'Aloha' style shirt

Manufacturer Platts

Datec 1970

Object number00033591

NameShirt

MediumCotton, metal

DimensionsOverall: 770 x 485 mm, 200 g

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis colourful men's 'surf riders' print shirt was made by Platts, an early Sydney surf wear brand. The design was inspired by Hawaiian 'aloha' shirts which were originally made from bright kimono fabrics. This bright green cotton shirt features Hawaiian surf-riders and outrigger canoes.HistoryIn the early 1960s, renowned Australian surfer and board shaper Kevin Platt's mother Jean began making board shorts from her home on Foam Street in Harbord. The shorts became favourites with local surfers, worn on beaches from Manly to Dee Why. Discovering a niche in the surfing market, Jean's husband Lance joined the business in the mid-1960s and before long their 'surf rider' and 'sandhopper' short and shirts were being sold in stores nationwide. The couple later owned their own retail store in Dee Why, and in the 1970s were market leaders in Australian surf wear.SignificancePlatts is considered one of Sydney's first local surf wear manufacturers. In the early 1970s they were market leaders in Australian surf wear, along with brands such as Adler.