HELIKON-TEX Hawaiian shirt

This summer has been very hot, so we went looking for something nice and cool to add to our wardrobe - especially if it also had some 'tacticool' elements to it. As it turned out, our Polish friends from HELIKON-TEX had just the thing - their line of 'Hawaiian' shirts that we first saw samples of at Enforce Tac. So we got our hands on one and now we can present it to you in detail, along with our impressions.

The HELIKON TEX Hawaiian Shirts are made in four different design variations. Here you can see the "Cassino" version, which we will explain about later. Although they have different colors and print designs, the features on all 4 variants are the same. 

It starts with the fabric. The shirts are made from a mix of 97% cotton and 3% elastane, which makes for a very cool and comfortable wearing experience - especially on hot days. We wore the shirt several times this summer and, of course, washed it often. The result was that nothing got distorted, the colors are still vibrant, and it still wears very nicely. A sure sign of high quality.

The fit is also loose, but with an attractive shape for a smart-casual appearance. The 'tacticool' features are low-profile and also very well concealed by the shape and fit of the shirt, as well as by the visually disrupting (and distracting) print design.

The point collar is simple, falls well, and holds its shape. If needed, it can also be turned up to protect the neck against sunburn or dust.

Close-up of the chest details: zipped chest pocket and loop for sunglasses.

The shirt is not fastened classically, but all buttons are press studs that disguise themselves as regular buttons.

Thus, the HELIKON-TEX Hawaiian shirt can be opened quickly. Especially important for anyone who carries their pistol concealed or pursues a career as a stripper.

In the hem area on the left side, a microfiber glasses cleaning cloth is sewn in. At first, I thought it was unnecessary, but it has proven to be very practical. In summer, sunglasses always seem dirty. It's also handy when you need to quickly wipe the lenses on a weapon's optics or a camera. Those were all the details—not many, but everything is well thought out and executed.

Now again about the pattern. It is inspired by the Battle of Monte Cassino in World War II. Polish forces were also involved in this battle. The trumpeter in the picture is Emil Czech, a horn player of the 2nd Polish Corps under General Władysław Anders, who plays the Hejnał Mariacki. Behind him, you can see a Polish soldier rushing at the enemy with a bayonet.

The poppy motif also includes representations of weapons used during the Battle of Monte Cassino: a Sten submachine gun, a Lee-Enfield rifle, and a Thompson M1A1 submachine gun.

Conclusion

With the Hawaiian shirt, HELIKON-TEX has created a very stylish and high-quality summer clothing. Of course, you can also wear it in other seasons. The fabric blend is very comfortable even at temperatures above 30 °C, and everything is superbly executed. The details are all very sensible and practical. The patterns have been created with great attention to detail and printed very well. A really good Hawaiian shirt, and you'll be the center of attention at any barbecue party.

The Hawaiian shirts are available directly from HELIKON-TEX for $64.99 (+ shipping), and all retailers that carry HELIKON-TEX products.