pendleton products

Let it Rain – with Pendleton

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Seven waterproof rain boots with Pendleton national park designs.

Oregon Rain

We don’t let the rain slow us down in Oregon. Pendleton’s corporate headquarters is in Portland, Oregon, in the Pacific Temperate Rainforest Zone. (Learn about that here: the Pacific Temperate Rainforest zone.) We see an average of 43 inches of rainfall each year, so we know rain.

woman in Pendleton rain slicker and boots standing on a dock

Pendleton Rain Products

That’s why we’re super excited about our rain products, including the Pendleton rain boots (in two heights!) and our rainwear. We stay rain ready with waterproof jackets and ponchos that feature sealed seams and fun linings with Pendleton patterns and National Park Stripes.

See them here: Pendleton rain boots

You can see all the women’s rainwear here: Women’s rainwear by Pendleton

Our new women’s waterproof wool coats combine our expertise in wool AND rain! Enjoy the benefits of wool—warmth, beauty, breathability—with the added bonus of seam-seal technology and a waterproof finish. The clean, simple lines make this the perfect coat to throw on every day!

See them here:

Waterproof wool coat by Pendleton, hooded

Waterproof wool coat by Pendleton, stand collar

A man, a child, and a woman crossing a cobblestone street wearing Pendleton rain coats.

The entire family can be rain ready with a men’s jacket and a new kid-sized slicker.

See them here: Kid’s Long Beach Raincoat

Men’s Pacific Raincoat

Accessories

We have a fantastic line of waterproof Canopy Canvas accessories that are bright, practical, and oh-so-waterproof. These lightweight, durable bags are designed to protect whatever you carry–not only on rainy days.

See them here: Canopy Canvas- totes, bags & more

So don’t let raindrops slow you down. Get out there and enjoy the rain; after all, it keeps the world green.

A woman in a field wearing a red Pendleton rain poncho.

All About Shetland Wool

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Shetland Sweaters

At Pendleton, we are mighty proud of our Shetland wool sweaters for men and women. Here are a few facts about Shetland wool, and why it makes our sweaters so special.

Folded stack of Shetland wool sweaters by Pendleton

photo by Pendleton Woolen Mills

The Source: Shetland Sheep

Shetland wool comes from a special breed of Shetland sheep   https://www.shetland-sheep.org/about-shetlands/shetland-wool/  that originated on Scotland’s Shetland Islands. In November 2011, Shetland wool that is still produced in the Shetlands earned a designation of “Native Shetland Wool.”

a Shetland sheep

Photo by Claudiu Pusuc on Unsplash

Like everything else in this day and age, Shetland sheep have migrated. Pendleton’s Shetland wool is from New Zealand, a country known for humane treatment of sheep.

Shetland is spun to be lofty, so you get maximum insulation with minimum weight.

Shetland yarn doesn’t have guard hairs, like many other yarns, meaning it is surprisingly nice next to your skin.

Woman in blue Pendleton sweater stands in front of lake

photo by Pendleton Woolen Mills

Shetland sweaters wear well with little-to-no pilling. If you see a sweater with suede patches at the elbow, it’s probably a well-loved, well-worn Shetland.

Some Shetland yarns are solid colored, and some are heathered. We tend to choose heathers for our sweaters. With their flecks and blended tones, they are so visually interesting.

stack of folded men's Shetland sweaters by Pendleton

photo by Pendleton Woolen Mills

Pendleton Shetland

Pendleton has a variety of styles for men and women at our website. You can see them here:

Pendleton Shetland Sweaters for Women

Pendleton Shetland Sweaters for Men

Whether you’re feeling the Fall chill, or doing a little early holiday shopping, come see what we have to offer.

Man wearing green pendleton Shetland wool sweater stands in front of lake

photo by Pendleton Woolen Mills

 

 

Willow Inspiration – soft, flexible, and surprisingly sturdy

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Four Pendleton cotton bed blankets hang on hooks against a white wall.

