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Category: Vintage Advertising

Pendleton: 100+ Years Of Keeping People Stylishly Warm

To me, nothing says “Fall/Winter” quite like a vintage Pendleton. These cozy jackets, with their timeless plaid patterns, and the beautifully designed blankets and accessories—often inspired by Indigenous designs—are absolute must-haves. Until about a month ago, I didn’t have one in my collection. But thanks to a clothing swap, I’m now the proud owner of a vintage Pendleton 49’er jacket (just as soon as I finish a bit of mending). I couldn’t be more excited!

In today’s post, I thought it would be fun to dive into the history of the Pendleton brand, take a peek at some vintage advertisements, and explore the vintage market to help you find your own stylish piece.

Let the fun begin!

Note: I will be focusing on the tartan / plaid patterns of the brand for this post.

1950s Vintage Pendleton blanket vintage advertisement featuring a plaid blanket in a bag with illustrations of a 1950s family

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase


Brief History of the Pendleton Brand

A tradition of American craftsmanship started by one family over 100 years ago.

Pendleton Woolen Mills vintage photo of the mill

Pendleton Woolen Mills has been in business since 1863, when Thomas Kay, an English weaver, began operating a wool scouring mill in Oregon. The company was formally established in 1909 in Pendleton, Oregon, by Kay’s family members, including his grandsons Clarence, Roy, and Chauncey Bishop.

The company is founded on an intimate knowledge of the wool business – from fiber to fabric. Whether it’s a wool garment, wool fabric, or a wool blanket, Pendleton offers over 100 years of expertise, imagination and dedication to quality.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 1924: The legendary Pendleton virgin wool shirt is introduced in solid colors and colorful patterns
  • 1929: Pendleton begins offering a full line of men’s apparel
  • During WWII, Pendleton Woolen Mills switched to war production which meant that they mostly manufactured uniforms, blankets and clothing for soldiers.
  • 1949: Pendleton begins offering a full line of women’s apparel
  • 1960: Pendleton introduces washable wool
  • 2017: Furthering its connections to the Indigenous community, we partnered with Manitobah Mukluks and Christi Belcourt, a celebrated Métis visual artist, to create a limited edition Pendleton blanket using their signature floral motifs.
  • 2023: Pendleton products are proudly distributed in Canada by Ray Fine Enterprises (Yay!)

NOTE: The history of Pendleton is detailed ( (Founded in 1863), so please take a read all about the History of Pendleton on their website after your done with my post (including their relationship with the Indigenous communities).


Pendleton 49’er

At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that I owned a vintage Pendleton 49’er, but what exactly am I talking about?

Full History of the ’49er on the Pendleton Website.

1950s vintage advertisement for the Pendleton 49'er Jacket for women. Fantastic wool plaid coats for Fall and Winter Outfits.

In 1949, when market research identified an opportunity for sportswear for women, Pendleton entered the market with their first women’s line. This was a test offering of classic skirts, jackets and shirt, to test exactly how the American woman would react to a branded line of virgin wool sportswear. The positive response was resounding, but no one could have predicted the enormous success of a single garment introduced that year.

Says Linda Parker, head of Pendleton Communications, “The first women’s line in 1949 was composed of five items.  It is amazing to me that out of such a limited initial offering that the 49’er would develop such an immediate following and reputation.”  The jacket referred to both the year of its introduction, and the California Gold Rush, in a nod to Pendleton’s Western roots.

The Look:

The designer was Berte Wiechmann, a young woman who came to Pendleton from Jantzen,  another iconic Portland apparel company. Miss Wiechmann sewed the original samples herself, taking styling particulars from the Pendleton men’s shirt. The 49’er jacket featured discreet tucking at the yoke, and two bias-cut patch pockets near the hem. The boxy cut showcased Pendleton’s famous plaids, and larger iridescent shell buttons softened the look.

1950s vintage plaid coat-1950s Pendleton 49er Jacket. Fantastic Winter Outfit idea.

Source: Etsy- ValhallaVintageShop (avail for purchase at time of post)

The 49’er was a hit!

The desirability of the 49’er was immediate, despite the introductory retail price range of $14.95 to $17.95. Says Parker, “We have many testimonials of how young women saved their babysitting and strawberry-picking money in order to buy a 49’er.  Women everywhere had it on their wish list of gifts.” The first consumer was the collegiate girl, who were in the grips of a menswear inspired trend. The 49’er was perfect over a white cotton dress shirt over “trews,” narrow wool pants

Photo: 1950s image from Life magazine series of Jayne Mansfield cooking breakfast in a Pendleton shirt.

1950s Vintage Photo: Life magazine series of Jayne Mansfield cooking breakfast in a Pendleton shirt. 1950s fashion on display.

