I can't speak to the warmth, durability or water resistance as I just received the coat and won't be wearing it until next winter. I can however say that the coat is attractive, well made, has an easy to use zipper, warm fleece lined pockets and a good hood which detaches altogether or just the fur. I first ordered a L and felt it was a bit too roomy. The M arrived today and is a much better fit. For those of you on the fence as to sizing, I'm 5'9", 145 lbs and have a bust measurement of 40. This is a functional coat without sacrificing a sense of style and will be a good choice for sporty wear but can easily transition to city wear. The 3/4 length insures that my longer tops and sweaters will be covered and my bum will stay toasty. Thanks LL Bean, you've done it again!
I purchased this coat in the purple slate colour in size XS Misses' Regular which is my usual size (130-135lbs, 5'7", hourglass shape, early 30s). Here are my thoughts:
Colour: the purple slate is really pretty and unique-I love it. Of course, choose it only if you are comfortable with such a different colour vs. the typical black, browns and greys for parkas. It's a lilac colour and it is fairly matte and not shiny. I chose it in particular because it was the markdown colour, but I am lucky in the end and I think it's great.
Fit: this is one of the only negatives I see with this coat. The arms and chest are true to size, but it has extra room through the body/is not the most shapely coat. It could really use to have a bit more of a taper and less bulk at the waist and toward the lower coat. After thinking it through, I think it looks fine and looks more like a true parka this way, but while I'm trim, I don't consider myself to be that small, so anyone with an even slighter build might find it more of an issue. Giving it a bit more shape/style would make it an even greater coat. Otherwise, it is very comfy, like wearing a cozy sleeping bag and doesn't tug or constrict anywhere. The length is great and reaches to just above the knees. The sleeves could be slightly longer from my standpoint, but are fine. The hood is great.
Warmth: I was looking for a very warm coat as I definitely tend towards freezing in cold temps. Unfortunately, just as this coat arrived we have had a few weeks of a Chinook here and warmer temps so I haven't been able to test it properly yet. I think it will definitely be warm, but it is very lightweight and I'm not convinced it will be ultra warm, but we'll see.
I purchased the 3/4 version of this coat as a "dog walking" coat because my terrier requires long walks and winter days can be really cold. It is everything LL Bean describes and more! It is warm and comfy, and the over-sized hood and ruff keep the wind, snow, and rain off my face It's extra length and high degree of water resistance keep me dry! The roomy style is great for layering, and its tapered fit makes it actually attractive. It has become my "go to" coat for all days when the temperature drops below 35. It runs a bit large but it's perfect for adding a sweater or fleece jacket for the coldest days. Last year I purchased a designer coat for more than twice the price and I do not wear it half as much! Great Coat. Highly Recommended.
I looked at many coats before I purchased this coat from LL Bean. I ordered the 3/4 length because I thought if it was as warm as other reviewers have said, I should be fine. For size, this coat is very roomy in the body and I had to return my petite large for a petite medium. The coat is good looking and I purchased it in the purple slate. I work on the shores of Lake Erie and can face a VERY strong wind when I walk out the door at the end of day. The best part of this coat is the HOOD, It is not big and covers your head in a way that you don't need a scarf. It is not a very warm coat but it is not a problem because I am not outside so long and usually have another layer on under the coat. At least I know for the future what to expect.
