I chose the Ultralight Down Jacket in BLACK. This jacket was my husband's favorite of all the four down jackets that I tried on--he thought the LL Bean was feminine and slim looking with the beautiful stitching, especially in the back. It is also the warmest, by far, of all that I tried on that were similar in down loft and weight. The fabric is gorgeous, inside and out, that I feel like I'm wrapped in luxury instead of a jacket that is made for outdoorsy activities. The 850 loft of the down is noticeably better in comfort, warmth and weight than any down jacket that I have ever owned.
I highly recommend this jacket but I am giving it 4 stars. The jacket fits beautifully and runs true to size in the BODICE and still allows me to add a tee and a wool sweater. However, the sleeves are too short on me.
Also, I wish that they had skipped the gray fleece lining on the stand-up collar and had used the exterior fabric instead. A black collar lining would look much nicer on the black jacket than the gray. With the zipper in its highest position, the stiffer fleece collar and zipper are irritating the bottom of my chin/neck area. Yes, I do like that zipper all the way up when the weather calls for it.
Also, they added a strip of gray fleece and extended it vertically 2.5 inches below the collar along one side of the zipper and not the other side of the zipper. That's odd looking when the zipper is stopped a few inches below the collar and you can see that strip of gray extending below the collar on one side of the zipper and not on the other side. (I'm a seamstress)
There is a lot to love about this jacket but the gray fleece and short sleeves make it the wrong one for me. Yes, I still do recommend the jacket but I'm returning it and will order a similar jacket next year, should one become available. Perhaps LL Bean will lengthen the sleeves and tweak the collar.
I do not enjoy negative reviews, but I feel compelled to write this one. Here goes. 1. Sleeves too short - not by an inch, by three inches 2. Sleeves loose and not secured at the wrist (in this case, the forearm) so any breeze whips right up past your elbow. Completely avoidable design issue. 3. Obvious stitching errors down the front of the garment, causing an odd, asymmetrical lump at the front of the midriff. Completely unacceptable. 4. Not warm - have similar garments that are -- my guess is that there isn't enough fill.
I had high hopes for this purchase --however, the jacket is what I would have expected at 1/3 the price; the color is outdated, but I thought I could live with that given the great specifications on the garment. The price is in the low end neighborhood of fine technical clothing out there, but color, style, quality is not comparable. I would have returned it, but i removed the tags before I even put it on -- such was my confidence in LLBean.
Sorry about the negative words - actually kind of painful to write this about a brand I and my family have really loved and trusted over the years.
I love, love, love this coat. Finally found a warm coat that doesn't make me feel like a huge marshmello. It is so light and comfortable. It is now the only one that I wear.
I love, love, love this jacket! It is by far the best jacket I've ever had. You get all the warmth of down without feeling like you are bogged down in a jacket. It is truly super light and warm.