The FIRST Print Advertisement for the Jacket

The first print ad for the 49’er ad was done by Fred Love in 1950. A college girl in a MacLamond tartan 49’er pretends to ignore the cartoonish interest of the college boy behind her, snug and stylish in her 49’er. Love continued to illustrate the ads through 1951, when famed illustrator Ted Rand took over the job of communicating the Pendleton 49’er with ads that are still iconically beautiful. He changed the focus from the teenager to the woman, and incorporated elements of the Western landscape when he could (Source).

1950 Vintage Advertisement for the Pendleton 49'er Jacket. The ad was done by Fred Love in 1950. A college girl in a MacLamond tartan 49’er pretends to ignore the cartoonish interest of the college boy behind her, snug and stylish in her 49’er. Fantastic early 1950s fashion.

Vintage Shopping: If you are interested in owning your own 49’er, I have put together an Etsy Collection for the coat style that is updated monthly. Happy Shopping!


Pendleton Vintage Advertising

“What a happy moment…receiving or giving a new Pendleton for Christmas! 1950s vintage ad featuring plaid robes, plaid 49’er jacket and a plaid skirt.

Further Reading: Vintage Plaid Party Time!

1950s Pendleton vintage advertising featuring a 1950s woman hanging decorations on the Christmas tree wearing a Pendleton jacket. Other people are wearing plaid robes and a plaid skirt.
Source: Pinterest

“Depend on Pendleton for his Christmas gift with the timeless Prince Charles Edward Stewart Tartan, perfect for men’s shirts and cozy blankets”. A classic 1950s advertisement.

1950s Fashion Advertisement for Pendleton Men's shirts and wool blanket featuring the Prince Charles Edward Steward Tartan

Source: Pinterest

Now I believe this is the real life version of the 1950s jacket featured above. The tartan looks exactly the same and it’s in great shape. Pick it up HERE.

1950s / 1960s Vintage Men's Jacket Shirt from Pendleton featuring the Prince Charles Edward Stewart Tartan

Source: Etsy-ClubhouseVintageNY

The Men’s Plaid Wool Shirt History: In 1924, Clarence Morton Bishop came up with the idea to produce men’s woolen sport shirts in bright colors and patterns. Until that point, woolen shirts had been only used for work wear and hence they only came in plain colors. The Pendleton Plaid Shirts turned out to be a success and by 1929, Pendleton was producing an entire clothing line of woolen sportswear (Source).

Fun Fact: The Beach Boys used to be called “Pendletones” after the wool plaid shirts they wore.

1960s photo of the beach boys in Pendleton wool plaid shirts holding a surf board

“Outdoor Men never have enough Pendletons”. 1940s vintage advertisement.

1940s vintage advertisement for Men's Wool Pendleton Shirts. 1940s men's fashion.

Source: Gentlemen’s Gazette

The Reversible Skirt-THE TURNABOUT

Pendleton’s Turnabout debuted in 1953, and along with the poodle skirt, it was THE skirt craze of the 1950s.

Every teenaged girl coveted one. Their customers have shared their stories with remarks like, “None of the other parents on the block ever forgave my parents for buying me my reversible skirt, because after that, ALL the girls had to have one.”

How did the garment come to be made?

The idea probably arose from the fact that the interior of a Pendleton pleated skirt is almost as attractive as the exterior, as our weaving is beautiful on both sides of the fabric, and quality construction is our hallmark. There are no design notes, but one of our designers probably noticed how the colors changed on the interior of a skirt, due to the pleating, and started thinking about a skirt that could be worn either side out. A great idea, yes, but to construct a skirt that could actually be worn both ways required tremendous teamwork between designers and engineers. Even the closure and label required a special design.

The item was a work of engineering so precise that they had to patent it (Source).

1950s vintage advertising for a Pendleton Turnabout Reversible Plaid skirt. The perfect Fall and Winter outfit.

Here is an example of a 1950s reversible skirt red plaid skirt available for purchase at time of posting. Isn’t it fantastic?

1950s vintage skirt: the 1950s Pendleton Turnabout plaid reversible skirt

Source: Etsy-EmotionalOutletShop

“Our spring secret is out…Pendleton Skirts”. 1956 advertisement.

1956 vintage advertisement for Pendleton Skirts featuring an illustration of a 1950s woman surrounded by 1950s pencil skirts.

Source: Pinterest

Here is another real life example of the 1950s skirt featured above (avail HERE at time of posting). Love the blue paid pattern.

Vintage 1950s Blue Plaid Wool Tartan High Waisted Pencil Skirt by Pendleton

Source: Etsy-RiverTraceVintage

“The gift: authentic 1960s Pendleton wool robe for the lively warmth of “Merry Christmas”.

