Pendleton has built a legacy that transcends trends, celebrating over a century of craftsmanship in woolen menswear. From timeless plaid patterns to the renowned pieces, the brand embodies a fusion of heritage and style that continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts worldwide. With each thread, Pendleton tells a story – one of durability, comfort, and commitment to sustainable practices.
The sought-after vintage pieces have long been a symbol of quality and authenticity. One standout is the Western Gambler, a classic that evolved from its debut in the 1930s to remain relevant today. With its distinctive angled pockets, premium wool gabardine fabric, and nostalgic Western flair, the Gambler is a piece that demonstrates Pendleton’s creativity in bridging past and present.
A Tradition of Wool
Pendleton boasts a legacy of woolen clothing that further highlight’s the company’s dedication to fabric making. Dubbed “Pendleton wool,” this fabric set the clothing brand apart from competitors throughout the 20th century. Due to the material’s properties within its fibers, wool is organically sustainable. This natural factor enabled Pendleton to promote the production and manufacturing of clothing items made from components that are both biodegradable and renewable. The fibers present in wool hold a resilience, insulating against conditions such as cold temperatures, heat, moisture, and UV (ultra violet) rays. Additionally, wool naturally resists odor and staining, allowing for less frequent washes and long-lasting wearability.
Stemming from multiple long-term relationships with local sheep ranchers, Pendleton uses its wool to hand finish its unique pieces. The company handles its materials with pristine attention to detail and care, aiming to provide customers with the highest-quality wool goods on the menswear market. Extending a natural comfort to potential buyers, Pendleton patterns are crafted to withstand the test of time. Leveraging their woolen products, the vintage brand omits fabrics with synthetic fibers, promoting a crafting culture of recycled and repurposed materials.
The Magic of the Western Gambler
Pendleton reintroduced the tan Western Gambler shirt at its Eight Decades of Shirts celebration in 2004, followed by a red version for the Nine Decades celebration in 2014. Both were made from a fine worsted wool gabardine, mirroring the original shirt’s luxurious fabric from the 1930s. A 1939 catalog describes it as “an 8-ounce mill-shrunk worsted gabardine” available in three distinctive models: the Sportsman, the Western Gambler, and the Sports Shirt Model.
Rali Burleson, director of the Arizona Make It With Wool (MIWW) contest and good friend of the Pendleton brand, wrote to the company recently to share her vintage shirt. Rali’s Western Gambler shirt, in Seagull Grey wool, shows the enduring quality of Pendleton products – it was crafted sometime between 1940 and 1962 and remains a treasured garment to this day.
Embedded in American Culture
Pendleton’s influence extends beyond the world of fashion. The brand’s shirts have made notable appearances in films and music. As a staple in outdoor, workwear, and lifestyle apparel, Pendleton has become synonymous with quality and style. Events like the Pendleton Round-Up, held annually in Oregon, celebrate the brand’s Western heritage. Thousands of visitors flock to the store to explore classic and contemporary collections, take mill tours, and experience the spirit of the Old West. Whether or not you can travel to Pendleton, you’re invited to join the celebration by exploring the brand’s iconic styles at www.pendleton-usa.com.
Timeless Collectibles
Vintage Pendleton shirts hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. The Western Gambler captures the spirit of the Old West with its three-button cuffs, pleated sleeves, and self-lined collars. Whether in Seagull Grey or Maroon, these shirts evoke a sense of nostalgia, and make timeless additions to any wardrobe. With a dedication to creating durable garments, these pieces will keep in pristine condition even decades after their release.
100 Years of Stories
It has been said that Pendleton shirts carry personal and generational significance. Stories abound of shirts being passed down through families, each garment representing cherished memories. Rali’s Gambler shirt, for instance, is more than 80 years old,and yet it remains as stylish and durable as ever. The company intends to build on stories like this by becoming a brand that delivers quality pieces and fosters a deep emotional connection with its customers.
Explore the legacy and discover Pendleton’s latest collections at www.pendleton-usa.com. From time-honored classics like the Western Gambler to modern reinterpretations, Pendleton invites you to experience a century of craftsmanship and style.
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