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 has still been made by Pendleton in recent years.
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.
A Pendleton label that shows the Woolmark symbol dates from sometime after that symbol was introduced in 1964.
Written by fuzzylizzie
See vintage Pendleton from VFG members on Etsy (paid link)
from a 1920s, early 1930s coat
Courtesy of Chuck & Dolores Roberts
from a 1950s jacket
Courtesy of thevintagepeddler
from a 1950s turnabout skirt
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1950s jacket
Courtesy of foofoogal
from a 1960s tweed dress
Courtesy of vintage-voyager.com
from a 1960s shirt
Courtesy of EndlessAlley
From a mid-1960s jacket
Courtesy of EndlessAlley
from a 1960s traveller jacket
Courtesy of denisebrain
from a 1960s cape
Courtesy of aprizeeverytime
from a late-1960s/early-1970s board shirt
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1970s suit
Courtesy of denisebrain
from a 1970s jacket
Courtesy of vintagedevotion
from a 1970s jacket
Courtesy of amandainvermont
from a 1970s western wear sweater
Courtesy of casperess52
from a mid 1980s suit
Courtesy of borntoolatevintage
from a 1980s men s tweed jacket
Courtesy of leonardodavintage
from a 1990s knit top
Courtesy of sixcatsfun
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