Two Fits and the Appeal of the “Lahaina Sailor”

Reyn Spooner, which gained attention during the preppy boom of the 1980s, actually overcame the Japanese difficulty in wearing all-over print shirts. At the time, the "Classic Fit" with a boxy silhouette was at its peak. It featured a button-down collar, a chest pocket, and was a standard pullover style. The pullover design was also highly practical, as it prevented the hem from flapping up in the sea breeze while on a cruiser. In addition, the "Tailored Fit" that appeared this year is a so-called modern fit, characterized by a contemporary, slim silhouette. It is a garment that I would definitely recommend to those who prefer a stylish look.

And the "Lahaina Sailor" pattern, Reyn Spooner's greatest appeal, is truly the brand's symbol. Its roots lie in the bandana pattern favored by fishermen in Lahaina village on Maui, famous for its whaling, and it features a grid pattern of Hawaiian state flag, state flower, state bird, and state tree. Although it's an all-over pattern, it's arranged in a well-balanced way so the pattern doesn't feel overwhelming.

According to Shibata, in recent years at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , "regular sizes (S-L)" have seen a rise in popularity for resort-themed designs such as pictorial patterns resembling old Hawaiian scenery or Kona coffee package prints, while "super men's sizes (XL-XXL)" have seen a surge in popularity for large-scale designs such as hibiscus patterns. He also notes that Japanese patterns that can be worn as souvenirs are becoming increasingly popular.

NEXT Made in Hawaii's "Lahaina Sailor" will be taking a break for a while.