Hello friends!
What does your work wardrobe look like these days?
I suppose in our new hybrid work world, many of us are dressing more casually than we used to.
But once upon a time, the only day where business professionals could dress casually was Friday.
But where did that concept of ‘Casual Friday’ come from?
I was curious…
Like so many creative ideas, the concept of dressing casually on a Friday was introduced to solve a problem.
The origins trace back to 1946, when Honolulu was looking to give office workers some relief from the hot temperatures in the Hawaiian summer.
By introducing ‘alohawear’ (including casual, colorful ‘Aloha shirts’ also known as ‘Hawaiian shirts’), office workers could be more comfortable – and embrace part of the Hawaiian culture.
This led to an Aloha Week celebration that promoted Hawaiian culture – and supported the burgeoning Hawaiian garment industry.
But it wasn’t until 1962 when the idea grew – thanks to a creative campaign by the Hawaii Fashion Guild.
The Guild decided to send two Aloha shirts to every member of the Hawaii House of Representatives and the Hawaii Senate – and encouraged them to promote the ‘Aloha shirt’ as business attire in the summer months.
The tactic worked – and a resolution passed recommending that ‘Aloha attire’ be worn throughout the summer months for the “sake of comfort and support of the 50th state’s garment industry.”
And three years later, Bill Foster, Sr., the president of the Hawaii Fashion Guild, took it a step further.
He led a campaign that would introduce ‘Aloha Friday’ – where the state’s employees could wear Aloha shirts every Friday throughout the year.
Within a year, the Hawaiian garment industry reaped the rewards as ‘Aloha Friday’ was celebrated across the Hawaiian islands.
Hawaii’s custom of ‘Aloha Friday’ slowly travelled across the Pacific to California, and then spread across the US (and globe) under the moniker of ‘Casual Friday.’
And the mainstream adoption of Casual Friday in the US in the 1990s was implemented to solve a problem, too.
Instead of relief from the summer heat, companies were looking for a way to help staff morale during a recession.
They wanted a solution that would lift employee morale – without spending money.
Casual Friday was the answer.
BONUS: A clip from Curb Your Enthusiasm about Casual Friday:
Recent Work and Writing
Will the Real Chris Pratt Please Stand Up? — After a recent interview, I’m wondering what actor Chris Pratt really believes.
Find Your Saul —Better Call Saul brings me joy and reminds me how powerful entertainment can be. What’s the show, singer, or sport that brings you joy?
Be Someone’s Hope — My first encounter with Days of Our Lives actress Kristian Alfonso in 1998 made a lasting impression on me. And here’s the lesson it offers all of us.
Naughty or Nice? How are we communicating in 2022? — From pop stars to business leaders, whose communication skills stand out so far this year?
Music Talks Podcast Interview with Terry Smith —This conversation covers my favorite music from 1970s Donna Summer to Taylor and Harry today (with a lot inbetween). And of course, there’s plenty of discussion about communication, creativity, and pop culture, too.
How Can I Help?
I’ll keep saying it: Communication matters.
Want to see how much? Check out this statement from Emirates, which is the best corporate communication I saw in July.
New research says communication is the most in-demand soft skill employers are looking for today.
And good news, friends… If you want to improve your communication (and get all the good things that come with that), I’m your gal.
So many companies could reap so benefits – from performance and culture to retention and engagement – by improving their communication.
So, if you know someone who could benefit from some help (as even the most seasoned leaders do), please get in touch and check out my website for more information.
You can also see my Top 10 list of what I can (and can’t) do for you here.
And if you see any communication examples (the good, the bad, and the ugly) that you think are worth analyzing or sharing, please send them my way!
Stay Curious!
-Beth
Two shows that I have loved this year:
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - a refreshing return to more episodic storytelling with good writing and a great cast
Severance - beautifully bleak