Digital Media Centre

ALO-DA! BRITS GO WILD FOR DAD CHIC 

30 April, 2026

ALDI LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION HAWAIIAN SHIRTS INSPIRED BY FAN FAVOURITE SPECIALBUYS 

• Aldi serves up summer style with limited-edition Hawaiian shirts featuring Specialbuy favourites from BBQs to DIY tools, as research suggests dad fashion is enjoying a revival 

• The giveaway launches ahead of BBQ season as 73% say they opt for Hawaiian shirts as soon as the sun comes out  

Aldi is turning up the heat on summer style, tapping into the resurgence of ‘dad fashion’ with the launch of its own limited-edition Hawaiian shirts, available exclusively through a nationwide competition ahead of the Early May Bank Holiday.  

The shirts are being launched to kick off BBQ season as 73% say they opt for Hawaiian shirts as soon as the sun comes out. What’s more, Brits have named the Early May Bank Holiday as the official opening of BBQ season as it’s when they’re most likely to get the urge to grill. 

Research has also shown that 43% of Brits now embrace previously mocked styles with ‘dad fashion’ gaining popularity among younger audiences who describe it as ‘fun and ironic’.  

Almost four in ten (39%) think Hawaiian shirts are coming back into fashion, and half of Brits say wearing a floral shirt makes them feel ready for summer. Hawaiian shirts are most likely to be worn abroad (44%), at a BBQ (26%) or garden party (25%), and 68% of those who own them have more than one in their wardrobe.  

When it comes to BBQ season, 26% have a ‘uniform’ they always wear to grill. Previously un-cool styles such as cardigans (39%), skinny jeans (30%) and sweater vests (16%) are on the rise thanks to celebs such as Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet*, who have helped redefine traditionally “uncool” staples as modern wardrobe essentials. 

Top 10 ‘dad-core’ styles coming back into fashion:  

Cardigans (39%)  

Skinny jeans (30%)  

Bucket hats (24%)  

Hawaiian shirts (22%)  

Bum bags (22%)  

Dad trainers (20%)  

Socks and sandals (18%) 

Sweater vest (16%)  

Velcro shoes (14%)  

Crocs (1%) 

The latest playful take on the trend will see a limited run of Aldi-branded Hawaiian shirts up for grabs, giving fans the chance to stand out at garden parties, park picnics and family BBQs this summer. The shirts are adorned with Specialbuys favourites such as BBQs, hedge trimmers and fishing equipment. 

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “We know our outdoor Specialbuys are a hit with customers – from our popular BBQ range to must-have DIY tools. So, with the Early May Bank Holiday approaching and Brits embracing dad fashion as the weather gets warmer, launching limited-edition Specialbuy Hawaiian shirts made sense.” 

Other research found: 

• Social media continues to play a major role in shaping summer wardrobes with new research revealing that a quarter (26%) of UK consumers now turn to platforms like TikTok for fashion inspiration 

• Video trends are driving the popularity of nostalgic looks with 21% saying they’ve recreated a viral outfit in the past year 

• The rise of relaxed, personality-led styling has also seen trends such as ‘airport dad’ gain traction, with 75% of respondents saying they favour comfort-first outfits inspired by travel-day aesthetics 

To win one of the exclusive shirts, all shoppers need to do is email Specialbuy.Shirt@aldi.co.uk with their full name by 7^th May