1. RELAXED FIT: In the longer details, it says the coat is a relaxed fit. Make sure that you believe that review. It is not slightly fitted at the waist like some other llbean coats. So, you may wish to buy a size smaller. I did not wish to buy petite, because even though I have shorter arms, I like my winter coat arms to be long. Maybe petite would have been good to make the 3/4 length coat two inches shorter and more stylish though. I am 5 foot 2 and 115 pounds and have the size small, but need the extra small. I would prefer if this coat were not such a relaxed fit. I just bought it because it was a good value for the price, and warm, and because of the llbean warranty.
2. HOOD: I think the fur on the hood is nice, it doesn't look real, but it doesn't look fakey, so I think it is fine. The hood has a face mask kind of which has a button that covers your mouth. So, this hood cover is great to use when standing outside in the cold for a while. However, don't expect to be able to talk or hear with that covering closed. With it open, it is fine to talk and hear. Also, it is a bit hard to see to the side when crossing the street, when everything is up and fastened on the hood, even if you try to flip the fur back a bit. Also, the face mask part is one part, and the high neck of the coat is a second part, so they kind of overlap a bit, but since they are not one piece, maybe there is a little wind in there, so you may still need a scarf on a very cold day.
Warm: I only live in new york city, so it is not so cold here. but so far, when people say, "it's cold outside?" I can say, "no, I'm warm in my coat."
Layers: I can usually just wear a tank top, a t shirt, and a light sweatshirt, and then the coat, and then I feel warm. I don't need a super heavy layer underneath to feel warm under this coat.
pockets: the outside pockets easily hold small gloves, and there are small zippers. You can squeeze a small hat in there or a scarf, but then your coat would look bulky. This coat doesn't have large pockets. Inside the coat, there are two small pockets also.
Velcro inside pockets: Be careful with the velcro that keeps the inside pockets closed. The velcro rubbed against two of my shirts that I own, near my stomach and ruined a patch of fabric on two of my new shirts!!! I just figured it out! So, just be careful that all of the velcro is completely securely closed!
Sleeves: There is a little piece of fabric/fleece at the bottom of the sleeves that keeps your wrists and bottom of the arms warm.
Fabric: It isn't the super thin shiny fabric that is on other competitor brands of long down coats. It is a more matte finish, but it doesn't look like that super matte microsuede look. I think that this fabric is a little bit thicker and will rip less easily, and also may keep the down feathers in and protected a bit more. I like that the fabric is in simple squares, and not the complicated 1970/'s look of some of the other llbean jackets.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I'm an outdoor walker and needed a coat that would keep me warm below the waist without being in the way below my knees. this coat fits the bill perfectly! I'm enjoying my walks warmly in the winter weather!!
ProsGreat Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
This is a very warm and also flattering coat. Bought it for winter in Denmark. Haven't had it long enough to assess durability. But, materials and workmanship are excellent. Just what I'd expect from LL Bean.
