My mother admired my L. L. Bean Katahdin Iron Works sweatshirt (see my review of 12/27/08) but she liked the pretty colors of the women’s model so I gave that one to her for Christmas. She loved the Rich Berry color, the soft furry lining, the softness of the outer material, the velvet pulls, and the on-seam pockets. I agreed with this assessment, and she likes the shirt well enough to keep it, but we both also agree that this shirt is NOT perfect (as was the Katahdin model).
First, the hood had NO drawstring or other means to secure it. That means the cold wind goes right inside or blows the hood off altogether. (If this were my shirt, this would be an absolute showstopper for me, and I’d send it right back.) Secondly, the sleeves are lined with a cottony material that makes the shirt difficult to slip on and off. Why not line it with the same smooth, slippery material used in the Katahdin shirt? Finally, as others have mentioned, the sizing runs small, and the cut is for a slender body. My Mom normally wears size L, but even the XL I got her is a bit snug around the body and under the arms when worn over a thin long-sleeved mock.
This shirt would work best if you are thin, only wear short-sleeved tops, and never wear the hood outside when it’s cold or windy. Otherwise, I recommend that you order the Katahdin Iron Works shirt.
Very warm, more windproof than fleece. Lining in sleeves is a little baggier than I'd like but if it weren't, the fit might be restrictive which it is not. Surprisingly heavy, but otherwise comfortable, cute, and I'm trying hard to not buy another color.
This is more than just a sweatshirt. The fleece lining makes it feel very warm and so, so soft. This is just what we needed to combat a cold, snowy, Great Lakes area winter.
