ʻŌlapa Racerback Tank
ʻŌlapa Racerback Tank

ʻŌlapa Racerback Tank

Regular price $36.95 Sale price $28.95
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

This comfortable, women’s lightweight racerback tank is a great addition to any lounge or active wear collection. It is made from a soft 65% polyester/35% viscose blend, and sports a flowy bottom.

Wear this relaxing by the beach, playing beach volleyball, or moving to your favorite exercise routine. 

  • Women’s tank top.
  • A-line body.
  • Side seamed with relaxed, merrowed bottom hem.
  • Shirring at racerback seam.
  • Premium artwork by Native Hawaiian designers.
  • Custom, trademark graphic.

NATIVE HAWAIIAN DESIGN

The word ʻōlapa is a reference to a Hawaiian hula dancer. Hula is a dance artform that is completely unique to Hawaiʻi. It consisted of an ʻōlapa (hula dancer) visually conveying the meaning or story of a particular oli (chant) or mele (song). ʻŌlapa were critical to the preservation and perpetuation of various traditional stories and lessons.

The ʻōlapa would be complemented by a hoʻopaʻa (memorizer), who would be responsible for chanting or singing and playing a percussion instrument like the ipu heke (gourd drum) to maintain a steady beat for the dancers. Oftentimes the hoʻopaʻa would also be the kumu hula (hula instructor), who would teach the ʻōlapa various hula steps, chants and songs.

While hula dancers are immeasurably graceful in performing their craft, they are incredibly disciplined athletes with the strength and poise comparable to ballet dancers. Wear this design if you support this elegant kanaka maoli cultural artform.


Sustainability

We've partnered with some stellar organizations who are taking garment printing into the 21st century with DTG (direct-to-garment) printing technology. This means, everything at Maoli is made to order and we don’t have a warehouse full of clothes lying around. This reduces the clothing waste in our business to nearly zero. 

Our eco-friendly water-based inks provide unlimited color combinations and make detailed prints pop without reducing their vibrancy in the wash. Reducing toxicity in the environment is one of our top priorities. 

Whenever possible, we also use organic, recycled, or sustainable fabrics to manufacture our apparel. We aim to make our products good for your body and for the ʻāina (land).

We encourage our customers and our community to demand more from us when it comes to sustainability. Have an idea? Please don’t hesitate to reach out!