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 1920s, early 1930s coat
Courtesy of Chuck & Dolores Roberts
from a 1950s woman's '49er jacket
Courtesy of vintageclothes-line
from a 1950s jacket
Courtesy of thevintagepeddler
from a 1950s jacket
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from a 1960s tweed dress
Courtesy of vintage-voyager.com
from a 1960s jacket
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from a 1960s shirt
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From a mid-1960s jacket
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from a 1960s traveller jacket
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from a 1960s cape
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from a 1970s suit
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from a 1970s jacket
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from a 1970s jacket
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from a 1970s western wear sweater
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from a mid 1980s suit
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from a 1980s men s tweed jacket
Courtesy of leonardodavintage
from a 1990s knit top
Courtesy of sixcatsfun
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