I have a long LL Bean coat with tons of pockets, which will always be my go to coat for bad weather or a long walk. I wanted another one that was a little more flattering for wearing daily to work when it isn't bad weather.
This coat is perfect for that. I wish it had a couple more pockets, it only has the ones for your hands, but at least they zipper.
I ordered the red color but it is much more of a bright pink so I am returning that one. I now have the brown color one and it is nice.
I retired an old down coat when I bought this one and now wish I had kept the old one. Even on days when the weather is above freezing and I am wearing a sweater under it, it doesn't keep me warm. The wind goes right through it. I like it in other respects but wish I had returned it early in the season and looked for a warmer coat.
I live in a snowbelt near Lake Huron, and went for a walk today in a blizzard. I needed neither a hat nor a scarf because I own this wonderful coat. It zips up right to my chin, and the Velcro flaps on the hood protect my face as well. Some people don't like the double zipper, but I find it convenient for driving. I have learned to get the right angle to pull it up easily. The light weight of this down coat is deceiving: It is plenty warm enough for Ontario winters, but allows for easy movement even with a couple of layers under it. I was afraid I was foolish to buy a white coat, and, of course, it does need frequent washing. That doesn't matter, though, because it launders very well. Like any down garment, it is essential to dry it in a dryer until it is completely dry; otherwise the down will clump. I have had it a year, and it still looks new. I was afraid it would make me look like a marshmallow, but it actually has a nice line. My favourite coat for the snowy winter we are having this year!
I have 2 Bean down jackets, reg. L size. Both are OK, I don't like the knit cuffs, they have no snaps only one way zippers, no hood, a useless inside rounded pocket and a "left hand zipper". They are warm enough but too short for me (I am 5'3", so I thought I would try a longer version. This is not it! I first bought the petite large not noting the description says it is a looser fit - OK with me as it also says best worn with a medium weight layer - I was planning to wear it over a T neck and thinner lambswool sweater. The size petite large was too big & bulky - I swam in it and then noted my 2 jackets are "fitted". So I sent back the PL for a PMed. and guess what - it's too tight!. Esp. the sleeves, which are too short also. I thought the jacket sleeves in regular size large are just right. I did check the size charts before buying all of these in the last 2 years. I also have the women's hunting jacket in petite medium - which fits just fine! Go figure! So now the longer coat in PM is also going back and I am giving up for now. I think I will be looking for a womens wool longer jacket next time - from where I don't know. I need something which covers my "tush", which has large pockets, and maybe some handwarmer pockets, an inside zippered pocket NOT located near my breasts, a 2-way zipper....NO knit cuffs so I can get my gloves on...is this too much to ask? And in a pleasant color - not dark, not weird colors or too light for winter. Maybe bring back the old, NOT FITTED barn jacket in wool? Please? Oh - the periwinkle color is gorgeous I do have matching rain boots, the Bean down vest, trapper hat and short down jacket in this color.