It’s been a long, late winter, and we are ready for Spring with cotton, silk, and patterns that remind us of growth and harmony.

Willow Inspiration

Weaving baskets from willow has long been associated with tribes of the American Southwest. Basketry among Native American’s varies by region because of the materials available. In the Northeast, weavers work with sweet grass or ash splints. In the Southeast, baskets are made with bundled pine needles or rivercane. Northwestern tribes use the abundant cedar bark, spruce roots, and grasses of the region. Tribes of the Southwest use sumac or willow wood.

This is a living art form, very much in practice. This video portrays a contemporary basket maker, Margaret Acosta. In the museum shots, watch for a vintage Pendleton blanket on the wall!

 

Willow Basket Blankets

Our Willow Basket cotton blankets, inspired by the intricate beauty of handcrafted baskets, are woven  for us in Germany from 100% certified organic cotton. Why Germany? Well, we are masters weavers of wool. For cotton blankets, we turned to the experts in Germany to find the quality we wanted.

Ultrasoft, lightweight and woven of the finest yarns, our cotton blankets are made with the same quality and care as our world-class wool. This exclusive pattern is woven in soft hues to match any room. Machine-washable organic cotton is certified socially and environmentally responsible by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). See them here: Willow Basket Blanket

Pendleton cotton bed blanket

If you love the Willow Basket pattern, you can also check out Mojave Twill and Yuma Star, two more beautiful organic cotton blanket patterns.

Silk gets Willowy

The lacy woven patterns of willow baskets also inspired a silk fabric for our Women’s line this spring – Willow Creek.

 

WW_WC_Silk_Dress

 

 

Five Best Pendleton Gifts for Grads

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Congratulations to the grads of 2018!

We are enjoying photos of graduating seniors who are proudly wrapped up in Pendleton as they graduate.

2018CNAIS_commencement80GA

Photo courtesy University of Colorado at Boulder, photo by Glenn Asakawa

We’d like to suggest some graduation gifts that range from thoughtful to the gift of a lifetime; something for every graduate on your list.

  1. Notebooks

A set of three to hold thoughts of the past, the present and the future between covers featuring with some of our most recognizable stripes and patterns. See them here:  NOTEBOOKS

notebook

  1. Mugs

Pendleton’s generously sized mug will hold your favorite beverage, and go along to the dorm to heat soup in the microwave. You have so many choices, with mugs that commemorate your favorite national park, legendary mugs that tell stories, and everyone’s favorite Portland mug! See them all here:  MUGS

Pendleton Yellowstone Park mugs on a picnic table in Yellowstone National Park.

photo by @ourfreeways

  1. Water Bottles

A Pendleton water bottle/vacuum flask/

Here’s another shining idea, especially since our water bottles and thermoses are made in partnership with Kleen Kanteen. Your favorite patterns, like Harding and Silver Bark, make these durable and nontoxic bottles even  more special. See them here: WATER BOTTLES

  1. Oversized Towels

A young woman smiles for the camera, posing on the sand on a Pendleton spa towel.

Photo by Nathan Martell for @BedStu

Colorful, beautiful and practical, these towels will tag along on a summer trip or wrap the grad up on the way from shower to dorm room. There are colors and patterns for everyone. See them here: TOWELS

On a clothesline, Pendleton spa towels billow in the breeze.

  1. Blankets

The ultimate gift for your ultimate grad. With proper love and care, a Pendleton blanket will last for generations. In patterns, plaids and stripes, in sizes that range from throw to king, there is a perfect Pendleton blanket for every grad on your list: Motor Robes for the sports fan. National Park blankets for the environmentalist. Camp blankets for the lover of the great outdoors. And a library of dazzling traditional patterns, each with a story to tell.

A woman stands by the sore of the lake at sunrise, wrapped in a plaid Pendleton throw.

Photo by Levi Dunn, @thefreestate

Browse the best here: Pendleton blankets

And congratulations to everyone!

