There are three parts to making the woolen shirt that Pendleton is famous for: sourcing the wool, weaving the cloth and sewing up the shirt.
Life Made American scoured their website looking for evidence of American made. While we found lots of talk about weaving wools in Oregon and Washington, the company does say it sources the “world” for raw wool – although most of it comes from the U.S. according to their website.
Buying their wool by the yard is most likely buying American made.
Garment production is a whole ‘nother story. We got a little curious when they used a “vintage” image in this part of their story of a grandma-type at the sewing machine. It turns out that garment production happens overseas as well as Pendleton facilities in Nebraska.
Time to drop them a line and ask what products are specifically are made in America. Standby for a response.
Response from Cheryl Engerstrom at Pendleton:
“Pendleton is proud to be able to maintain two American woolen mills based in the Pacific Northwest and employing several hundred workers. Wool for Pendleton apparel and blankets is woven in those mills. Much of the wool is purchased from American sheep farmers and our legendary blankets and throws are completely American Made. This fall we introduced The Portland
Collection, which is also American Made. It features fashion apparel and a blanket using wool woven in our mills.”
