The island’s women’s clothing is characterized by the use of striking and lively hues, intricate floral patterns, and effortlessly flowing fabrics. These key elements of traditional Hawaiian fashion reflect the warmth and tropical essence of the islands and capture the essence of Hawaiian island life. While Hawaiian dresses and muumuus come to mind first, there are many types of Hawaiian clothes for women that embrace the aloha spirit.

History of Hawaiian Fashion

Historically, ancient Hawaiians wore little clothing. Men went without shirts and wore malos or loincloths, while women wore skirts made of ti leaves or tapa cloth. Early Hawaiian clothing was practical for the warm beach climate.

When missionaries arrived in 1820, they influenced more modest dresses with loose ankle-length dresses. Prints and fabrics inspired by Victorian America and Asia made their way to the islands, too. The muumuu emerged as an oversized open dress style in the 1900s.

Today, Hawaiian fashion combines elements from many cultures but keeps the laidback island aesthetic. Bright prints and florals, lightweight fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes define the modern Hawaiian look.

Types of Hawaiian Clothes for Women

From maxi dresses to swimwear, Hawaiian-inspired clothes offer something for every occasion.

Hawaiian Dresses

The classic Hawaiian dress, also known as a muumuu or “Mother Hubbard” dress, is loose and flowy with a high neckline. Floral cotton fabrics are common. Modern Hawaiian dresses come in maxi, midi, and mini lengths. Try an ankle-length halter dress for an evening luau or a short sundress for the beach.

Kaftans and Tunics

Kaftans and tunics are easy, breezy tops often worn over swimsuits. Look for vibrant prints, lightweight fabrics like rayon or chiffon, and embellishments like beading or lace. An asymmetrical hem adds flair.

Maxi Skirts

Long, flowing maxi skirts epitomize Hawaiian style. Ankle or floor-length full skirts pair perfectly with crop tops or tanks. Bold Florals and tropical prints look best. Try solids in bright colors, too.

Sarongs

Rectangular sarongs are hugely versatile. Wear as a skirt, dress, top, shawl, headwrap, beach blanket, or towel. Look for lightweight rayon or polyester sarongs with Polynesian-inspired prints.

Swimwear

For the beach or pool, Hawaiian print bikinis and one-piece suits add flair. Look for ruched, ruffled, or tiered suits in floral patterns. Don’t forget a cute coverup like a sheer caftan or kimono.

Shorts and Rompers

Rompers and easy shorts keep you cool in Hawaiian heat. Look for lightweight shorts in fun tropical prints. Rompers with a halter or off-the-shoulder neckline have a retro vibe.

Wrap Tops and Blouses

Wrap blouses and crossover crop tops suit breezy island living. Look for lightweight, flowy fabrics with bohemian-inspired prints. Wrap tops flatter every figure.

Sundresses

Nothing says summer like a Hawaiian sundress. Look for adjustable sundresses with a flattering silhouette and thigh-skimming hem. Light cotton or rayons in bright floral prints keep things beachy.

Jumpsuits & Overalls

For a playful retro vibe, try a Hawaiian print jumpsuit or overalls. Wide leg and halter neck silhouettes are on-trend. Wear with wedges or sandals for island style.

Kimonos & Beach Cover Ups

Stay covered up in the breeze with a colorful kimono or beach coverup. Look for sheer fabrics, fringe details, or pretty prints, and wear over your swimsuit.

Hat & Accessories

Complete your Hawaiian outfit with matching accessories. Wide-brim fedora hats, flower leis, shell jewelry, and hibiscus hair clips add that final touch.

Fabrics & Materials

Hawaiian fashion makes use of lightweight, breathable fabrics suited to a tropical climate:

• Cotton – The most popular fabric for Hawaiian dresses and blouses. Choose lightweight cotton in floral prints and bright colors.
• Rayon is a light, breezy fabric commonly used in sarongs, kaftans, and beach coverups. It has a soft drape.
• Chiffon – Delicate and sheer, it works beautifully for breezy wrap tops and feminine dresses.
• Linen – A natural fiber that breathes well, linen makes comfortable pants and shorts.
• Silk – Luxurious silk, often with pretty prints, is perfect for formal occasions. Look for silk sarongs or dressy blouses.
• Bamboo – Eco-friendly and soft, bamboo makes lightweight tees and shorts that keep you cool.