2018-Graduates-of-NACC

Photo courtesy Colorado State University Native American Cultural Center

Heading for the Path of Totality? Your Ultimate Pendleton #eclipse2017 Take-Along List

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Almost here!

The total solar eclipse of our lifetime is happening on August 21, just three short weeks away. The #eclipse2017 Path of Totality originates on the Oregon coast, midway between Lincoln City and Newport. If you’re planning to meet it there, remember that the Oregon coast is famous for its summertime marine clouds, but the interior of our state should be prime viewing country in August.

We are EXCITED, here in Oregon. We’re preparing to host from from 300K to a million visitors!  No matter which estimate turns out to be correct, a LOT of people will gather in our state to share this once-in-our-lifetime experience. So let’s hope you have your accommodations planned, your reservations confirmed, and your patience in place. It’s going to be an amazing adventure, but all life’s adventures require planning and preparation. We have the top ten take-along Pendleton pieces to make sure you have a fantastic trip, whether camping, glamping, or just stepping outside to see this wonder of astronomy.

  1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

We can’t stress this enough. Central Oregon is high and dry, with gorgeous dry vistas and rolling hills.

Water Bottles by Pendleton

Keep yourself in the best possible shape to enjoy the scenery and the eclipse by drinking lots of water. Our Klean Kanteen water bottles are a practical and beautiful way to hydrate.

2. Throw Some Shade with a Pendleton Hat

During the day in August, Central Oregon can be hot, hot, hot. Weather should still be fine at 10:30 AM, but you’ll be there all day, amazed and celebrating.

A young woman stands on a hillside, wearing a gold Pendleton shirt and a Pendleton hat.

Arnelle Lozada @arnelle

Stay cool with the Outback Hat (shown in Putty). The light color keeps you cooler in the sun. If you like cotton hats, our Breezer and Hiker hats are great, too.

3. Another Way to Stay Cool

Bandanas! We’re showing the Pueblo Cross bandanas, but we have plenty of colors and styles available (like this Silver Bark pattern, which is gorgeous).

Pendleton cotton bandanas

These will cover your head, catch sweat at your neck and wrists, and keep your eclipse glasses secure. Plus they are fun way to enjoy Pendleton’s traditional patterns.

4. Don’t Forget the Dawgs

Traveling with your best friend? Some of the country in the Path of Totality is rugged and remote.

Pendleton Pet portable dog bowl

You can’t count on services, so our Pendleton Pet travel food and water bowls are important.

5. Layer Up with a Pendleton Wool Shirt

Wool is nature’s original performance fabric. It can keep you warm early in the morning and late at night, and actually can help you stay cool in high temps.

A young woman with long dark hair wears a brown and white plaid pendleton shirt

Arnelle Lozada @arnelle

We have styles for Men and Women in those plaids that say “Pendleton!” from a mile away.

A man stands beside a pond wearing a plaid Pendleton shirt

Garin Wood @garinwood @ultmo

6. Claim Your Spot with a Pendleton Towel

We wish you all a cool spot by a river for viewing. A Pendleton towel can be used for warmth, as a sitting space, or for shade.

FIve Pendleton Towels hanging on a peg rack.

Our towels-for-two in Serrado

The Serrado towel-for-two hangs on a stump at the beach.

and Fire Legend

The Fire Legend towel-for-two against a blue sky.are fantastic for marking off your viewing spot, too.

7. Luxury Seating: Pendleton by Sunbrella Floor Cushions

A touch of luxury for your viewing spot that you’ll love to take home; the Pendleton by Sunbrella floor cushion.

Floor-Pillows covered in Pendleton by Sunbrella performance fabrics.

We can’t speak highly enough of the fabric and workmanship in these outdoor fabrics—they have a depth and dimensionality that amazes us.

8. Pendleton Blankets: Camp Blankets and Serapes

Pendleton’s Camp Blankets were developed for actual cowboys, who needed a sturdy, practical bedroll on the range.

