I always find it helpful when people include their height and weight when reviewing clothing. I'm 5'4", 115lbs and was generally pleased with this jacket. I ordered a petite XS. Like other reviews, the sleeves seemed a bit short for my liking, and the coat itself falls directly at the top of my pants. Had it been an inch shorter, I likely would have returned it. With that being said, I am actually very impressed with the quality of the coat. It is extremely lightweight - more like a raincoat - but the warmth is unmatched by any coat I have ever worn! Due to a sale, I ordered this in Lava Red. As others have mention this is definitely more of an orange red than a blue based "garnet" shade. Some have complained of the oversized hood: this was actually a selling point for me. I have long hair, and hoods never seem to fit me correctly. I love that this one is large enough to cover my hair, ears, and a small portion of my forehead. It keeps the wind out wonderfully! Overall a nice jacket, I just might sew a small ring of faux fur along the bottoms of the sleeves...
After reading all the other reviews, I decided on this jacket. I was excited to find something that people were saying was a great errand jacket especially since I have two little children and I am always carrying one or taking a lot of stuff with us. So, I wasn't looking for bulk. Also, I am allergic to down, so those aren't an option for me. I was looking for something warm and something that could be my warm top layer for taking the kids to school or also putting on top of my gym clothes in the winter. I saw the other reviews talking about the short arms which meant it was perfect for me at 4'11'' and very short arms (I roll up sleeves of everything). And I ordered the blue which was on sale.
It is true to size. It is very lightweight. You don't even know you have it on. It is as comfortable as a sweatshirt. And it is warm. It is easy to move in. The sleeves fit me PERFECT. The blue is pretty. I can totally see this being my everyday coat for errands and treking to the gym. I am very happy with my purchase.
I am always a medium. I even took my measurements before I ordered this jacket last weekend. I ordered a medium. The sleeve length was fine on me, but the jacket is very snug in the hips and there is no room for me to put on a sweater or anything more than a very thin shirt. I am exchanging for a larger size. I recommend you order UP one size.
After trying dozens of jackets, including many from L.L.Bean, finally a winter-weight jacket that is ACTUALLY fitted.
At 5'6" and 125 pounds, I frequently order size XS jackets that are still very loose. These jackets permit wind to blow up the back of the garment, negating any warmth from the fill. This is the first jacket I've found this season that fits me without gaping!
The jacket is not at all lumpy or bulky, but smooth and close-fitting. It has the best cut of any L.L.Bean coat I've tried.
I will be returning the other jacket I ordered, but this one is a keeper. I hate to spend this much for a jacket, but the Ascent PrimaLoft is worth every penny.
