For more than 150 years, traditional wool brand Pendleton has epitomized American style, authenticity and luxurious craftsmanship. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the family business offers clothing and accessories for women and men as well as high-quality blankets made from fine wool. As well as wool products, Pendleton also sells a range of other luxury fabrics, all backed by the ‘Warranted to be a Pendleton’ quality guarantee.
origins
The history of the brand began when the British weaver Thomas Kay began manufacturing wool products in Oregon in 1863, laying the foundation for today’s internationally successful company. Kay’s grandsons, the three Bishop brothers, opened the Pendleton Woolen Mills factory in 1909, which is still in operation today. They combined Kay’s weaving skills with distinctive Native American-inspired designs in the Pendleton Trade blankets. These Pendleton blankets were prized by Native Americans for basic clothing and as a unit of value for trade and credit.
evolution
In 1912, another weaving mill was added in Washington, expanding the range of fabrics. Under the direction of the Bishop family, Pendleton also expanded into other areas of wool manufacture: clothing for men and women.
At the beginning of the 20th century, wool shirts were mainly utilitarian items. In 1924, Pendleton launched men’s plaid shirts in rich new wool, a novelty at the time that quickly became very popular. Finally, by 1929, Pendleton manufactured a full line of men’s sportswear. In 1949 women’s clothing made of wool was added. In 1972, responding to consumer demand for non-wool garments, the brand introduced non-wool men’s and women’s clothing for the spring and summer, becoming a year-round sportswear label.
Current
Pendleton has thrived under the Bishop family and is now run by the sixth generation. Today, the brand’s products are available in specialty stores, department stores, more than 50 Pendleton stores in the United States, Pendleton catalogs and the label’s online shop. Pendleton clothing and blankets are also sold in Europe, Japan, Canada and Australia.