A couple weeks ago, right on Labor Day, we were treated to some unusual weather.  A nearly 70 point temperature swing in a few hours, dropping from 99 degrees to a low of 34, brought snow, chill, and a definite feeling that summer’s days were numbered. 

So the question popped into my mind: “Is it ok to wear Aloha Shirts in the Fall?”  to which the immediate reply came: “duh”.   But how best to pull it off without looking out of touch?  Here’s my thoughts:      

First, Temperature vs Fabric. 

Yes, here in Colorado we will still get very hot days for a while, albeit mixed with cooler mornings and evenings that cool off faster.  This means that for the most part, short sleeves are still on. 

–100% cotton is usually very breathable and is still a go.  Since it’s super common, chances are you already have something in your closet.

(side note: if you haven’t donned your tropical finest yet this summer WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU!?!?!) 

–Rayon is a weird one.  While it can be a great fabric for summer, it walks the line between breathable and sticky.  These shirts are usually done in a “camp” style (think Magnum, PI) and if you’re not careful you’ll be swimming in it.  They feel just a little too “loose” and informal for autumn.  I say reserve for cooler summer days and only the hottest fall days. 

– Cotton-poly blend.  This is the Autumn sweet spot.  It’s breathable enough that you won’t get too hot, but insulating enough that a light chill won’t send you running for the nearest jacket.  (Note: I tend to run hot and prefer being “comfortably cool”)  A company that pulls this off really well is Reyn Spooner.  Also, these blends will tend to have enough structure so you can layer.  Which brings up…

–Layering.  It’s usually a bummer to have to cover up your favorite print!  But a blazer can look sharp.  Sweaters could work too, although I’ve never actually tried that.  I don’t recommend your standard outdoorsy technical-looking mountaineering jacket or wind-breaker.  That will look sloppy. 

The Next Biggest Consideration is Mood:  

If you feel like you’re clinging too hard to the last little bit of summer you’ll get sad!  Instead, why not lean into the “wilder moods” of Autumn while enjoying the remaining heat? 

Prints that evoke the stirring of natural elements like flags, nautical, and smaller prints are usually better than large florals.  Avoid scenics.  Surfboards are good to go.  After living a significant part of my life in California, I can tell you that the first brisk surf feels almost as much like fall as the first football game. 

Also, weirdly, avoid Christmas prints.  Christmas in July is over, Gentlemen.

And Now for Color:

Here in Colorado the Autumn doesn’t offer the same luxurious palette that you would get on the Eastern seaboard and it’s quite dry.  Most of the leaf changes are going to be gold, as reflected in the aspen trees and honey locust.  So I’m going to skip golds and go complementary.  

Anything with a white base will be pretty awesome.  I think that white lends itself to a nautical feel.  And while the assumption might be that nautical and summer go hand-in-hand, when the winds pick up in the fall, the white-capped waves really contribute to the vibe! 

Blacks are more difficult to find but this is actually the best time of year to bust them out! Black can be overkill in the summer and too depressing in the winter.  In the spring we all want pastel hues.  Autumn is when black shines!   

Muted reds are a great choice!  They’ll contrast while still being on-vibe.  As the hotter days wane, though, you’ll want to steer clear of brighter reds.    

Green can work well, as long as there’s not too much yellow in it. 

For blues, stick closer to the Navy side, and steer away from bright or baby shades which can contribute particularly to that wistful feeling of wishing that summer wasn’t over.    

I asked the guys at the Reyn Spooner Fan Club to share one of their favorite Fall shirts and here were some of the submissions: (from left to right: Dave, Kristian, Mark, Brent, Tom, and Darin. Thank guys!)

Surprisingly, I hadn’t thought about browns and oranges, and of course you can always go directly for some fall mood with leaves in the print. Tom is feeling the black like I am. Somewhat surprising is that white (or at least cream) seems to be a commonality!

What about you?  I’m particularly interested in how you choose to layer your Hawaiian shirts, if at all.  Do you have a favorite color?  Or maybe you have go-to shirt or two that just says “Well, Autumn.  You might be here now, but Aloha beat you to it.”

Until Next Time,

Joshua