nanamica’s sea-themed category, “ONE OCEAN, ALL LANDS,” takes classic garments as its foundation and reimagines them to suit contemporary lifestyles. This time, we focus on the palaka shirt — once beloved as Hawaiian workwear. While honoring its history and cultural background, nanamica adds modern elements in fabric and silhouette, creating a new kind of appeal unique to OOAL. Let’s explore the design details embedded in this special piece.
The palaka shirt is a type of workwear characterized by its distinctive white and deep blue check pattern, worn by laborers during Hawaii’s plantation era. Its origins trace back to the long-sleeved jackets worn by European sailors, and the blue checkered cotton fabric resembled goban-jima, a traditional Japanese grid pattern, which made it especially familiar and appealing to Japanese immigrant workers. It was widely worn in sugarcane fields, valued for its functionality, durability, and the approachability of its pattern.
There are various theories, but it’s often said that the palaka shirt later became the prototype for the aloha shirt, making it a symbolic presence in the history of Hawaiian workwear.
Flannel PALAKA Check Shirt [S25FG016U] $330.00 USD
While nanamica retains the classic design, it updates it to suit modern sensibilities. The original fine check pattern has been boldly enlarged, and the silhouette has been made more relaxed, resulting in a comfortable, easygoing fit.
The shirt is made from flannel fabric, which has been brushed to create a soft texture that gently envelops the body. Additionally, attention has been paid to the color contrast between the vertical and horizontal threads in the check pattern. By using a crisp white for the vertical threads and a faded white for the horizontal ones, the pattern gains depth and a subtle sense of dimension.
The vertical threads use a covering core yarn, while the horizontal threads are made of 100% cotton. This combination allows the fabric to shrink slightly with each wash, gradually conforming to the wearer’s body and movements. Over time, the fabric softens and develops a richer texture, evolving into something with the character and charm of vintage clothing.
The drawcord hem, now a familiar detail on nanamica shirts, carries a distinct brand story. The use of cotton as the material reflects a natural texture inspired by sails and ropes—elements closely tied to the sea. Moreover, white is traditionally considered a formal color in maritime culture. With this in mind, the drawcord isn’t just a functional element; it stands as a symbolic detail that reflects the brand’s roots and design sensibility.
It may be a subtle detail, but the side seams use a flat-felled construction—a technique typically found in denim and other hardwearing workwear. By intentionally incorporating this method, the shirt expresses a sense of rugged durability true to its workwear roots.
The oversized check pattern and its calculated irregularities further highlight the relaxed, characterful look that defines authentic workwear.
Stores:
nanamica NEW YORK
nanamica ONLINE STORE
