How an aloha shirt should fit

The difference between “tourist” and “effortlessly sharp” is almost entirely fit. Five rules:

1. Shoulders sit on your shoulders

The shoulder seam should land at the edge of your shoulder — not drooping down your arm (too big) or pulling (too small). This one detail does half the work.

2. Sleeves hit mid-bicep

Short sleeves should end around the middle of your bicep. Longer looks sloppy; shorter looks like you outgrew it.

3. The body skims, never billows

You want about an inch of ease through the chest and waist — fabric that moves with you, not a tent. If the placket pulls into an X, size up. If you can grab a fistful of fabric at the side, size down or switch to a tailored cut.

4. Untucked, the hem covers your belt

Aloha shirts are designed to be worn untucked. The hem should cover your belt and zipper and land around mid-fly. Longer than that and it reads as a dress.

5. The camp collar lies flat

The notch (camp) collar should sit flat against your chest when open. If it wings outward, the neck is too tight — size up.

Between sizes? In classic cuts, size down. In tailored cuts, take your true size. And always check the brand’s size chart — aloha sizing runs generous.