I couldn't make up my mind about this coat as I did not want to spend that much. After ordering it twice and cancelling it I finally decided I was finished buying a new winter coat every year because of the poor quality I found in other stores. I am happy to say that I am warm at last and will not have to buy another winter coat for a very, very long time. I love the hood velcro closure with ties to make it snug on my head. I love the light weight of the coat and it is super warm without bulk. We're hoping this winter is not as bad as last winter, but if it is, bring it on! I'm ready! Medium is a little big on me (my usual size) but I can comfortably wear sweaters underneath since it's cold at my office too. The black color looks more like a charcoal depending on what light is on it, but it's perfect! Even though our mail carrier managed to roll it into a ball and stuff it in my little mailbox........it came out unscathed. If I had the money, I would buy more colors!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was sort of surprised when I took this coat out of the package how thin it is. If you hold it up to the light, you can see through it, and the down fill seems really flimsy. It doesn't have any liner to speak of. I wore it on a day when it was in the teens and it really wasn't warm enough, especially in the sleeves. It is rather boxy and shapeless, and really doesn't look all that great. The zipper is kind of difficult as well. I think I am going to return this coat, it's just not sufficient for the hardcore cold weather.
This coat is a great value for the price. I HATE being cold. I needed a winder coat that would keep me warm. I went to the store with a base layer and a sweater over it to make sure I had the appropriate size. I normally wear a size medium in everything, including LL Bean shirts. I found the medium fit well with the layers I was wearing, but I felt a little like a marshmellow. The small fit perfectly. I tried the extra small and I looked a little like a stuffed sausage. So if you are ordering this coat online I suggest getting your size and one smaller and maybe returning the one you don't prefer. This coat is very thin and light. I was worried about being cold. I wore it in cold weather. This coat is very warm and with the base layers I find myself having to unzip the top outside. The hood is removable. The faux fur on the hood is removable by zipper. I took it off because I usually wear a headwrap. The hood is otherwise very warm and functional. This coat is extremely functional and stylish. This is a product that will definitely last 5-10 years, and possibly longer?!? I highly recommend it.
I've been forced to make fewer and fewer LL Bean purchases as you've stopped making a lot of your clothes in tall women's sizes. I crossed my fingers and ordered this beautiful coat, but no good. The body of the Medium is huge, while the sleeves are at least 3 inches too short and the shoulders are so tight I can hardly move. So it's going back and I'm sad. My search for a longer length coat with sleeves that fit continues.
