This has been one of the most versatile, attractive and useful layers I've had during winters in the Maryland mountains. Only warning: I bought the black and in the second season it was fairly faded. This year I am going to buy a lighter color (although the black was and is very slimming and flattering -- even now). Also - don't size up. It fits w/ plenty of room for layering.
I recently purchased 2 of these and I am going back for more. They are by far the most comfortable fleece tops I've ever worn. They are soft and not at all "itchy". They do not pill up and the colors are gorgeous. Love, love, love these tops.
Several years ago, I enthusiastically reviewed the Fitness fleece and gave it 5 stars. This fall when I needed to replace mine, I was startled by the changes. The full zip version is now very boxy and seems to be 1/2 size larger. The in-set shoulders were definitely too large and the body was long. I moved down a size but find the smaller size a little snug. The 1/4 zip version does not have the sizing problem. It has raglan sleeves and a different fit that is truer to the normal LL Bean sizing. Both versions show a decline in quality and workmanship. The left sleeve on several of them was up to an inch longer than the right sleeve. The fleece is not as good. It was always prone to piling but now it is shedding as well and I am concerned about how long it will last. LL Bean, I would gladly pay more to have a better quality version of this light weight fleece. It was once a classic and I'm sure it could be again.
