I absolutely love this coat. I wish I had gotten one years ago. The 3/4 length is perfect for me, and a petite medium was an ideal fit. I'm 5'4" and about 140 lbs. I did remove the "fur" from the hood. I also removed the hood for daily wear and will put it back on for days when the cold wind is howling or when it is snowing. Usually with a scarf at the neck, the coat is ideal over a light top and pants.
I ordered the light blue and have not had any problems with stains, etc.
Overall, the coat is a good fit and warm. I have 2 issues- 1. the pockets are small, and there are only 2 outside ones. Barely enough rooms for hands or mittens. I have had LLBean coats in the past with more than 2 outer, and larger, pockets. 2. VELCRO!!! On the hood chin flap. Gets caught on everything - purse, seat belt, but most importantly scarfs. So you get pulls and snags on your scarfs. I will take every stitch out to get that velcro off and replace it with snaps. If I can put snaps on it, LLBean can too!
I live in NH and bought this coat last year. We had such a mild winter I did not get a chance to wear it, but this year I have so enjoyed wearing it. Yesterday it was 10 below with windchill. I was completely warm and comfy! The coat is so light but blocks the wind very well. It is like being wrapped in a down comforter. If you want to be comfortably warm buy this wonderful coat. I really believe this is not only the lightest coat I've ever owned, but the warmest!
I was not sure about this coat when trying it on in the house. I wanted black and checked back for a week or so until a black petite XL came back in stock. I thought it felt a bit tight through the shoulders, I often need a 1X. The length and sleeves are a good length, just above my knee, I'm 5'2". But the fleece cuff is a bit higher up in the sleeve and makes if feel short, the cuff is also a bit too tight. The pocket placement is excellent, soft inside, with a small zipper that I don't feel when using the pockets. They could be deeper, but I don't worry when putting my keys or phone in there that they may fall out, even when unzipped. There is a ribbon trim detail behind the main two way zipper that makes it very easy to zip and unzip. I have had no problem with it catching on anything. The fit is flattering and looked slimmer on me than I thought it would.
I wore it this morning to walk the dog and shovel. 17 degrees out with a wind chill warning that brings it down to 3 degrees. About as cold as I need to worry about in central MA. I wore a thin polartec hooded fleece underneath and adjusted the coat hood. I was able to leave the fur trim on and could see very well with the hood up but not closed with the velcro. I do not like the velcro flaps and wish they were not there. When I tried closing the velcro flap it was tight and the fur was on my face and blocking my vision. But even with the flaps open the hood stayed in place during my activities. (The coat I tried last week, from a competitor, was almost the winner except the hood was small and would not stay up, even standing still watching the kids play.)
I was out for over an hour, low activity, and was warm and happy the whole time. I was surprised how comfortable the jacket was. So light I barely felt it on, and very easy to move in while shoveling and cleaning off the car. I did not notice any tightness in the shoulders or cuffs. I'm now very happy with the coat purchase, and thrilled my coat shopping is over. I have tried 8 Down coats in the last month. It's exhausting trying to find the right coat! And knowing its LLBean with its wonderful warranty and customer service is a great bonus. Thanks LLBean!
