Hawaiian Kids Costumes

Fossilized Fashion

Primarily the sectarian societies have the tendency of carrying on fossilized fashion that is a phenomenon where the fashion remains static even after going out of date since long. Holoku, the Hawaiian kids costumes are an example, a garment that has been fossilized owing to cultural factors.

Little Background

Holoku has been the premier among the Hawaiian costumes since 1820. Popular during the region of Hawaiian kingdom, the design continues to have its original look being the close associate of the Hawaiian ethnicity and culture. Basically the costume was an adaptation of the American day gown and was first adopted by the Hawaiiian queens. Subsequently other Hawaiian women embraced the fashion. Other popular traditional Hawaiian costumes were Alloha shirts and Fau for women.

Hawaiian Costumes Holoku Features

Holoku the Hawaiian costume contains long sleeves. Yoked and loose fitting, the dresses are floor length and do not have any waistline. Even after nearly two centuries, the features have not changed much. Usually worn on formal occasions, Holoku garments for women and Alloha shirts for men constitute two major components of Hawaiian costumes.

Pau- the Predecessor of Holoku

Before the arrival of American missionaries in 1820, Hawaiian women wore pa'u that was composed of several thicknesses of kappa clothes. Felting fibers that are made from paper mulberry trees, a layer of kappa used to be four years long and two to four yards in width. Layers used to be more in number for elite groups while they were fewer for commoners. Before the arrival of Holuku, Pau was the most popular among Hawaiian costumes.

Hawaiian Costumes Components

Originally the Hawaiian costumes were made of natural fabrics like the bark of the trees. With westernization in the twentieth century the traditional materials were being displaced with westernized fabrics. Calico took the place of capa. Ordinarily the costumes include grass hula skirt, shell or the coconut bra, leis or flowers in the hair. Female dresses also include sarong outfit. Male Hawaiian costumes include flower themed shirts, sandals, shades, and festive Hawaiian hats.

Costume for All

Hawaiian costumes are made for all irrespective of the age barriers or gender. Alloha shirts and other costumes for men, Holaku costumes for women, and multiple kids costumes constitute their entire range. Hawaiian dance costumes are made for slow movements with the dancers shaking their hips. Tips on dance costumes can be found in the online videos or the dance instructors of Hawaiian dancing.