Camp_blankets on beds in a rustic room.

Our Serapes also make awesome camping blankets, thanks to their unnapped finish, which is smooth enough to stay free of campsite detritus.

Serape-blankets on beds in a beachy room.

So take your choice! These are excellent bedroll blankets, and are also great for wrapping around your shoulders as you sit around the campfire at night, watching stars and making memories.

9. Socks for your Tootsies

It’s cold in the tent overnight! Snuggle into some Pendleton socks.

A campfire, over which marshmallows are being toasted, and six people's feet wearing Pendleton socks.

These beauties are National Park themed cotton blend, and we have so many more to choose from. Your toes will thank you.

10. Campfire Coffee

We know you’ll spend the balance of Monday celebrating, sharing your photos on Instagram (if you can get a signal!) and meeting other eclipse-watchers who are camped near you. Tuesday morning will come all too soon.

Brandon_Tormanen_NatlParks_MUG

Brandon Tormanan @b.tormanen

When it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee, use one of our Oversized Pendleton Mugs. They are durable and beautiful, with lots of patterns to choose from.

And remember: WEAR YOUR ECLIPSE GLASSES.

Thanks to our brand ambassadors for their photos. You can see more of their work on Instagram:

Arnelle Lozada  @arnelle

Garin Wood  @garinwood   @ultmo

Brandon Tormanan   @b.tormanen

Types of wool explained: merino, lambswool, Shetland & more

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Do you know your types of wool?

From Shetland to merino, it can vary widely. Earlier, we covered the differences between virgin and recycled wool. Today we’ll help you understand the main types of wool, including:

  • Merino wool
  • Lambswool
  • Shetland wool
  • Cashmere
  • Alpaca
  • Mohair

Quick note: Fibers are only wool if they come from sheep. So cashmere, alpaca and mohair (which come from goats and alpacas) are actually hair, not wool. Interesting, right? Now let’s get started!

Merino wool

This soft fiber comes from Merino sheep, mostly found in Australia and New Zealand. Merino wool is finer (or thinner) than your average wool, which makes it softer, less itchy and more flexible. Our 5th avenue throw is a great example. It’s also cool, breathable and moisture-wicking, which is why merino makes for such a good base layer during hiking or exercise. Whether you’re hot or cold, merino wool keeps you comfortable—no wonder it’s so popular!

Merino wool 5th avenue throw

Even within merino wool, there are several different categories. Not to get too technical, but the larger the diameter of the wool fiber, the coarser and more itchy it will be. Some wool fibers can be 25 microns in diameter or more, and your hair is 50-100 microns thick. In comparison, merino wool fibers are typically 24 microns in diameter or smaller. Fine merino is less than 19.5 microns, superfine is less than 18.5 and ultrafine merino is less than 15. For sweaters, socks, blankets and more, merino wool is an excellent (and premium) choice. 

Lambswool

Lambswool, a hardworking and durable favorite fiber, is the finest, softest fleece that comes from a lamb’s first shearing, usually when the lamb is six or seven months old. It’s smooth, strong and flexible, plus it doesn’t need much processing. Lambswool is excellent for blankets and bedding (and allergy sufferers) because it’s hypoallergenic and resists dust mites. Like merino and all wool, lambswool is breathable and helps your body regulate temperature. 

Shetland wool

Authentic Shetland wool comes from Shetland sheep, originally found on Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Over 200 years ago, Sir John Sinclair praised Shetland wool as having “the gloss and softness of silk, the strength of cotton, the whiteness of linen, and the warmth of wool.” The fibers are 23 microns thick on average, making it generally thicker than merino. Shetland wool is known for being durable and hardy, as the climate on the northern island can get quite cold. That means Shetland wool is terrific for warm and toasty sweaters. If it’s too rough for your liking, layer it over a shirt.

