How the Aloha Shirt Inspired Casual Friday

In 1962 the Hawaiian Fashion Guild pushed to make the Aloha shirt (more commonly known as the Hawaiian Shirt), acceptable business attire. They argued that the Hawaiian climate was not suited for standard business attire. It was too hot, and business clothes were too uncomfortable.

After a few years, they decided to petition the Hawaiian Government to allow its staff to wear Aloha shirts on Fridays. By 1966, Aloha Friday had gotten its stamp of approval. With the end of WWII, many soldiers brought the Aloha shirts back to the mainland. This increased their overall popularity.

By the 1990's the shirt had gained such popularity, that many companies in Hawaii had allowed employees to wear them any day of the week. This led to a frenzy for finding brighter more flamboyant shirts for Fridays. As the recession set in, many employers were looking for ways to increase moral without spending money. They took Aloha Friday to the next level, allowing even more casual attire on Fridays, and thus Aloha Friday, became Casual Friday!