1960s Vintage Christmas Advertisement for Pendleton Men's Plaid / Tartan Robe, shirts and blanket.

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

Take home your very own men’s 1960s tartan robe to be the most stylish lounger in your home.

1960s Men's Tartan / Plaid Robe from Pendleton. 1960s Men's Fashion.

Source: Etsy-LostFortyThrift

1962 advertisement for the “Doughnut Skirt-the most stridable, danceable skirt ever”. Price: $16.95.

1960s Vintage Fashion Advertisement: 1962 Pendleton advertisement for a woman's plaid skirt called the "Doughnut skirt". Perfect for dancing in.

Source: Pinterest

And here is the wool circle skirt in real life, available to take home today!

I love that the label actually says “The Doughnut Skirt”.

1960s Fashion: The Pendelton Doughnut wool Skirt in Plaid.
1960s Fashion: The Pendleton Doughnut Skirt-a 1960s circle skirt in plaid.

Source: Etsy-PrettyinPDX

Another fantastic example of the Prince Charle’s Tartan this time on fashionable clothing for women. The ad features the 49’er, a tailored straight skirt, tapered trews, a vest, purse and matching hat.

1950s Women's Fashion advertisement: fantastic example of the Prince Charle's Tartan this time on fashionable Pendleton clothing for women. The ad features the 49'er, a tailored straight skirt, tapered trews, a vest, purse and matching hat.

Source: Pinterest

The Pendleton Triplet: A coat, a robe and a dress. 1950s vintage ad.

1950s vintage fashion advertisement for women: The Pendleton Triplet: A coat, a robe and a dress. The perfect winter outfit for your wardrobe.
1950s / 1960s Vintage Fashion Advertisement for Pendleton Sportswear featuring a plaid bib and slacks combo and plaid skirts
1950s vintage advertisement for men's wool shirts from Pendleton featuring an illustration of a young man and his dad building model cars together.

1957 advertisement for matching Pendleton jackets in blue plaid for men and women.

1957 advertisement for matching Pendleton jackets in blue plaid for men and women. 1950s fashion inspiration.

More Vintage Shopping: I have created another Etsy Collection that you can purchase vintage Pendleton items from, like the turnabout skirt (lots available). Take a look today and pickup something nice for yourself or someone else.


Question Time: Do you own a Pendleton? Or a brand similar? Share any thoughts on this topic in the comment section below.

Thanks for dropping by!

Further Reading: Vintage fashion archived blog posts 1920s-1960s

Liz

Vintage Thanksgiving Advertising Part 2

This weekend marks Canadian Thanksgiving, a cherished time to gather with family and friends, celebrating the change of seasons and the community that comes with it. From pumpkin pie and turkey to fall fairs and the comforting background hum of football on TV, it’s a tradition I truly love and look forward to every year.

Over here at the Vintage Inn, I’ve created several blog posts on the theme of ‘Vintage Thanksgiving,’ and today’s post is an exciting addition to the collection: a showcase of charming Thanksgiving ads from the 1920s to the 1960s, with a special focus on the 1950s.

Let’s begin!

1950s housewife illustration holding a Thanksgiving turkey

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase


Vintage Thanksgiving Advertisements

Further Reading: Vintage Thanksgiving Advertisements Part 1

1950s vintage advertisement for ‘Dromedary Dates’ for Thanksgiving featuring retro recipes for ‘dates with stuffing, fiesta salad and date finger sandwiches’.

Further Reading: Vintage Tips for a “Perfect” Thanksgiving Dinner

1950s vintage advertisement for 'Dromedary Dates' for Thanksgiving featuring retro recipes for 'dates with stuffing, fiesta salad and date finger sandwiches'

Source: Etsy-EncorePrintSociety

“The whole family will be thankful you remembered to take pictures!”. 1961 Kodak Camera advertisement.

1960s vintage advertisement: 1961 Kodak Vintage Ad featuring a kodak camera taking photos at family thanksgiving

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

“KING SPEAR’S PROCLAMATION: Thanksgiving season is at hand; Proclaim a feast throughout the land; And so that all will better feel; Serve Double Mint with every meal!”

1928 Wrigley’s Double Mint Gum Thanksgiving ad with “King Spear”.

1920s Vintage Thanksgiving Ad: 1928 Wrigley's Double Mint Gum ad with 'Spearmen' King Spear rhyme and a Thanksgiving turkey

Source: Etsy-KaneCountyVintage

1951 S.O.S. Scouring Pads – “Holiday meals are merrier-where everybody helps! Call on S.O.S. for extra help with posts and pans”.

