THE STORY OF Pendleton’s “Westerley” cardigan is split into two time periods: Before “The Big Lebowski’’ and After “The Big Lebowski.” From 1972 to 1998 (B.T.B.L. ), the sweater was just another cardigan. A nice cardigan—with a helpful zippered front, a meaty shawl collar and a handsome pattern—but hardly a notable cardigan. That changed in 1998, when the Dude (Jeff Bridges) wore the Westerley in the Coen Brothers’ cult stoner film as he pingpongs through misadventures. Since that pivotal costuming move, Pendleton has marketed it as “The Dude’s Sweater,” and fans of the character don the Westerley religiously, particularly...

Source: Wall Street Journal January 03, 2020 17:03 UTC