Say Aloha to Alfred Shaheen who passed away on December 22nd, 2008. His desire for fashion wasn’t faux pas since it was stitched in to his DNA. In the late 1930s his parents settled in Oahu, Hawaii and operated a garment manufacturing business while Alfred attended school studying math, physics, and aeronautical engineering. When WWII began Alfred enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew 85 missions during his tenure. Once the war ended he returned to Hawaii where his parents enlisted him in the family business. 

Alfred decided to expand the family business to include Hawaiian shirts and other Hawaiian inspired women’s fashions. He took it upon himself to engineer his own machinery to create the fabric and designs in-house rather than importing them. He scoured local junkyards for parts and was able to MacGyver his first machine. Eventually he spearheaded construction of an 8 million dollar factory/showroom which housed 400 employees. 

Contrary to other reports, Shaheen didn’t invent the Hawaiian shirt, they existed well before he did. Better yet, think of him as the Henry Ford of Hawaiian fashions. He revolutionized the mass production of it, introduced new manufacturing methods and techniques that changed the garment industry forever.

He’s not the only vintage clothing icon we lost in ‘08. We’re pretty sure him and recently diseased vintage western shirt pioneer Papa Jack are up there somewhere shooting the breeze over a fruity cocktail.

If you’re thinking of snapping up a vintage hawaiian shirt, pay homage to a legend and make it a vintage Shaheen. Click here to view the one’s currently up for grabs on eBay.

Over the past year I have watched every Magnum P.I. episode in chronological order from season 1 to 8. I know, I know, many of you are probably floored by this astonishing accomplishment. I’m not just bragging for the sake of it, although that would be entirely acceptable for such an amazing feat.

Much like an Academy Award-winning actor researching a role, I had to get inside the head of the legend prior to stepping into his mustache this Halloween and recommending the costume to you. To truly represent, you are going to need to acquire some vintage duds, so I have included some precise eBay searches to help you suit up in style.

The Essentials

Mustache: Start growing it now. T.M.’s was of considerable length, and it will take longer than a week to achieve. Grow it, comb it, talk to it like you would a plant. Take it out to dinner, and then introduce it to your family. As soon as it says, “I think things are moving too quickly,” it’s ready to be trimmed. If you’re going for a glue-on version make sure it’s of quality. Stealing a plastic one from a pair of Groucho glasses is not acceptable and will result in a two week loss of Ferarri and tennis court usage.

Shirt: Next to the ’stache this is the most important aspect of your costume. Don’t just go out and buy any Hawaiian shirt, get the actual vintage Hawaiian shirt with the red jungle bird pattern. Make sure to unbutton at least two buttons, preferably three, to expose your chest hair. If you don’t have any chest hair trim some off a wig, and tape it to your chest so the hair is visible and the tape isn’t. Oh, and your shirt should always be tucked in for maximum magnum effect – the babes want to see the buns.

Hat: The signature Detroit Tigers Hat. Tom’s was a fitted full back, the new ones are exactly the same – but steer clear of the MLB logo on the rear. Or if you want to get really serious, grab one of these replica hats that he often wore – representing his ‘Nam unit.

Jeans/Shorts: Loose fitting jeans are the easy route. If you go the way of shorts, get tan khakis that expose at least four inches of leg above your knee and make sure you have to squeeze in to them. Use a beige canvas belt on whichever bottoms you choose.

Shoes: Decide between either white Puma Easy Rider Sneakers or white/tan Deck shoes. By the way, T.M. never wore socks, so don’t let me catch you wearing them either. And yes, I will be watching you. Go the vintage Adidas route if the other two aren’t attainable.

The Extras

Sunglasses: Magnum wore Vintage Ray Ban Shooter sunglasses in earlier episodes. If they aren’t available consider most vintage Carerra aviators. Or if you’re on a budget, grab any similar vintage aviators – but stay away from the mirrored lenses – Magnum was a P.I. not a cop.

Pistol: When it was go time, Mags tucked one in the the back of his jeans. But it wasn’t a revolver, Magnum was ex-Navy not a 50’s gumshoe. So if you are going to add this prop, get a toy similar to the the one pictured, otherwise don’t bother.

Ring: This obscure item says you’ve done your research. Magnum, T.C. and Rick all wore a Cross of Lorraine ring as a symbol of their team in ‘Nam. Magnum wore it on the third finger of his right hand, and you should too.

Beyond the Call of Duty

Irritate a few Doberman Pincers and then try to outrun them. Get three buddies to go as T.C., Rick and Higgins. While you’re in costume periodically narrate inside your head, as if you’re on a case, and always begin with, “I know what you’re thinking, and you’re probably right.” Carry a long neck beer bottle around with a label that says, “Old Dusseldorf.” Make notes on becoming a “World Class Private Investigator.” Rent a vintage Ferrari 308 GTS.