Original Penguin

Super-​nice, friendly and helpful staff, always willing to give extra assistance. Clothes and accessories are good, preppy/​traditional with some small extra flair. Only complaint is that sizes can vary a lot; S or M in similar items might fit very differently.

This location felt smaller than most of the other Penguin stores I’ve been to. That also meant that the inventory was a bit lacking (especially in the sale section which I always hit up at Penguin). I also felt like the employees weren’t as friendly as other locations. That’s not to say they were rude, but I was never greeted when I came in and only smiled as I left.
As other reviewers have mentioned, if you love Penguin like I do, maybe check Macys before coming here. They might have exactly what you’re looking for and at a better price.

My brother needed a suit for a family wedding and we were prepared to spend around $ 500 for it. We were going to take a look at the Ludlow Shop, J. Crew Men’s and Banana Republic to get a decent off the rack suit since we’re on a one week time crunch. After a search on Unilocal for non-​bespoke options, we realized there was a semi-​annual 70% off sale at Penguin.
My brother got a nice suit jacket and pants for only $ 105. The suit jacket retails for $ 225 and we got it for $ 70 while the pants were a little over $ 130 and we got them for $ 40. He practically bought a new wardrobe because the cut of the shirts, pants, polos and jackets fit him so well and heck it was 70% off so why not?
The service was good and we were asked several times if we needed any help but we just wanted to buy a huge mound of clothes on our own and they were good about not giving us «too much» service.
When we were getting ringed up the lady mentioned their loyalty program which is $ 25 voucher for every $ 250 you spend and the month of December is double points so double score!
The 70% sale will be going on until 1÷3÷2015 so get your knickers on and get over there!

Not a bad place to check out for some original styles. This is a great brand because it’s not too popular and the quality is great. This store is great because of its location. There’s a ton of great styles to choose from and the staff is very helpful and more than willing to help you find just the right look for the occasion.
If I had more money, I’d shop here more. As things are, I’m only able to get a few select items, but those items rock and really stand out. The store is situated right off of Bryant Park. The perfect spot to sit back and relax before or after your shopping excursion.

If you like Penguin clothing, then this is a good place to find it at it’s original price. They have a good selection and friendly staff. However… and this is a big however… when I can find the same exact shoe at Macy’s for $ 30 that I find here for $ 120, something is wrong.
Check out clearance at the major department stores before buying.

I was on vacation over 600 miles away and purchased an item at this Bryant Park location that had a larger then normal hole left from the security tag.
I contacted Original Penguin via their website and e-​mailed their general offices. Within 1 hour of my e-​mail being sent to their general offices; the manager of the Bryant Park store was phoning me asking how we can resolve this. This kind of response time is nothing short of amazing.
In the end they sent me a gift for my troubles and had the whole problem resolved in no time. I really enjoyed this kind of treatment from the brand and definitely feel like customer service is a priority. They have created a customer for life and I hope my review only encourages you to stop by the Bryant Park store and have a see for yourself.
TJ was the manager and he worked really hard to ensure everything came out to my satisfaction.

I love this store and their clothing. I find it very «original» no pun intended because no one seems to know about this place. I always get compliments when I wear something from Penguin… and often gets asked about the logo. I am a big an of there shirts, polos and bathing suits. Recently purchased a bag and wallet there too. They sell it all… even shoes. They often have great sales too. The staff at this location is super friendly. ¾ of the store is for men. There is a small women’s section and a tiny kids/​infant section. I often do a lot of damage on the kids/​infant clothes… very cute stuff and different!

Super well made clothing with classic, yet hip style. They continually have 30% sales on the whole store, and seasonal sale items, so make sure you sign up for their newsletter because the savings makes it so worth going.

I’m hesitant to write a review because I don’t want more people wearing Penguin (I like that it’s still an underdog brand) but I have to say, this is a terrific store. I prefer the selection here, the buy, over the one in Soho and the staff is fantastic. I’d give it 6 stars if I could.

This is my favorite company to purchase clothing to outfit my boyfriend. I first discovered Penguin along with Ben Sherman at Nordstrom’s. My boyfriend is 6’3″ and very slim as well as on the artsier side. I get the heritage cut so he’s not swimming in his shirts or wearing them too short. I love both the crisp short-​sleeve button-​downs and the polo-​type short-​sleeve shirts. Unfortunately, they don’t have long sleeves or pants that’ll fit him — he’s still too long. The design is retro with well-​designed accents that adds stylish detailing. These shirts average $ 70 or so and I usually try to get them on sale (which is a fairly frequent event) although if I like a design enough, I’ll pay full price.
I’ve found some cute pieces for myself in the women’s section, but overall, I prefer the men’s designs and know to visit to get staples for my boyfriend’s wardrobe. He works in advertising and web space and occasionally gets the question regarding the origin of his cool ‘vintage’ shirts.

