In 1955, Minneapolis-based Munsingwear – an underwear and military supply company – ironically became the touchstone of suburban sport with the introduction of the first iconic golf shirt to America – an Original Penguin. The now famous Original Penguin logo has an interesting story behind it. As history tells us, one of Munsingwear's salesmen spotted a flock of penguins in the window of a New York taxidermist – and on what seems like a lark, bought one of the stuffed birds. And before long, the "Pete" the penguin became the official mascot and logo of golf shirts. Its first shirt – the 1955, was an instant golf classic, first to feature an "action gusset" or a ribbed slice of fabric on the underarm to avoid rips during even the most enthusiastic golf swing.

As a testament to the timeless appeal of the Original Penguin clothing company's classic designs, the shirts catapulted back into fashion starting in 2000, when young trendsetters started scouring yard sales and demanding their favorite vintage stores restock the cult classics. In 2003, this overwhelming new audience led to the rebirth of an Original Penguin by Munsingwear, and an alliance with an international fashion house. Penguin's archive of mid-century classics was reworked to reflect today's lifestyle without compromising the heritage or craftsmanship that had made Penguin's name.