Story by Jakkrit Siririn
The floral shirts worn during Songkran festivities draw inspiration from Hawaiian designs. There’s a story of a big clothing brand once appropriating the traditional Thai Songkran shirt pattern for high-fashion runways, leading many to mistakenly believe that the Hawaiian shirt pattern came first, almost a century ago.
According to “Sujit Wongthes,” these floral shirts aren’t originally from Ubon Ratchathani or even Thailand. They’re actually borrowed from other cultures like India or China. The floral shirts we see everywhere today have their roots in Western traditions, specifically the Hawaiian shirts from Hawaii, USA.
In the past, during Songkran, people would dress according to their means or the prevailing beauty standards. Historical accounts and writings from early Bangkok reflect a casual approach to dressing, suited to comfort and social status. The traditional Thai attire or floral shirts we associate with Songkran were never part of earlier Thai societies, like during the Ayutthaya period, but were later introduced to establish a unified identity.
Despite this, there’s a deep-rooted belief that the floral shirts symbolize new beginnings during the Thai New Year, bringing a sense of freshness and excitement.
One noticeable difference between Thai Songkran floral shirts and Hawaiian ones is the collar. Thai shirts usually have a single-layer collar, while Hawaiian designs feature a double-layered one.
The original Hawaiian shirts, as famously worn by Elvis Presley in “Blue Hawaii,” had this double-layered collar. They first emerged in the 1930s in Hawaii, with intricate patterns influenced by Japanese immigrants. Initially made from kimono fabric, they were later adapted to various fabrics and patterns, particularly those evoking a tropical vibe, like ginger flowers or hibiscus patterns. These shirts, especially those with a Thai twist, became hugely popular among tourists, often dubbed as “Phee Thai.”
Some speculate that the inspiration for Thai Songkran floral shirts came from these Hawaiian designs, popularized by Elvis Presley’s movie and album.
However, others argue that Hawaiian shirts simply merged with existing Thai floral collar shirts.
Either way, the original Hawaiian shirts hail from Hawaii, USA, known for their short sleeves, double-layered collar, and intricate patterns. They were originally made from kimono fabric, known for its breathability and quick-drying properties, making them ideal for Hawaii’s warm climate. Over time, they gained acceptance in both formal and casual settings, becoming a symbol of Hawaiian culture.
In contrast, Thai Songkran floral shirts typically feature vibrant floral patterns, reminiscent of beach destinations like Pattaya or Samui. Yet, both types of shirts share common features like lightweight fabric, floral patterns, and casual designs.
So, whether we call it fashion inspired by Thai Songkran shirts or Thai Songkran shirts inspired by Hawaiian ones, it’s all a matter of perspective. But claiming that Thai Songkran floral shirts are the originals might be stretching it a bit.
In stores, you might find both types of shirts mixed together, leading some to see them as the same thing, while others may draw distinctions based on convenience.
Images: Pixabay
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