I walked in here seeking refuge from the cold after ice skating at Bryant Park and am so happy to have stumbled upon this amazing little find! The dresses fall nicely, the silk tops are easy to dress up or dress down and I absolutely love the tailor fit of the button-​down shirts that have different colors and patterns on the inside & out, which compared to my classic Brooks Brothers tops add a kick to my wardrobe. –Their website doesn’t showcase their great clothes. :-(

I discovered Original Penguin shirts in March ’07, and I have to hold back in order to keep from emptying my wallet when I’m in this store. I want to buy everything I see. Like Ben Sherman, this store sells shirts w/​a more tapered cut. (I thought that maybe Penguin was from Europe, but actually they started out in Minneapolis and the label is now owned by Perry Ellis.)
If you’re slim, you’ll appreciate the tapered feel to their shirts, both «Polo style» and button up shirts. American designers like Banana Republic have gotten to the point, where their «Small» shirts are huge on slim folk. Maybe they’re just responding to the widening of Americans in general, but, I don’t like swimming in my shirts.
Original Penguin clothing is stylish, fun, but not too outlandish. A 30-​something guy can wear these stylish clothes and not feel foolish.
I recommend looking for items on sale. Their full priced items are not super expensive, but I wouldn’t consider them really «affordable» either. If you’re patient, much of the inventory eventually goes onto the sale rack. I just bought a short sleeve sweater/​shirt that was originally $ 120, for $ 39. Penguin gear is sold in places other than their stores, like small boutiques, but it’s harder to find sale items at other places, I’ve found. If you walk into this Original Penguin store, you’re sure to find something on sale.

I absolutely hate the suit buying experience. I only had to do it once before, but I dreaded it for months and hated every minute of it. From trying to navigate my way through the condescending car salesman’s routine to getting fitted by an equally pissy codger, the whole thing sucked. AND, in the end, I was out several hundred dollars.
That was at the Men’s Warehouse.
Through Unilocal,I came across Original Penguin. I was leery of it’s midtown location, but needed to try a new place. As I walked in, a girl at the front told me all knits were 25% off. That was the only time I had to interact with a staff member. Not that I couldn’t have — they were all friendly enough, but it was awesome not to have a parade of sharks jumping down my throat. I immediately found the style of suit I liked, tried it on (it fit perfectly) and headed for the counter. The woman who rang me up was totally cool… even giving me a student discount and a free tote bag (which goes to the wife… just sayin’) that will save me 15% on future visits.
Oh, and the best part? I was in and out in less than 15 minutes.
Should I need another suit in the future, I have found my spot.

[The scene: a café somewhere on the border between Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Two young ladies, tattooed and pierced within an inch of their lives, are talking]
«So I met this great guy at the John Zorn show. Reeaaallly cool!»
«How do I know he’s so cool? Well, he was at the ZORN show. But more importantly, he was wearing a Penguin polo shirt. I mean, that makes him a hipster, r.r.right???»
[Cut to the hallways of a major corporation, headquartered in midtown Manhattan. Two middle-​aged, dark-​suited men are talking]
«That new guy in our department? Really sharp! Really bright guy! I’m going to invite him to play golf next weekend!!»
«How do I know he plays golf? Well, he’s on our TEAM, right? But more importantly, he was wearing a Penguin polo shirt… I mean, he must play golf, r… r. right???»
Penguin Originals. Keep ‘em guessing.

I had one penguin shirt that shrank, otherwise they are all hits. It’s preppy, but in a retro sort of mod way, I think. I am not an expert on mod… Anyway, if you want to look kinda cool but you don’t want to wear the standard crappy vintage t-​shirt and rippy jeans then come on out here. Not too pricey really, just pricer than the standard mall fare. Good cuts, cool jackets, but most of all the polo shirts with unique designs and colors not the same old stuff. Also has women’s clothes my fiancée got a great vintage style jackie-​o jacket there!

One of my top clothing store stops.
I shop here primarily for shirts, which they have a great selection of.
Some are casual-​only, some are very formal, and then they have a lot in between. The quality is fantastic and the cut/​fit of the shirts fits me perfectly.
Great selection of short sleeve collared shirts. As I hate polo shirts but love short sleeves, I loaded up my wardrobe with a selection from here. There is also a selection of t-​shirts, jeans, other pants, shorts, swimwear, jackets and accessories.
I get a lot of compliments from a variety of people when I wear penguin shirts. My favorite jacket is from here.
The regular prices are a bit steep, but theres always something on sale. to get you hooked.
Staff is friendly, and the store’s vibe is great. Definetely a fun place to stop by.

Penguin keeps my man happy and makes present buying easy for me. I know whatever I buy him from Penguin, he will LOVE. Every time we come to NYC, we hit up this place. They have an awesome sales rack that includes clothing you can actually wear this season. If you love Penguin, don’t visit NYC without stopping by here.

Ah, if I were a rich man…or if I had a richer sugar momma than I currently do…
The Penguin store was around the corner from my wife’s old job. So I’d conveniently «accidentally» show up too early to pick her up and meet her at the shop. Pretty much anything I get from Penguin gets compliments when I wear it, both from fashion snob/​designer friends and regular folk. It’s pricier than I’d like it to be, but what isn’t? And waiting for the dregs to show up at Philene’s isn’t always a good plan…there’s a reason some of their stock doesn’t sell. ..

Preppies, mods, hipsters, and golfing granddads will be startled to find they have something in common: a fondness for retro sportswear line Penguin.
Original Penguin, across from Bryant Park, stocks more than just the iconic golf shirt. There are silk blouses, pleated skirts and cute trench coats for the girls. For the boys, choose from classy cotton suits, sneakers, jeans and skinny ties. Colors tend to be tennis-​friendly muted tones and white. The clothes are vintage-​cut (think slim).
During Penguin’s awesome summer sale, you’ll find button-​up men’s and women’s shirts for a third of the price they’re selling for at Urban Outfitters.