Cashmere

This silky soft fiber comes from the fine undercoat of the cashmere (or Kashmir) goat and is known for being supersoft, delicate and luxurious. Most cashmere comes from goats in China and Mongolia. Fibers are about 18 microns in diameter, so about the same as superfine merino. It’s often expensive: Only about 25% of a cashmere goat’s fleece is used, so it takes the hair of two goats just to make one cashmere sweater. Some of Pendleton’s wool blankets, sweaters and coats contain cashmere to make the texture blissfully soft yet still warm and insulating.

Alpaca

Alpaca hair is strong, silky, warm and durable…plus alpacas are cute! (They’re related to llamas.) Alpacas were originally bred in South America and especially prized in Inca culture in Peru’s Andes Mountains. Their hair is hypoallergenic, so if you’re allergic to wool, try alpaca. If not, alpaca and merino wool create a wonderfully soft and light yet insulating blend. Fibers are similarly sized as cashmere and fine merino. We use alpaca yarn in some of our most luxurious sweaters.

Three shorn alpacas relax in a pasture.

Shorn alpacas at rest. They are the cutest.

Mohair

This fiber is hair from the angora goat. It’s smoother than wool (and slightly more expensive) but not as soft as cashmere, so it’s kind of a middle ground. Fibers are 25-40 microns in diameter, roughly the same as Shetland wool and even some merino. Mohair is known to have a fuzzy texture, because the goat’s coarser outer hairs mix in with its fluffy undercoat. Like wool, it’s wrinkle- and dirt-resistant. 

Any other types of wool you’re curious about? Let us know in the comments below!

Brand Ambassador Mikal Wright

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mikal_wright: sitting on a woodpile

Brand Ambassador Stories

Ed. note: We are going to be featuring our fantastic brand ambassadors over the rest of this year, telling their stories in photos and words. Today we are profiling Mikal Wright of Pendleton, Oregon.

The interview

What kind of photography do you specialize in?

Photography is something that I started taking seriously about eight months ago. I purchased a drone and would go out and shoot aerial shots every chance I had.

Now that I’ve purchased a DSLR camera, I’d have say portrait photography is what I’m currently shooting as much as possible. I’ve been fortunate to have a solid network of friends who are professional photographers. They have guided me along the way.

Most of my shoots are in the Pacific Northwest, so you’ll see quite a bit of nature in my photography, but I’ve been challenging myself to get into the city more and shoot.

mikal_wright: a woman in a sweater and knit cap stands by a brick warehouse

What’s your dream shoot location and why (and don’t say Iceland—everyone does)?

This question literally made me laugh out loud because you are so right! Out of all the beautiful places in the world, everyone wants to go to Iceland. So I will change it up and choose El Nido. It’s a Philippine town located at the most northern tip of Palawan, an island that has a coastline dotted with over 1700+ islands and islets! I’ve read that the electricity there only runs 12 hours a day, so you have no choice but to unplug and explore the beauty of the island.

A man and woman sit on a boulder at Glacier National park

You scored many points for choosing somewhere original, Mikal. Where does your affinity for heritage brands come from? 

First and foremost, I was born and raised in Pendleton, Oregon. From my earliest childhood, I remember going to my grandparents home and falling in love with the blankets hanging on their living room walls.

Fast forward to the present, I’m now working for the company that I grew up loving! There’s something extremely special about Pendleton, the fact that it’s constantly evolving as a brand even after being around for over 100 years is amazing. That helped pave the way for my brand affinity.

Its also shaped the way I go about my photography. I definitely consider Pendleton as “The Outdoor Lifestyle of America” but I also see Pendleton as a high-end fashion brand.

We agree, and we love your photos that show this side of Pendleton.

mikal_wright: a woman in a black and white Pendleton cape stands in a forest

mikal_wright: a woman stands on a pavilion, her sweater twirling around her

Growing up in Pendleton, and working for Pendleton, we wonder if you you have any family stories about Pendleton?

