A New Coat, a New Story: The Directions Home Wool Bomber Jacket
The newest piece in our American Indian College Fund Collection, the Directions Home Bomber Jacket is a wearable story. Featuring an original design by artist Troy Tso (Diné, Navajo), the jacket reflects a journey of identity, belonging, and resilience, embodied in both its pattern and purpose.
This jacket joins the ranks of Pendleton’s American Indian College Fund items created in collaboration with Indigenous artists, with a portion of proceeds supporting scholarships for Native students.
Shop the Directions Home Coat »
The Meaning Behind the Pattern: What Does Home Mean?
Tso’s design began with a personal and profound question: What does “home" mean to someone who doesn’t have one?
Inspired by the realities faced by homeless veterans, Tso placed a Hogan, a traditional Diné structure made from wood and earth, at the center of the design. The Hogan represents warmth, shelter, and ancestral roots. Surrounding it are the four sacred mountains of the Navajo Nation: Dibé Ntsaa, Sisnaajini, Tsoodzil, and Dook’o’oosłiid.These mountains are both geographical markers and spiritual boundaries, guardians of balance and identity. Together with the Hogan, they create a visual metaphor for safety, belonging, and direction.
Designed with Purpose: A Wool Jacket Built for Every Day
Crafted from blanket-weight wool fabric woven in Pendleton’s Pacific Northwest mills, the Directions Home Wool Coat offers warmth and durability. Key features include:
- Quilted lining for added insulation
- Snap-front closure for classic styling
- Welt hand pockets
- Rib-knit collar, cuffs, and hem
- A custom story label honoring the artist and the mission
These thoughtful design choices make the Directions Home Wool Coat a modern heritage piece, ideal for layering, gifting, or simply standing out with intention.
Art with a Mission: Supporting Native Students
Troy Tso, a graphic design student from Burntcorn Valley, Arizona, created this pattern while studying at Diné College. He believes “art has the responsibility to heal and inspire." His design was selected through the American Indian College Fund’s annual Tribal College Blanket Design Contest, which showcases the work of young Native artists through Pendleton’s long-standing legacy of textile design.
Since 1995, Pendleton has partnered with the American Indian College Fund to offer products that celebrate Indigenous voices while funding educational opportunities. Through this partnership, sales of items from the College Fund collection have raised over $1 million in scholarshipsupport.
Every purchase of the Directions Home Wool Coat directly supports Native students by helping to fund:
- Tuition assistance
- Academic resources
- Cultural programs
- Mentorship and career development
Learn more or shop the Directions Home Coat »
From Blanket to Bomber: The Collection Continues
The Directions Home pattern also appears on the Directions Home Saddle Blanket, a bold and beautiful wool throw designed to complement your home or ceremonial space. Made with the same craftsmanship, this wool throw blanket is a versatile piece of functional art.
- Perfect for home decor, ceremonies, or gifting
- Woven from pure virgin wool
- Inspired by the same sacred geography and cultural storytelling
Explore the Directions Home Blanket »
A Wool Bomber Jacket That Carries Meaning
The Directions Home Wool Jacket is a commitment to heritage, artistry, and impact. This piece speaks to anyone looking for:
- A wool bomber jacket with a story
- A heritage wool coat designed with cultural integrity
- A gift that supports both style and substance
- Pendleton quality with a purpose-driven mission
Why Heritage Wool Coats Still Matter
More than ever, consumers are searching for clothing that aligns with their values. Pendleton’s products that give back meet at the intersection of heritage, design, and social good:
- Wool is a renewable, durable, and insulating natural material
- Pendleton has a long-standing history of working respectfully with Native artists
- The College Fund is one of the most impactful Native-led nonprofits in the country
Whether you’re looking to buy a wool blanket made in the USA that tells a story or invest in a stunning wool coat, these pieces offer both craftsmanship and contribution.