Popular Prints & Patterns

Tropical prints define the Hawaiian look. These popular prints represent island motifs hawaiian clothes:

• Hibiscus – The bright, colorful hibiscus flower is the quintessential Hawaiian print. Red, pink, yellow, and white blooms appear on dresses, sarongs, and bikinis.
• Plumeria – The delicate frangipani blossom comes in white, pink, and yellow. Look for plumeria prints on sundresses and blouses.
• Aloha – “Aloha” means both hello and goodbye in Hawaiian. See it emblazoned on shirts, shorts, and swimsuits.
• Pineapple – A symbol of hospitality in Hawaiian culture, the pineapple appears in casual and formal fashions.
• Palm tree – Palm trees swaying on the beach are the essence of island life. Find them printed on maxi dresses and coverups.
• Tropical foliage – Lush leaves like monstera, banana, and elephant ear leaves grace Hawaiian patterns.
• Ocean waves – Crashing blue and white waves represent the surrounding Pacific seas.
• Tiki – Tiki masks and Polynesian carvings signify island culture. Tikis print well on shirts and shorts.
• Fish – Colorful fish like parrotfish and tangs populate the warm Hawaiian waters. They can be found printed on swim and casual wear.
• Sea turtle – Sea turtles are sacred in Hawaiian culture. Find them printed on dresses, coverups, and bikinis.
• Tapa – Tapa cloth made from pounded bark has a symbolic meaning in Hawaii. Tapa prints include geometric and natural motifs.

Go for either full allover prints or small-scale patterns with Hawaiian themes. Combining multiple prints in an outfit captures the eclectic Hawaiian style.

Style Tips

• To stay cool and comfortable hawaiian clothes , choose lightweight, breathable natural fabrics. Cotton, rayon, linen, and silk work best.
• To channel the Hawaiian vibe, look for wrap silhouettes, maxi lengths, and flowy fabrics. Avoid clingy or restrictive clothes.
• Mix prints with abandon – contrasting florals, foliage, and geometric patterns create visual interest.
• Stick to bright, happy colors like sunny yellow, ocean blue, and vibrant red. White and earth tones keep them fresh.
• Accessorize with flower leis, woven hats, seashell jewelry, and tropical hair flowers.
• Be beach-ready with a sarong, hat, and sandals over your swimsuit. Coverups should be sheer and lightweight.
• Pick fabrics with UV protection and breathable cotton when spending days in the sun and surf.
• Look for ruching, tiered skirts, off-the-shoulder, and halter necklines for pretty Hawaiian details.
• Keep your look relaxed. Avoid overdressing, and let the beauty of island living inspire your style.

Where to Shop

Many major retailers carry Hawaiian-inspired clothing lines alongside Hawaii-based brands hawaiian clothes:

Department Stores

• Macy’s – Tommy Bahama, Charter Club, and other Hawaiian brands.
• Nordstrom – Topshop, Treasure & Bond, and Faherty for quality prints and fabrics.
• Dillard’s – Antonio Melani, Esther Williams, La Blanca, and Tori Richards styles.

Online Retailers

• Amazon: OluKai, Kamalikulture, All Things Topical, and more. For the largest selection, filter by “Hawaiian dress. “
• ASOS – Affordable Hawaiian print dresses, swimwear, and vacation outfits.
• Zappos – Wide selection of swimwear, muumuus, sundresses, rompers, and coverups. Brands like Tommy Bahama and Leilani.