There’s one story that sticks with me the most. I was in the 7th grade and my family and I were heading back home after visiting my aunt and uncle in La Grande, Oregon. I remember there being a lot of snow that winter. The roads were extremely icy. A few cars ahead of us, a man lost control of his vehicle and flipped sideways into a ditch.

My dad and a few other cars immediately pulled over to see if he was okay.  My dad was always prepared for emergencies, and he kept an old Pendleton Camp blanket in the trunk of the car, which he gave to the man to keep warm until the ambulance arrived. I remember telling all of my friends at school the next day, “If it wasn’t for my dad’s old blanket that guy would have froze to death.” So I’d like to think that our Pendleton blanket saved a mans life that day.

mikal_wright: a man and a woman sit on the porch of a cabin

Your brand ambassador work comes from a unique place—you are actually a Pendleton team member. What do you want to say about the brand with your shots?

Each and every day, I have the opportunity to communicate with our consumers on a personal level. I get to hear their thoughts and I also have the chance to keep them informed and up-to-date with what we’re doing as a company. In return, I get a sense that they feel more involved and invested in our brand.

mikal_wright: a young woman enjoys her coffee in a coffee shop

I think the best artists and photographers create work that is a reflection of who they are. Pendleton is who I am and I truly hope that when people see my images they feel a sense of authenticity. This brand also has so much history and with every photo I take I want to make sure that every garment that I’m photographing is presented in a way that when people see it they know automatically that it’s a Pendleton, a brand that’s iconic in so many ways.

Video

Please enjoy this movie by Mikal, featuring his muse and model, @brandyisthecatsmeow .

Follow Mikal on Instagram for more wonderful photography: @atribeoutwest

mikal_wright test shots - a man and a woman in the woods

Hey, New Yorkers! Have you seen the Wolverine Pop-Up Shop?

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Popping in at a Pop-Up

We love these photos of the new Pendleton Pop-Up Shop opened by Wolverine in NYC.

Door to Wolverine's Pendleton pop-up

Come on in!

Wolverine's Pendleton pop-up

They have so many great Pendleton shirts, sweaters, throws, blankets, bags and more.

Wolverine's Pendleton pop-up
Wolverine's Pendleton pop-up
Wolverine's Pendleton pop-up

And they are open for your shopping pleasure through the holidays.

Wolverine's Pendleton pop-up
Wolverine's Pendleton pop-up

Yes, that’s the Westerley sweater you see there. Come on by!

Wolverine

254 Elizabeth St.

NYC, NY 10012

#PendletonPet on Instagram: Meet the Ambassadogs!

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Pendleton Pet

This year we unveiled our Pendleton Pet collection (which is shipping free this month, November 2015). It’s been so much fun to see Pendleton’s National Park designs translated into high quality beds, collars, coats and leads. Our Ambassadogs have been having some fun with their new gear over on our Instagram.

Loki

Everyone knows Loki, whose life is one grand adventure, and occasionally takes us along via GoPro.

He has almost 700K followers on Instagram!

Loki_IMG_6604
Loki_ (1) and his owner

He’s a low-content wolf/Husky/Malamute mix, and his people like Pendleton, too.

Leroy

So, he’s not charging up snowy mountains, but Leroy (of Life with Leroy) loves his city life in San Francisco. And hey, have you seen Lombard Street?

Leroy_IMG_0658

Leroy is a sweet little terrier who likes keeping track of his people and giving his Pendleton Pet gear a good workout. Did someone say “walk”?

Leroy_IMG_0739

Rusty

And then, there’s sweet Rusty Rodas, a gentler Golden Retriever who likes our clothes…

Rodas

…almost as much as he likes his Pendleton Pet bed.

rodas1

We’re always on the lookout for Pendleton Petbassadors. If you’re on Instagram, enter our Instagram contest by tagging your best pet photos today through Monday and let us see your best friend. And we just want you to show us your pet–Pendleton products are entirely optional in your photo! 

And remember, Pendleton Pet ships free in November!

The Original Westerley: Dude, it’s finally back.

