The trend of wearing Hawaiian shirts in the 90s was actually popularized by a TV show called Magnum, P.I. which aired from 1980-1988. The show’s main character, Tom Selleck, frequently wore colorful Hawaiian shirts on the show, and this sparked a major trend in fashion. Additionally, Hawaiian shirts became popularized in the 90s as part of the larger trend of "tropical wear" which included bright colors, floral designs, and palm tree motifs. Overall, the trend was all about conveying a laid-back, carefree attitude associated with island living.