Sun Surf Special Edition Aloha Shirt

Karajishi Botan

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tlmader9 months ago

Taken on September 27, 2025

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Maker

Sun Surf Special Edition

Model

Aloha Shirt

Fabric

Karajishi Botan

Measurements

Tag Size: XL

Frequently wornInitial measurements

Purchased from

Franklin & Poe

Order info

Cost: 230 USD

More about this item

Title: "Karajishi Botan" Vintage: No Label Era: Late 1930s Material: Cotton Sarasa Print: Overprint Design Pattern: All-Over Pattern Buttons: Coconut Buttons This aloha shirt, named "Karajishi Botan," is an extremely rare piece, crafted in the late 1930s from sarasa fabric, a type of kimono. It is believed to have been made using yukata fabric during the early days of aloha shirts. Sun Surf previously reissued this shirt in 2001, but for this reissue, we re-analyzed the fabric and print. Based on the vintage design, the fabric faithfully reproduces not only the spinning and weaving, but also the unique wrinkled texture. The print utilizes techniques such as "resist dyeing," a technique seen in Yuzen dyeing, and "tataki," which blurs and blends colors to create a gradation. The vermilion-red karajishi (Karajishi Botan) stands out with its striking presence, thanks to Japan's sophisticated printing techniques. Another notable feature is the careful handcrafting of the shirt, which was done by a Japanese tailor in Hawaii at the time. Because the fabric for kimono is narrower than regular shirt fabric, two pieces of fabric are joined together at the center back. It is unclear whether it was a remake of a yukata owned by a Japanese immigrant, or whether it was made from a bolt of fabric originally intended for yukata, but it is an extremely valuable piece that unravels the history of the early days of the aloha shirt.

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