I'll start with the sizing discussion that other people have brought up - the shoulder/sleeve size is on the large side of accurate to the sizing tab, but the center part of the sweater feels like one size larger. I typically wear a 43-44R jacket and the size L sweater is a loose fit. It definitely does not conform to the current thin/slim cut sweater trend.
That said, wearing it as outerwear over a collared shirt is comfortable and not constricting at all. The weave has a nice texture and it appears very well made. Just be aware of the fit/sizing when ordering.
The sweater looks and feels like I expected it to, but it doesn't fit right. The XL was pretty baggy, especially around the bottom. Thinking maybe I had lost some weight, I exchanged for the L. A little better, but still has the bagginess around the bottom. And now I read the other reviews and see similar discussion of the puffiness. Very weird. The L is going back as well. I need it to fit better for the premium price.
I was extremely excited when I heard about the reissue of this sweater, but the fit is extremely disappointing. As others have mentioned, it balloons out at the side and looks very strange. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with the sweater yet, but something needs to be done about the fit.
Response from L.L.BeanBy L.L.Bean, Product Team, December 4, 2009
For years, customers have been asking us to bring back our iconic Norwegian Sweater. In reaching back into our archives for this beloved classic we aimed to be as true to the original as possible.
That includes returning to the same factory in Norway to knit this heritage sweater. We're thrilled to be working with these knitters once again to deliver a heritage sweater that looks exactly as it did back in its heyday. While some of you have expressed concern about the fit of the sweater, we can assure you that it's the same fit as the beloved original.
Overall rating
2/ 5
Colonialpara
fromRockaway, NJ
Gender:Male
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?Frequently
Very Overpriced at $129
PostedNovember 3, 2009
I had one of these sweaters back in the 1980s and loved it. I also wore it out and that took a while. About TWO years ago, I bought another one for about HALF of what Bean is charging now. I normally need an XL in sweaters and bought this one in that size; it was TOO large, but I decided to keep it because I wear clothing in layers in the winter. The finish of the wool is rough and I do NOT believe the quality or material warrants this sweater being priced at $129 - a steep jump in just the last year. Given the HUGE increase in price vice the quality of the product I CANNOT recommend this sweater (unless you don't care about cost). This was the first time I've been disappointed by a Bean product and am disheartened to see such a HUGE increase from when I last purchased this sweater. This sweater SHOULD NOT be priced north of $99 and quite frankly, I probably wouldn't buy it at that price now, either.
