Pendleton Woolen Mills
You might know Pendleton for their world-famous Native American wool blankets, or their Board shirts that the Beach Boys made so popular or maybe because Jeff Bridges wore his iconic Westerley cardigan in the Coen movie “Big Lebowski”. But did you know, that Pendleton’s rich history of creating and crafting American style roots back to the year 1863. And that for more than 150 years the company from Portland, Oregon is still family-owned and has not lost its passion for American heritage, quality and craftsmanship.
Look through our selection and discover also the famous Pendleton jacket.
FAQ about Pendleton
Can Pendleton Wool blankets be washed?
Pendleton blankets are made from 82% pure virgin wool and 18% cotton. As a result, they require the utmost care when washing. The recommended cleaning method for a Pendleton
blanket is dry cleaning. (This way, you take the safest route and ensure your product remains in great condition.)
Where does Pendleton Wool come from?
Pendleton Wool traces its origins back to the 1860s. At that time, Thomas Kay had the vision to produce his own wool from his own sheep. His quest for suitable land to realize his
idea led him to a new state in America, Oregon. There, he established the family-run
business that still exists today and eventually passed it on to his daughter.
In 1909, Pendleton Woolen Mills was founded. The company's headquarters are
still located in Portland, Oregon.
Why are Pendleton blankets so expensive?
Pendleton Woolen Mills is the only company officially authorized to work with the original spiritual patterns of Native Americans. Unlike many other major fashion brands that produce patterns based on trends and seasons, Pendleton has a historical authority for Native American prints. For instance, Pendleton maintains relationships with the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. Some of the proceeds from the sale of their blankets also go back to these communities.
The blankets are exclusively manufactured in the United States, specifically in just two remaining woolen mills. They are produced on Jacquard looms. Since 1995, Pendleton has been supporting the work of the American Indian College Fund through the sale of their blankets. As of 2023, Pendleton has provided over $1.7 million in scholarships for Native American and Alaskan students studying at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs).
The majority of the wool for Pendleton blankets still comes directly from the United States today. Only the finest and best-quality wool is used in their production. Pendleton
collaborates closely with sheep farmers from whom they source the wool for their products. While Pendleton does purchase wool from around the world, the majority of the wool still originates from the USA. Diversity, quality, and quantity of wool fibers are crucial for creating fine Pendleton woolen goods.
This pure wool is then processed and turned into fabrics. However, the fabric manufacturing process involves several steps, including dyeing, carding, spinning, weaving, and finishing. Before the fabrics are considered complete, they go through additional stages such as washing, shearing, pressing, napping, and inspection.
