Vintage 50s Hawaiian Shirt Seahorse Novelty Print Men's XL Paradise Sportswear VFG
What a fabulous aloha shirt, and in a rare larger size! I am dating it to early 1950s, although it is possibly earlier. It is a classic Hawaiian shirt - straight cut, back yoke with gathering underneath for ease, large patch pocket on the left upper chest. It is meant to be worn untucked. The open collar is a bit oversized, consistent with dating - no collar loop. Seams are all flat-felled.
SIZE: Labeled XL.
| Measurements | Inches | Cm |
| Chest | 50" | 127 |
| Shoulders | 20.75" | 52.75 |
| Collar | 17.5" | 44.5 |
| Length from back of neck | 31.5" | 80 |
FABRIC/COLORS: A wonderful novelty print in a patchwork style combination of underwater creatures - smiling seahorses, starfish, conchs and other shells - with tropical flora, and Tiki motifs. The print evokes airbrushing, and uses shades of coral/red, golden yellow, and smoky gray with a bit of black for accents. The fabric is cotton.
TAGS: Paradise Sportswear, made in Hawaii. Paradise Sportswear opened up for business in 1945.
CLOSURES: The shirt closes with five small plastic button in a shade of orangey pink that coordinates with the print.
CONDITION: Very good to excellent condition. There is light uniform fading, not noticeable due to the airbrush style of print - I noticed when I looked at the back side of the collar. No stains, holes, tears, or other issues noted.
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.