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Pendleton Woolen Mills
You might know Pendleton Woolen Mills for its world-famous Native American wool blankets, iconic for their bold patterns, rich colors, and exceptional material quality. While Pendleton’s Board Shirts also became symbols of West Coast style in the 1960s, they were so closely associated with surf culture that The Beach Boys nearly called themselves The Pendle-Tones before choosing their final name. Others may remember Jeff Bridges wearing the legendary Westerley cardigan in The Big Lebowski.
At the heart of Pendleton, however, have always been its wool blankets. The company’s roots trace back to 1863, with Pendleton officially established as Pendleton Woolen Mills in 1909. From the very beginning, the focus was on producing high-quality wool textiles with full control over the manufacturing process, from raw fleece to finished product. Many of Pendleton’s blankets became culturally significant, used not only as functional objects but also as ceremonial and symbolic pieces.
Still family-owned after more than 150 years and based in Portland, Oregon, Pendleton continues to produce its signature blankets in historic mills in the Pacific Northwest. Today, these blankets remain the purest expression of the brand’s craftsmanship, material expertise, and unmistakable American character. Explore our selection and discover the enduring appeal of Pendleton wool blankets.
FAQs
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.
