Awkward Sizing - but other than that, a great buy!
PostedOctober 21, 2009
I normally wear a size Medium or Large. But when it comes to outerwear, hoodies and the like, I enjoy an XL. I'm 5 foot 7, and 160lbs. So because of the other reviews saying that you should definetely order one size bigger, I went with the XL.
I think it was a good choice because 1) like people said, it does seem that the shoulders run small, which is funny because I have pretty small shoulders for my build as it is. I fear that if I had ordered a Large it would not fit correctly. 2)It leaves room the move around in.
It is not super fitted. Good for someone who isn't looking to sit pretty in a winter jacket, but to be warm, and active, this is a great jacket. Now maybe this is just me and the size that I got but this is how I feel about it. It is not super fitted, and if you're a medium to thin builded girl, like another reviewer said, it isn't flattering to the female figure (the illusion of being "pregnant" perhaps. But a good thing if you're planning to be pregnant! lol)
The sizing is awkward, the shoulders run small while the rest is not fitted and may appear slightly big - but it is a very warm coat, great if you like to layer (not that you need to its nice and warm) But I'd so pick big over the latter - a coat that's too small that you can't raise your hands over your head because of the sizing.
If the bagginess near the midsection bothers you that much, throw a belt or sash around it. Because this is a wonderfully warm winter coat. (And I've seen way more unattractive winter coats as far as frumpiness goes, lol.)
I purchased this coat last fall from LL Bean. I read reviews about it running small & ordered the next size up--good thing. It is a lovely coat, and very warm. Plus, it holds up in rain. My only complaint about the coat is that there are no fasteners to keep the hood on your head once you decide to use it in inclement weather. It slides right off. If you have a scarf, you can use it to keep the hood up, otherwise good luck in windy, rainy, weather. It would have been great to have the toggle fasteners to secure the hood, but they stop at the neck of the coat. I'm checking to see if a tailor/seamstress can attach fasteners to the hood for me.
This is a beautifully constructed coat. I am 5'9", 170 lbs. and usually wear a Large in Bean's jackets and coats. I own a Sleigh coat (if anyone remembers this style from about 10+ years ago) and that is a very large Large. I wanted to replace my well worn and loved classic with something similar and stylish. Loved the look of this coat when I took it out of the bag, but it was too tight across the shoulders and arms. So disappointing! I think the XL might have been perfect but no such luck, it is sold out in every size now. Oh for the good old days in my 30s and 40s when I could wear a 10 and this trim-cut large could have fit. Now I am every bit a 14, and this coat is cut for a more youthful figure than mine. Too bad, because it would have looked awesome on this soon to be 55 year old rockin lady.
