Classic Good Looks from Original Penguin
Original Penguin represent that all American wholesome and preppy look sported in diners, small town grocery stores and any family movie made in the 1950s. Think Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly looking cool in their casual wear and you’ll have the look which epitomises Original Penguin’s designs. Original Penguin have become the icon of Americana style since their parent company Munsingwear launched the brand in 1955.
The brand came about after Munsingwear salesman Abbot Pederson was having a few drinks in a local bar whilst waiting for a flight home from New York in 1955. When he left the bar he got momentarily lost and found himself in front of a display of stuffed penguins in a taxidermist’s shop window and, as only a drunk person would, he decided he needed to own one of the penguins and bought one there and then and named it Pete. Abbot took the penguin on the flight with him and accidently knocked its head off. A helpful stewardess helped Abbot remove his tie and wrap it around the penguin’s neck before commenting on how such a smart looking penguin should be recognised by being embroidered on a shirt similar to the one Abbot had on. When Abbot returned to the Munsingwear factory he spread the word about his idea and this is how the Original Penguin golf shirt came to be.
The Original Penguin golf shirt was only the start of the brand’s success though and this casual and comfortable golfing attire was soon joined by a range of leisure wear that epitomised American classic style and gained such celebrity fans as Clint Eastwood, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. In 2003 Original Penguin saw a revival in popularity thanks to retro styles dominating the world of men’s fashion and this brand had the authentic credentials to provide fashionable men of today with genuine retro styles from the 1950s. Now Original Penguin own shops all across the globe and also have their ranges stocked in luxury department stores proving that classic good looks never go out of fashion.
Original Penguin have become a complete lifestyle brand and sell a comprehensive range of men’s clothing and accessories including watches, bags, suits and shoes but it is their simple and stylish polo shirts and t-shirts which the brand are most famous for. The polo shirts in particular exude American charm and feature detailing such as contrasting coloured trims on the plackets, collar and sleeves and every shirt features an embroidered Pete the Penguin on the chest. Original Penguin casual wear has become a firm favourite with gents wanting authentic vintage style in their wardrobe and the look is hugely popular with musicians and actors such as Adam Brody, Brad Pitt and Jake Gyllenhaal.
If you want to update your look by using some classic designs then invest in a couple of key pieces from Original Penguin to create a cool and casual look. Check out the huge selection of authentic Original Penguin menswear at Reem Clothing.