I've got 2 of these from the 80s, and they still look great. Recently I bought a new one, and, despite seams on the cuffs and a smaller neck-opening, it is really quite similar in comparison. I haven't even washed it yet, though, so only time will tell if it will retain its quality in 20 years.
The quality of the wool was good. 100% fairly heavy wool, just as I remember these sweaters used to be before they started using a synthetic blended in.
However, the XL was both too tight and too short (I'm 6'4" and 220lbs) even though I am usually between an XL and a L in Regular Bean sweaters.
Also, the sleeves were attached strangely at the shoulders which made the shoulders there appear slightly upwardly pointed (sort of like a mild case of the boss's hair in Dilbert). This may have been a defect just in this particular sweater.
Unfortunately for me Bean does not carry this item in an XXL otherwise I would have exchanged for a re-try.
Had to return it.
I am rating this sweater 4 stars mainly for the quality of the wool.
I had never purchased anything from L.L. Bean before deciding to order this sweater. Thanks to its high-quality construction -- and the unprecedented customer service backing it up -- I have already been back for more.
Simply put, this sweater is a BEAST. I've read reviews that complain that it isn't as sturdy as versions from decades past, but I honestly have trouble grasping the idea of an even thicker, more robust garment. The present iteration is extremely warm, quite substantial, and precisely woven. I am surprised and pleased to find such an excellent sweater at a larger-scale, mainstream manufacturer. It's like I found a time machine, or something.
Before pulling the trigger, I also agonized over the conflicting fit assessments; some reviewers griped that the sweater is "baggy," or that the fit is "weird," while others maintained that it's merely a good, traditional fit. Allow me to humbly submit that the latter camp is closer to being in the right. Folks, you WILL look funny if you wear this thing with your painted-on hipster jeans. While it is indeed closer to a traditional cut, it is by no means a "billowing" one. It is clearly intended to allow for layering and movement, just like many (if not all) sweaters circa 1900 -- 2007. Get thyself to the google, and check out any classy dude wearing a heavy sweater during that period. If you want a super-slim look, then stick to thinner options (cashmere, merino, cotton, etc.). If you must go slimmer, sizing down could work, but -- depending on build/body type -- I suspect there is only barely enough length in the arms to allow this and it might not hit the waist correctly. I found that ordering true-to-size gave THIS kinda-athletic (Med/40R, 5' 11"/185#) guy a sweater with a truly classic profile.
Overall, I feel confident that this is a sweater that will provide years of sturdy warmth. It has already been a godsend during the extended cold snap of 2014 (it has tackled the typical -20 to -50 degree temps of my region with ease). It looks great, fits well (again, "classically"), and is built like a tank. (An additional perk of the thick weave is that there is virtually no annoying stretching, unlike other sweaters). I am immensely pleased with this purchase, and it was a great introduction to the L.L. Bean brand.