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It’s Baaaack

You may know it as The Dude’s cardigan or the Big Lebowski sweater, but we debuted the Westerley cardigan in 1974 as part of our High Grade Westernwear line.

Colorado Manager & sign for Westerley sweaters

Original History

The Westerley drew inspiration from beautiful Cowichan sweaters that are hand-knit by Pacific Northwest tribes. Our version was machine-knitted by Winona Knitting Mills of Minnesota, a two-facility company owned by the Woodworth family. Winona Mills was one of the very few USA knitting mills who offered a 2gg knit, a term meaning only two knit stitches per inch. A 2gg sweater is heavy enough to work as outerwear. As the long-time leader of our menswear division expressed it, “You could wear it in a monsoon, and you’d stay warm.”

The vintage Westerley was knit in 3gg, and it was almost as impressive as the 2gg for thickness and warmth. The Westerley was one cozy sweater. We offered it in the western, outdoor and casual lines for over ten years. Over its run of production, the zip front, ring zipper pull and shawl collar stayed the same, as did the Greek key-inspired pattern. Archival visits show that the Westerley’s color variations are surprisingly wide.

Six different coloration of the Pendleton Westerley sweater.

The sweater went out of production in the 1980s, but found the limelight in the early 2000s, thanks to an obscure movie that didn’t stay obscure.

The Big Lebowski

This Coen brothers film was released to low to middling success in 1998, but quietly grew into a cult favorite. No one can pinpoint the exact reason why. Was it Donny’s clueless questions? Walter’s chin-strap beard? The German nihilists? The dream sequence scored by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition?

Movie poster of The Big Lebowski

Well, it was probably a grand confluence of all of these important factors, plus the masterful turn taken by Jeff Bridges as The Dude. He staggers in and out of trouble, wearing alternately sweats, shorts, pajama pants, a bathrobe, a purple t-shirt and a battered Westerley cardigan.

Jeff Bridges as The Dude

Jeff Bridges wore his own clothes for this role, and though there were two sweaters hand-knitted as back-ups, he preferred wearing his personal Pendleton Westerley.

“The Big Lebowski” continues to grow as a cultural phenomenon. It’s not a movie anymore, it’s a lifestyle. Its fans, the Achievers, have conventions and their own documentary. And as the movie’s audience has grown, so has the demand for a re-creation of The Dude’s sweater.

The First Revivals

Pendleton’s first run at reproducing the “Big Lebowski sweater” came in the Fall of 2011. The Dude Cardigan was not an exact replica. It had the weight and coloration of the original Westerley, with a slightly different knit pattern and a leather zipper pull. This homage sweater generated an enormous amount of publicity, especially because the sweater worn by Jeff Bridges in the movie was going to auction that same year. The provenance of the auction sweater came into question and it was withdrawn from auction. Pendleton’s version sold out almost immediately.

New Dude

In Fall 2013, we brought back the sweater in the original 3gg knit under the Westerley name. We went to the archives, and settled on two versions: a cream with red and black pattern, and a desert brown version with navy and gold pattern.

1974 Westerley ad, and the version of the sweater it inspired.

We offered the Westerley in another archival coloration in charcoal and blue early in the fall of 2014.  These were all great Westerleys. They were archivally accurate, beautifully made and selling well to fans of traditional menswear. We stand behind these Westerleys!

But this was not the sweater the Achievers wanted, and the Achievers would not be denied.

The Original Westerley

Well, it’s here. We have researched the archives and studied the movie to capture the coloration as best we can for our newest version, known as The Original Westerley.

The contemporary version of Pendleton's Westerley sweater

This is 100% lambswool in 3gg knit, and it’s ready to take you through your next monsoon, or maybe to your next Lebowskifest. We’ve even restored the ring zipper pull, to which we’ve attached a small bowling pin keychain. We think it really pulls the sweater together.

The Dude abides. And so does his sweater. Come see us in our stores (see Ben, the manager of our Colorado store, above), or order online before they’re gone.