The amusing story behind Original Penguin begins in 1955 with Munsingwear salesman Abbot Pederson, who, during a sales trip to New York City, bought a stuffed penguin from a Manhattan taxidermist and sat with the specimen on his flight home to Minneapolis. During the trip, the penguin ended up wearing Pederson’s tie — prompting a flight attendant to remark that such a fancy penguin deserved to be embroidered on a shirt. Pederson shared the idea with his colleagues, and soon thereafter Munsingwear debuted the Original Penguin golf shirt — creating an instant icon of suburban leisure and a favorite among athletes. Given Original Penguin’s origins, it’s only fitting that the company should offer a men’s necktie collection that includes everything from plaid bow ties to skinny ties and standard-width versions. For true penguin lovers, Pete the Penguin-patterned ties add a whimsical flourish to your suited-up look.