For over 150 years, Pendleton Woolen Mills has epitomized American style, authenticity, and luxurious craftsmanship. Based in Portland, Oregon, this family-owned company has built a legacy of quality and tradition, offering a range of apparel and accessories for both men and women, as well as high-quality blankets made from fine wool. In addition to its renowned wool products, Pendleton also produces a variety of other luxurious fabrics, all backed by the esteemed “Warranted to be a Pendleton” quality guarantee. This commitment to excellence has made Pendleton a beloved brand among vintage clothing enthusiasts and modern fashionistas alike.

The origins of Pendleton trace back to 1863 when British weaver Thomas Kay began producing wool products in Oregon. This foundation was solidified by Kay’s grandsons, the Bishop brothers, who opened the Pendleton Woolen Mills factory in 1909. Combining Kay’s expert weaving skills with distinctive Native American-inspired designs, the brothers created the iconic Pendleton Trade blankets. These blankets were highly valued by Native American communities for their quality and unique patterns, becoming integral to their daily lives and trading practices.

As the company evolved, Pendleton expanded its offerings beyond blankets. In 1924, Pendleton introduced plaid men’s shirts made of virgin wool in rich colors, which quickly became popular. By 1929, the brand had developed a full line of men’s sportswear and, in 1949, added women’s wool clothing to its repertoire. Responding to consumer demand for non-wool garments, Pendleton introduced men’s and women’s clothing made from other materials in 1972, positioning itself as a year-round sportswear label.

Today, Pendleton thrives under the leadership of the sixth generation of the Bishop family. The brand’s products are available in specialty stores, department stores, over 50 company-owned stores in the United States, Pendleton catalogs, and the label’s online store. Pendleton’s reach extends internationally, with its clothing and blankets sold in Europe, Japan, Canada, and Australia. The enduring appeal of Pendleton’s classic designs, combined with their commitment to quality and heritage, ensures that their products remain timeless staples in wardrobes around the world.

Pendleton Woolen Mills Commercial

How to tell if Pendleton is vintage from the logo

Identifying vintage Pendleton clothing from its logo can be a fun and rewarding challenge for any vintage clothing enthusiast. As Pendleton Woolen Mills has evolved over the decades, so has its branding, providing distinct markers that can help date a piece. From the ornate script and detailed boxes of the mid-20th century to the clean and modern lines of today, each era of Pendleton’s logos tells a unique story about the brand’s history. Here’s a breakdown of how to recognize Pendleton pieces from the 1950s to the present, based on their logos.

1950s to 1990s Pendleton logo

• The logo from this era is characterized by an ornate and script-like “Pendleton” text.
• The text is surrounded by a box that includes the phrases “WARRANTED TO BE A” and “TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”
• The logo also features the full name “Pendleton Woolen Mills” at the bottom.
• This logo is typically printed in yellow on a dark blue background.

1990s to 2000s Pendleton logo

• This logo maintains the ornate “Pendleton” text but simplifies the overall design.
• The decorative elements are minimized, focusing on the name “Pendleton” with less emphasis on the surrounding text.
• The box around the text is removed, giving it a cleaner look.
• The color scheme is often black and white, adding to the modernized appearance.

2010s to now Pendleton logo

• The current logo is a streamlined version of its predecessors, maintaining the “Pendleton” name in a bold, serif font.
• The text “WARRANTED TO BE A” appears above “Pendleton,” similar to the earlier logos.
• Below “Pendleton,” it reads “Pendleton Woolen Mills Since 1863,” emphasizing the brand’s long heritage.
• This logo often uses a gold color on a dark blue background, echoing the vintage styles while presenting a modern aesthetic.

How to tell if Pendleton is vintage from the tags

Just like the logos, Pendleton tags have undergone numerous changes over the decades, each iteration reflecting the design trends and branding strategies of its time. These tags offer valuable clues for dating a Pendleton garment, with distinct differences in design, text, and color scheme from one era to the next. Whether you’re trying to authenticate a piece from the 1950s or a more recent item, understanding the nuances of Pendleton tags can help you pinpoint its vintage. Here’s a detailed guide to recognizing vintage Pendleton from the tags, spanning from the 1950s to today.

Struggling to identify your vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1950s vintage Pendleton tags

• Woolen tags with “Pendleton Woolen Mills” prominently displayed.
• Feature the “Warranted to be a Pendleton” phrase.
• Tags often have a simple, elegant design with minimal color variation.

1960s vintage Pendleton tags

• Woolen tags with “Pendleton Woolen Mills” in a slightly larger font.
• Inclusion of size tags directly beneath the main label.
• Some tags have the phrase “Warranted to be a Pendleton” in a more prominent manner.

1970s vintage Pendleton tags

• Blue and gold color scheme commonly used.
• Pendleton Woolen Mills” in bold, uppercase letters.
• Tags often include the phrase “Pure Virgin Wool” and “Made in U.S.A.”
• Variations may include additional sub-tags such as “Outdoorsman.”

1980s vintage Pendleton tags

• Tags maintain a blue and gold color scheme but with more intricate design elements.
• Pendleton” is in a more stylized font, with “Woolen Mills” in smaller text beneath.
• Additional information such as “100% Virgin Wool” and “Portland, Oregon” are commonly included.

1990s vintage Pendleton tags

• Blue and white tags with bold, uppercase “Pendleton.
• Tags often include additional phrases such as “Classic,” “Petite,” or “Long.”
• Sub-tags may include care instructions and additional material information.

2000s vintage Pendleton tags

• More modern look with variations in tag color, including black and gold.
• Introduction of the “Pendleton” logo with “Since 1863” included.
• Tags often include size information and may indicate place of manufacturing, such as “Made in China.”

2010s vintage Pendleton tags

• Modern tags with a variety of colors and materials.
• Use of both traditional and updated logos.
• Tags often include detailed care instructions and manufacturing details.