Celebrating 70 Years of Cool: The Story of Original Penguin and Pete the Penguin
Anniversaries are milestones worth celebrating, and few are as effortlessly cool as this one. Seventy years ago, a slightly tipsy stroke of inspiration (and a stuffed penguin named Pete) sparked the beginning of a menswear icon. Today, Original Penguin stands tall as a symbol of timeless Americana, where sport, leisure, and laid-back style collide.
How Pete Took Flight: The Origins of an Icon
The year was 1955. Abbot Pederson, a Munsingwear salesman, found himself stranded at an airport with time to spare and whiskey to enjoy. A stop at a gift shop resulted in a peculiar purchase, a stuffed penguin he affectionately named Pete. One accidental decapitation and a witty flight attendant later, Pete was reborn complete with a necktie and a touch of class. Her suggestion that the dapper bird would “look good on a shirt” became the spark that launched Original Penguin into fashion history.
From the very beginning, Original Penguin stood apart from other American leisurewear brands. With its tongue-in-cheek humour, refined craftsmanship, and approachable charm, the brand redefined what it meant to dress well without trying too hard. Pete the Penguin wasn’t just a logo — he was a personality. Playful, confident, and unmistakably original.
From Fairways to Fame: Penguin’s Rise to Cool
The early years saw Original Penguin making waves on golf courses and casual clubhouses across the U.S., thanks to its blend of smart design and relaxed fit. But soon, the brand’s appeal reached far beyond the green.
By the 1960s and 70s, Pete was hanging out with cultural royalty. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Clint Eastwood, and Arnold Palmer all donned Penguin polos; each wearing the brand’s signature ease and elegance in their own way. The brand’s success lay not just in its clothes but in its attitude: classic, confident, and quietly rebellious.
For many, wearing Pete meant joining a club of icons who lived life on their own terms. The penguin had become more than a logo — he was the embodiment of American cool.
The Modern Revival: Classic Meets Contemporary
Fast forward to today, and Original Penguin continues to balance its rich heritage with a sharp, modern sensibility. The brand still captures the essence of mid-century Americana but reimagined for contemporary wardrobes, keeping the humour, the confidence, and, of course, Pete.
Whether you’re channelling your inner Sinatra, taking cues from retro golf style, or simply dressing for good times, Original Penguin brings heritage flair to modern life. The materials are better, the fits sharper, and the vibe, unmistakably Penguin.
New Season Highlights: 70 Years of Style, Still Going Strong
As we toast to Pete’s 70th birthday, here are three standout new-season pieces that honour the brand’s heritage while keeping things fresh for today.
Original Penguin Cable Knit Cardigan in Birch
A nod to classic varsity style, this Cable Knit Cardigan blends old-school craftsmanship with modern refinement. The heavyweight 5-gauge cotton blend provides warmth and structure, while contrast tipping along the neckline and placket gives it that collegiate edge. Finished with the Sticker Pete motif, it’s the perfect layering piece for those crisp autumn days.
Original Penguin Tipped Quarter Zip Polo Sweater in Botanical Green
Retro sportswear meets polished knitwear in this Quarter Zip Polo Sweater. The fine-gauge cotton-modal blend ensures lightweight comfort, while the contrast tipping adds a touch of mod-inspired attitude. The zip-through neck makes it easy to dress up or down — equally at home on a night out or a lazy Sunday brunch.
Original Penguin Vertical Stripe Polo Shirt in Dark Sapphire
Sharp, striking, and unmistakably Penguin. This Vertical Stripe Polo plays with pinstripe contrast and clean mod styling for a confident retro vibe. Crafted from soft 180gsm organic cotton, it combines everyday comfort with eye-catching design, perfect for pairing with dark denim or tailored trousers.
Here’s to Pete: 70 Years of Dressing for the Good Times
For seven decades, Pete the Penguin has stood as a reminder that style should never be taken too seriously. From the fairways of the 1950s to the city streets of today, he’s been with us through every laugh, every celebration, and every good time.
So here’s to Pete, the world’s coolest penguin, and to another 70 years of originality, humour, and effortlessly sharp style.
Because when it comes to timeless fashion, you can’t beat an Original.