*The text-to-speech feature is generated by AI, so there may be errors in the reading.
Renowned for its high-quality wool products like blankets and shirts, PENDLETON. With a history so long that it is often referred to as the "world's oldest apparel brand," PENDLETON is a significant symbol of American culture.
This time, we spoke with Hirotaka Endo, in charge of sales, marketing, and e-commerce at Minoya Co., Ltd, about the history of PENDLETON and its staple items.
"PENDLETON started in 1863 in Oregon, USA. The founder, an Englishman named Thomas Kay, came to America and established a sewing factory, where they initially began making blankets for Native Americans to trade.
"The quality of their products was highly appreciated. For Native Americans, blankets hold a special significance, used to wrap their bodies during events such as births and burials. It's not just an item to keep warm, but something seen as having a much deeper meaning."
Founder Thomas Kay
An old photo remaining at PENDLETON, taken when workers went out onto the deck (loading area) in the early 1900s
Continuing the Craftsmanship Honed Over 160 years, Still Made in the USA
Now, let's talk about the craftsmanship of PENDLETON. Although the brand business has expanded over time and there are several production sites, their commitment to "made in the USA" has remained unchanged since their founding.