Since creating the first aloha shirt in 1936, lifestyle brand Kahala has been setting the standard for innovation in art and fabrics with ultra lightweight, breathable, and stylish shirts.
Each season, Kahala debuts a limited series of aloha shirts featuring iconic heritage prints and collaborations with guest artists, designers, and others who are making an impact in their community through their unique perspective of life in Hawaii.
Kahala’s new line of shirts for 2026 includes a line of brrr° Performance Polos made with our patented cooling fabric technology.
The Kahala brrr° Performance Polos feature natural brrr° cooling minerals for a fresh cool-to-the-touch sensation from the moment the shirt touches your skin.
The polyester/spandex blend also has active wicking, quick-dry performance, and breathable stretch for complete comfort.
And it offers UPF sun protection so you can spend more time outdoors doing what you love.
The polos have a classic polo collar and 3-button placket for a polished look that flatters any body shape, with Kahala’s logo laser engraved on the buttons.
The fabric is ultra stretchy, and there is a heat seal label on the inside of the shirt for comfort. Plus the shirts are machine washable for ease of use.
This is a beautiful shirt and feels great against your skin in the hot weather. I’m happy to add this shirt to my large collection of brrr° polos. Thank you Kahala. —Michael M., verified buyer
The Kahala brrr° Performance Polos are available in numerous patterns such as Huaka’i (which means journey), Roll Call (which evokes ocean waves), Pua Manu (which means bird of paradise), Malie (which means tranquil), and vintage-inspired Konohiki (the land steward who cares for the mountains and the sea).
I love this shirt. It is incredibly comfortable and stylish. —Stephen R., verified buyer
We enjoy working with innovative brands like Kahala, which was founded in Honolulu in 1936 by George Brangier and Nat Norfleet at a time when all aloha shirts were made from imported Japanese kimono fabric. They opened a factory to manufacture and export aloha shirts, and now Kahala is the oldest operating apparel company in Hawaii.
Kahala has built a reputation on continuous innovation.
During World War II, when silk was rationed and in short supply, they switched to rayon because it was more economical and still had a soft handfeel similar to silk and started designing shirts with Hawaiian-inspired designs such as fish, flowers, and coconut trees.
In the 1950s, Kahala’s shirts made a big splash in Hollywood when actors wore them in the movie “From Here to Eternity.” By the end of the decade, Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, heralding a new era of economic growth.
In the 1960s, Kahala was one of the pioneers of reverse printing on the inside of the shirt to create a more subtle effect and created one of its most famous patterns, Duke’s Pareo, which remains popular to this day.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Kahala expanded to offer women’s apparel and created bold florals, paisleys, and graphic designs. There was even a hint of neon.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Kahala’s prints became more casual and conversational and the fit of its shirts became more full and relaxed. The company’s guest artist program also took off, with numerous collaborations with creatives.
Today, Kahala is investing in its Performance collection — which includes the brrr° Performance Polos — and its Collector’s Edition line that includes heritage prints from its archives.
Learn more about Kahala’s history here.
