Customer Reviews

Hawai`i Unbuttoned: A Practical Guide to Buying and Selling True-Vintage Hawaiian Shirts

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have seen this book in proof and it is truly one of a kind - I know of nothing like it. In addition, I have seen the author's selection of shirts and he is veritable expert with an incredible collection of his own: He knows what he is talking about when it comes to vintage Hawaiian shirts. This is well researched and easy to use for the novice or serious collector. Buy it!

I just recently started to collect Hawai'ian shirts and I wish I had found this book prior to my first few purchases. It tells you everything you need to know to figure out if the "vintage" shirt you're looking at is from the '40s, '50s or the 90s. I've had my copy one week now and it is already dog-eared beyond being able to close properly. The guide on how to measure a shirt and the chapter on manufacturer's labels will make the book a computer-side reference tool. One week and the book has paid for itself.

Craig Callaway has gone well beyond the typical "pretty picture" book with this excellent reference on just what makes a vintage shirt a vintage shirt. From dating and identifying truly vintage shirts, and how to measure, grade and inspect your purchase or for sale items so everyone is happy. The best part of the book is it is written simply and concisely enough to consume in one leisurely evening.
Once read, it provides instant photo reference to keep you on the right road and away from all the IOW's that are out there in Shirtland.
5 stars, heck, I would give him 10 if Amazon would let me.
I have always been told when collecting anything, you should buy the book before you buy the item. THIS IS THE BOOK YOU NEED to get fast tracked to enjoying a great hobby. Thanks Craig.

Paul Tenpenny
Milwaukee Wisconsin

I've been collecting aloha shirts for 20+ years and have read pretty much everything I can find on the subject. But Hawai'i Unbuttoned surprised me in that it:
* is personal, honest, extremely well-written
* provides information on shirts and labels I've not seen anywhere else.

As the author states, this book "does not show hundreds of photos of shirts you can drool over." But it does help those interested in buying or selling make better assessments and decisions about shirts they already own or those they are contemplating selling or buying.

[...]

While certainly not an inexpensive book (I bought at Amazon, best price, for $[...]), the book is a great value for those interested in either collecting or selling - or just those fascinated by the phenomenon of the explosion of interest in this specific kind of wearable art. It may save a prospective buyer alot of money and disappointment. And it's filled with expert inside information that I found fascinating. I expect to use this back as a reference guide for many years.

I read the reviews on this book and it said it was good for buying and selling,and what to buy and what not to buy,This book gives no prices,No rarity scale,it does not tell you which ones to buy and which ones not to buy,I just wasted 40.00 on a book that tells you nothing about the shirts or labels,This is the worst reference book I have ever seen,if I could get my money back I would.Yes it shows the labels of all of these shirts but it does not give a rarety scale or which ones not to buy.DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

Had started collecting "genuine" (actual 'made in Hawaii') Aloha shirts for about a year before purchasing this book in Apr.'11. Wow! What a difference in my purchasing after devouring this book. Now I know what to look for. Haven't made a costly mistake since. Pays for itself with your next Aloha shirt purchase. Well worth it. Very well written as well. A "must" for any serious collector. Much gratitude to you, Craig.

As stated by others, this book contains info not found in other books. As the title suggests, it emphasizes the practical aspects of buying "True-Vintage" Hawaiian shirts (shirts that are 40+ years old). Although it has some advice for buyers and sellers regarding etiquette on the market (Ebay), the meat and potatoes of the book are pictures and corresponding information of 385 labels from a wide range of aloha shirts. This is what makes the book so interesting, as the author had access to some of the most comprehensive collections and knowledgeable collectors around. The book is simply presented, which is fine for the most part; at times however the quality of some of the photography verges on amateurism. This is really the only downside, as the book is a good business resouce for the investor (or reputable seller) and a fun read for aspiring collectors, casual enthusiasts, or garment historians alike. The price is likely reflective of the fact that this book is published in very small runs, due to the esoteric subject matter. If you like to buy Hawaiian shirts without losing your shirt - buy it!

As someone who is very interested in Hawaiian shirts and especially vintage shirts, this book is a great reference source. The chapter on labels is informative. Be sure to check the 'Unbuttoned' website for any corrections or updates.

Excellent book, even though it is pricey. It is an great resource book and provides the information in a format that is easily understood. Lots of illustrations.

There really is no other book like it. A very definitive manual for buying and selling Hawaiian shirts especially on Ebay. There is nothing better to date. If you thought you knew it all, you will come away w/ a whole lot more than you ever imagined. The book is pricey, but the knowledge in it is priceless and only comes from ones life story. A worthy addition to the library.