Aloha Friday, also known as Hawaiian Shirt Friday, was a precursor to what is now known as “Casual Friday.” 

In 1962, a professional manufacturing association known as the Hawaiian Fashion Guild began to promote aloha shirts and clothing for use in the workplace, particularly as business attire. In an ” Operation Liberation campaign,” the Guild distributed two aloha shirts to every Hawaii House of Representatives member and the Hawaii Senate. Subsequently, a resolution passed in the Senate recommending aloha attire be worn throughout the summer, beginning on Lei Day. 

Aloha Friday officially began in 1966, and young adults of the 1960s embraced the style, replacing the formal business wear favored by previous generations. Hawaii’s custom of Aloha Friday slowly spread east to California, continuing around the globe until the 1990s, when it became known as Casual Friday.

Friday, August 4th FSG Smart Buildings has officially dusted off the tradition of Aloha Friday to a new generation of workers. We provided each employee with their own custom “Hawaiian” shirt. While performing our best Bill Lumbergh impression, we said to everyone, “Oh, and next Friday… is Hawaiian shirt day… so, you know, if you want to, you can go ahead and wear a Hawaiian shirt and jeans.”

With leis, aloha shirts, and virgin daiquiris, our FSG Smart Buildings team wishes you a happy “Aloha Friday, and No Work Til Monday”!