The Original Penguin brand dates back to the 1950’s. Abbot Pederson, a young Munsingwear salesman, had just wrapped up a business trip in New York City. With time to kill before heading to the airport. On his way, he decided to stop at a bar and proceeded to drink some whiskey. After downing
what was probably one too many Pederson made a wrong turn and ended up in a taxidermist’s shop where he bought a stuffed Penguin, which he named Pete.
Once seated on the plane, Pederson befriended a cute, flight attendant who fed him a few more drinks. Feeling somewhat flirtatious, he took off his necktie and put it on Pete, crowing that the bird was so cute he deserved to be immortalized somehow; maybe on a shirt. As it turns out, Munsingwear was in the market for a new logo, to compete with Lacoste’s infamous crocodile. And the rest…is history! The Pete the Penguin logo has graced the chest of many celebrities, from Frank Sinatra to Bing Crosby and Clint Eastwood and Richard M. Nixon.
With the release of their Spring 2019 line, Munsingwear continues its winning ways when it comes to originality in design and fabric selection. Case in point is their Plaid Party Short. It’s sewn from Penguin’s 95% Polyester/5% Spandex fabric, giving it a great deal of stretch and a logoed snap closure. The allover Tanager Turquoise dyed plaid print is a great combination of turquoise and pink. The logoed interior waistband is designed to keep your shirt tucked in and the front pockets are deep enough to carry golf balls, tees and a repair tool. The back pockets are big enough for just about any size scorecard and the Penguin Pete logo below the left pocket tells everyone your preferred brand. Retail price is $89.
For cooler weather, check out Penguin’s new Seersucker Party Pant. They offer the same logoed snap closure and the Black Iris plaid pattern over the seersucker texture over the Polyester/Elastane fabric is all golf. The stretch active waistband has the Penguin logo and helps to keep your shirt tucked in. Deep pockets in the front and rear keep all of your golf tools safe, and the Pete logo can be found just below the left pocket. Retail price is $99.
Penguin is at its best when creating lively, comfortable golf polos and the 2019 Spring collection has introduced some great designs. The Earl Championship polo takes Penguin back to its Munsingwear roots. This 100% Polyester garment is sewn from a double knit high gauge fabric with a ribbed collar and cuffs and a traditional 3-button placket. This high quality garment is extremely lightweight and breathable. There’s a large Pete the Penguin logo on the back of the neck. The Earl Championship Polo is available in 8 colors: Black Iris, Bright White, Pearl Blue, True Black, Tanager Turquoise, Shell Pink, Surf the Web and Very Berry. Retail price is $72.00.
Another great looking printed polo is the GEO Square Polo. There’s enough Spandex in the fabric that it will move with you through your entire golf swing. GEO features a double knit ribbed collar and cuffs and a 3-button placket. The allover print pattern adds a touch of class as does the Pete logo on the left chest.
In the early spring morning, you can often run into some chilly weather and Penguin offers several garments to keep you warm. Penguin’s Extra Fine Sweater will have you styling down the fairway. This 100% Merino Wool garment is luxurious and soft to the touch. This long sleeve saddle shoulder garment features a rib knit neck, cuffs and hem; there’s also Intarsia tipping on the neck and cuffs. Penguin Peter adorns the left chest. The Extra Fine Sweater is available in Pearl Blue Heather and Surfing Blue and can be yours for a mere $109.00.
Another cool weather garment that functions well on the golf course and looks great is the Full-Zip Harrington Yarn Dyed Jacket. The fabric has plenty of stretch to it to help get you through your golf swing. Features of this unique golf jacket include end on end vertical stripes, piping details on the zipper and pockets. The pockets have been angled for easier access and zippers to keep the contents safe and secure. Double knit ribbed collar, hems and sleeve cuffs provide a comfortable fit and the lined body and sleeves add extra warmth. Two snaps on the front of the mock collar add a classy look as does the two-toned Penguin Pete logo on the left chest. Retail price is $149.00.
Penguin Pete has a lot to say this spring and these garments show it. For more information, visit the Penguin website at www.originalpenguin.com.