I'm only giving this 4 stars because it's not cold enough to test performance yet, but I'm loving the fit and look. It's soft and lightweight. The petite proportions are perfect with regard to body and arm length. I'm 5'3, 125 lbs, broad shouldered, 36" chest -- the Small Petite is a good fit with room to layer a mid-weight fleece (I can wear my comfort fleece hoodie or my thinsulate vest over a fitness fleece pullover underneath). I also love the adjustable hood, drawstring hem, and external chest pocket. It is a tad shorter than other LLBean jackets I've tried (in fact, the hem of this year's version of the fitness fleece and stretch polo shows when worn underneath) but I like the shorter length, gives the jacket a young and active look. I purchased this in black and like it enough to consider the other jackets in the Ascent line.
I got this jacket to be able to play in the snow with kids and build snowmen this winter. The jacket is very soft and comfortable. It falls short though in length and also the sleeves could use a little more length. I feel that if I get the next size up I won't have the fitted style I'm going for. So unfortunately I'm going to have to send it back. I will be getting another jacket from LL Bean though as the quality is always the best!