1950s vintage advertisement: 1951 S.O.S. Scouring Pads featuring a 1950s family in the kitchen with their Thanksgiving Turkey and other dishes and desserts for dinner.

Source: Etsy-RelicEclectic

1960 French’s Mustard ad featuring a Golden Glazed Ham Recipe (a staple on the Thanksgiving table).

Further Reading: Vintage Cooking Recipes as seen in Vintage Ads from the 1930s-1950s

1960s vintage advertisement for French's mustard featuring a recipe for Golden Glazed Ham a Thanksgiving dinner staple

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

Thanksgiving is always very different during wars and this 1942 Westclox advertisement showcases just that. “What Your War Bond Money Buys” is 100% the sign of the times during WW2.

1940s vintage ad from 1942 for Westclox (clocks), showcasing a Thanksgiving scene of a grandmother and granddaughter taking out the turkey. The slogan says "What your war bond money buys".

Source: Pinterest

Canco Can Company ‘New England autumn supper’ print advertisement guaranteed to make you hungry (look at that Pumpkin Pie..mmmm). From McCalls’ Magazine 1954.

1950s vintage advertisement for Thanksgiving. Canco Can Company 'New England autumn supper' print advertisement guaranteed to make you hungry (look at that Pumpkin Pie..mmmm). From McCalls' Magazine 1954.

Source: Etsy-MidCenturyPrintAds

Nothing polarizes Thanksgiving dinner, like cheddar cheese on your apple pie. You either love it or hate it. I’m in team..nope! But my mom and my uncle love it. So there you go. Where do you stand?

1958 Cracker Barrel cheddar cheese advertisement.

1950s Vintage Advertisement: 1958 Cracker Barrel cheddar cheese advertisement featuring cheese for your Thanksgiving Apple Pie.

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

1956 Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey advertisement. Featured is a toast to the birds (eagle, turkey, crow).

1950s vintage advertisement: 1956 Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey advertisement. Featured is a toast to the birds (eagle, turkey, crow).

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

Thanksgiving Rum Punch that is easy as pumpkin pie? Count me in! 1968 Puerto Rican Rum vintage ad.

Thanksgiving Rum Punch Recipe – A team of expert taster picked this new recipe over 26 other finalists:

  • Mix in a punch bowl 1/2 cup (4 ox) lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup each of cranberry juice, orange juice and strong tea
  • A “fifth” bottle Puerto Rican Rum
  • 12 cloves
  • Add ice cubes and lemon slices
  • Serves 15
1960s vintage advertisement: Thanksgiving Rum Punch that is easy as pumpkin pie?  1968 Puerto Rican Rum vintage ad plus the punch recipe.

Source: Etsy-VintageAdarama

1957 Buster Brown Shoes advertisement. “Again this Thanksgiving…More kids will go to grandma’s in Buster Brown Shoes than any other brand”.

Did you wear Buster Brown shoes as a kid? I don’t think I did.

1957 Buster Brown Shoes advertisement. "Again this Thanksgiving...More kids will go to grandma's in Buster Brown Shoes than any other brand". The 1950s vintage ad features an image of boys and girls 1950s shoes.

Source: Etsy-BettyinParis

We don’t have pilgrims in Canada, so this 1955 LEE WARREN hat ad is 100% geared to Americans for their Thanksgiving holiday.

1950s Vintage Thanksgiving Advertisement: 1955 LEE WARREN hat ad for men. 1950s men's fashion.

Source: Etsy-KristensVintagePaper

“Wish you could “drink in” the exhilarating liveliness of Fall? You Can!” 1957 A&P Coffee sold exclusively at A&P Stores.

Further Reading: Autumn Vintage Advertising from the 1940s & 1950s

1950s vintage advertisement: "Wish you could "drink in" the exhilarating liveliness of Fall? You Can!" 1957 A&P Coffee sold exclusively at A&P Stores.

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

Drink up with 7up this Thanksgiving holiday! 1950s or 1960s vintage ad.

Vintage 7UP Thanksgiving Advertisement featuring a Thanksgiving Turkey enjoying a 7UP drink. Possibly a 1950s / 1960s vintage advertisement.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Friends (and American when it’s your time)! Enjoy this special weekend with your family and friends!

Question Time: Do you love Thanksgiving? What is your favourite food to enjoy during this holiday? Share any thoughts on this topic in the comment section below. I love hearing from my readers.

Note: If you have never commented before I will need to approve the post, so don’t worry if you don’t see it after typing it. I will see it and will make it live after reading. Thanks!

Further Reading: Vintage Thanksgiving Blog Posts 1920s-1960s (photos, ads, dinner ideas etc).

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz