The Pendleton Woolen Mill of Oregon opened in 1909, producing Indian blankets. In time, the blankets were used to make bathrobes and coats. By 1924 they started making the famous Pendleton man’s wool shirt and by 1929 they were producing a full line of menswear.

In 1949 Pendleton began developing a line of sportswear separates for women. Most notable was their ‘49er jacket – hip length, long-sleeved casual jacket with wide collar, patch pockets, and large shell buttons down the front. The 49er is still being made by Pendleton today.

For many years, Pendleton raised their own sheep and spun and wove the wool. They sold the fabric as well as the blankets and finished clothing. At one time Pendleton used 1% of all the wool produced in the US.

Pendleton worked exclusively in wool until 1972, when they produced their first spring line. Blue Pendleton labels indicate men’s clothing, and white labels are on women’s.

Written by Lizzie Bramlett, fuzzylizzie.com

from a 1950s woman's '49er jacket Courtesy of vintageclothes-line

from a 1960s jacket Courtesy of thevintagepeddler

from a 1960s tweed dress Courtesy of vintage-voyager.com

from a 1960s jacket Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from a 1960s cape Courtesy of aprizeeverytime

from a 1970s suit Courtesy of denisebrain

from a 1970s jacket Courtesy of vintagedevotion

from a 70s jacket Courtesy of amandainvermont

from a 1970s western wear sweater Courtesy of casperess52

from a 1980s jacket Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from a mid-1980s suit Courtesy of borntoolatevintage

from a 1990s knit top Courtesy of sixcatsfun