Received this coat yesterday and then wore it to my daughter's soccer game. It was both cold and windy and the jacket held up nicely to both. My wife thinks it's stylish-her opinion matters too! The only negative is that the pockets are mesh lined. Would have prefered a fleece lined pocket. Don't expect the pockets to keep your hands warm-bring gloves instead.
I find this is a great jacket for those cool-to-cold days. The fleece lining is warm and the outer weaving cuts the wind terrifically. I often wear it riding my motorcycle in 30-40 degrees and am quite comfortable.
Bought this for my son for spring skiing. He loves it ! I am going to buy one for myself as I was too warm in my winter ski jacket ! However, one thing did happen after he wore it only a few times....the left sleeve hem unravelled abit...I am either going to send it back or just get it repaired at a tailor nearby, as that might be easier for me. This is the reason I did not give five stars.
The "handwarmer" pockets are pretty lame. The mesh lining isn't even soft, and the openings are placed pretty awkwardly. The fabric around the openings is rough too. I never use the handwarmer pockets now, because they are uncomfortable and cold. The nylon reinforcement/ abrasion protection down the sleeves isn't placed well. The reinforcement should be at the elbows- but instead it's rotated so it doesn't actually prevent any wear on the elblows- same with the inner forearm- the reinforcement isn't in the right place. The fit is pretty good- I actually like the open cuffs. It's not a perfect fit though- L.L. Bean has recent made alot of improvements in fit from the previous standard super loose fit but the jacket isn't exactly right. I got this with the warranty money from my 8 year old L.L. Bean windblocker jacket- this jacket's predecessor (the zipper was busted- I woulda just had it repaired but they never asked and just gave me a gift card...). This jacket is much better for fit but I would still prefer the elbow patch placement and handwarmers from that older jacket. The fleece in the sleeves and chest/ back is wonderfully soft. If only they would put that in the pockets!