Hawaiian Brands

• Sig Zane Designs – High-end clothing and accessories based on authentic Hawaiian motifs.
• Kahala – Known for aloha shirts and sundresses since 1936. Family-owned.
• Jams World – Colorful printed clothing made on Kauai since 1964.
• Kai Kea – Hawaiian-designed dresses, swimwear, and resortwear made from quality natural fabrics.
• Nohea Hawaii – Women’s dresses, swimwear, and loungewear inspired by vintage Hawaiian designs.
• Malia Designs – Flattering dresses, swimsuits, and coverups in bold Hawaiian prints.
• Leinani Designs – Tropical printed maxi dresses, kimono jackets, and swim coverups designed in Hawaii.
• Kilauea – Vibrant Hawaiian casualwear and accessories designed on Maui since 2003.
• Manuheali’i – Hawaii-made muumuus, aloha shirts, and dresses focused on quality materials.
• Island Trends Collection – Hawaiian print dresses, tops, and jewelry created on Oahu.
• Moku Hawaii – Casual cotton dresses, swimwear, and sandals with styles for men and women.
• Kealopiko – Clothing and accessories celebrating Hawaiian culture and craftsmanship.
• Kamalikulture – Bohemian-inspired dresses, swimwear, and vacation wear designed in Hawaii.

Check local surf shops, resort boutiques, and island luaus for more Hawaii-made fashions, too. Supporting local designers lets you take an authentic piece of Hawaii home.

How to Wear

Hawaiian-inspired outfits work for holidays in the tropics, summer barbecues, or just dreaming of island getaways:

For the Beach

• Swimsuit or bikini with a sheer coverup, wide-brim hat, and sandals
• Maxi kaftan is worn over your suit with sunglasses and a straw bag
• Swim trunks with a Hawaiian print shirt half-buttoned over a tank

A Luau

• Floral maxi dress or full muumuu with lei, orchid in your hair, and woven wedges
• Palazzo pants with an off-the-shoulder Hawaiian top and beachy waves
• Short sheer sundress over a two-piece swimsuit with tropical flower wrist corsage

A Summer BBQ

• Hawaiian print romper or jumpsuit with flat sandals and a flower crown
• High-waisted shorts with a cropped hibiscus wrap top and strappy sandals
• Maxi skirt in a bold print paired with a simple white cami

Vacation

• Colorful palazzo pants with a breezy kimono style top for sightseeing
• Tiered sundress with pineapple print and leather sandals for evenings out
• Swingy chiffon skirt with a silky camisole tank for a romantic dinner

Mix, match, and layer pieces to create versatile tropical looks. Don’t be afraid to pair bold prints or add bright pops of color. With quality fabrics and authentic designs, Hawaiian fashions are made to celebrate the island’s way of life.

FAQs

Q: Are real flowers safe to wear in Hawaiian leis?

A: Fresh flower leis used in ceremonial welcomes use gardenias, orchids, plumerias, and other tropical flowers. They should not be worn for more than a few hours. Instead, opt for artificial flower leis made from high-quality silk.

Q: Can I wear a Hawaiian print muumuu if I’m not Hawaiian?

A: The muumuu is a traditional Hawaiian dress, but it is also a fashionable garment for women of all backgrounds. Avoid costume styles and treat the muumuu as any other floral dress.

Q: How should I accessorize Hawaiian print outfits?

A: Woven straw bags, bamboo sunglasses, jute sandals, shell jewelry, tropical flower hair clips, and lightweight kimonos or wraps make perfect Hawaiian accessories.

Q: What makeup goes best with Hawaiian clothing?

A: Use fresh, beachy makeup with tinted moisturizer, coral lip stain, brown mascara, and peach or gold eyeshadow. For a themed touch, add pineapple mist perfume.

Q: Are Hawaiian shirts and prints just for tourists?

A: Not at all! Locals proudly wear prints that represent Hawaii’s culture and environment. Authentic brands are popular across the islands.

Conclusion

Hawaiian fashion reflects the beauty and soul of the islands. Vibrant colors, bold prints, lightweight fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes create a carefree, beachside vibe. From dresses to swimsuits and coverups, traditional styles mingle with modern designs for looks that embrace the aloha spirit. Quality natural materials, flattering cuts, and culturally significant prints make Hawaiian clothes for women versatile and memorable. Discovering the6 Most Common Fashion Mistakes Everyone Makes is like unlocking a style secret that transcends occasions, whether it’s for lounging, adventures, evenings out, or just dreaming of the tropics; infuse your wardrobe with the warmth of Hawaii and elevate your fashion game effortlessly.