fromConnecticut (Home of the Record Power Outages)
Gender:Female
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?Occasionally
When did you purchase this item?Within 1 Month
Sleeves too snug
PostedNovember 30, 2011
Prosnot as good as i expected
There was lots to like about the features on this jacket, but when the sleeves and shoulders are too narrow to move comfortably it just doesn't matter what else the jacket has to offer. First tried the Misses XL, then exchanged it for the Womens 1X, but still the sleeves and shoulders were too snug, even when I tried it on over just a lightweight shirt. I'm disappointed in the fit.
ProsComfortable, Durable, Great Value, Performing as Expected
I really like this coat and the longer length, but I should have gotten a medium. I'm 5'3 150# and usually wear a large because I like room in my coats, but this one is cut generously and is a tad big on me. But it's too late to send it back so I'll keep it. I have another LLB down jacket in large that fits really good so it's a gamble.
ProsComfortable, Performing as Expected, great charcoal color, toasty
I take a petite size and have very short arms. When other reviewers complained that the sleeves were too short, I figured I'd won the lottery! The sleeves are great on me. I ordered the carbon, which came with a dark lining instead of a light one, YAY! Although I have an XL chest, I don't have an XL butt, so the bottom of this parka is too wide for me. The waist drawstring hits at the empire waist, which is odd, especially since I'm just 5 feet tall, and the pockets are so SHALLOW that I won't stow my keys in one without zipping it up. LL Bean has DRAMATICALLY improved its outerwear zippers and this two-way one is easy to engage and zip. Overall I am happy with the quality, though I wish the fabric was more water resistant for NW winter days.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I really like this coat and it is much warmer than you would expect from an initial try on. It's very light weight and the first time I wore it out of the house, I was worried when I could feel the cold of the car seat through the back of the jacket, but have since realized that the down is a fluffy insulator that works best when not compressed but filled with air. So, when you are standing and walking, it is perfectly warm and cozy, even in pretty severe weather.
I agree with most of the other reviews in the compliments to the nice sleeve cuff liners and soft, non irritating neck lining. I also really like the two way zip, so you can open the bottom a bit if it gets too warm, and the hood is nicely shaped.
The only complaints I have would be, as mentioned in many other reviews, the short sleeves, and I'm very short at 5'2", and not with disproportionately long arms. I also find the waist cinch at an odd and slightly uncomfortable height, just below the bust, instead of at waist level at about mid pocket height, and I'm short waisted to begin with. It fits pretty well except at the bust, which I find too small, but I'm large chested, so I find that with almost every article of clothing I try on, so no fault to LL Bean for that. I'd rather have slight tension at the chest than giant roominess everywhere else. The hips also seem overly wide, and it looks a bit bell-like, but at least it's not too small or constricting to movement.
Overall, I really like the coat but can't give it 5 stars due to the strange proportions. However, it was well worth the money and still looks and functions as brand new even after a season of use.
