K/E/R LL Bean Scotch Plaid Shirt

I ordered the LL Bean Scotch Plaid Shirt. I saw that it runs large, but I also saw that it might shrink in the wash so I ordered my normal size. I'm thinking it may be more oversize than fluid-fitting. I'm not sure that the photos show how much extra fabric there is, but it is a lot. And even despite that extra fabric, I'm getting some gaping at the bust (which I think I could fix with fabric tape). I'm looking for opinions on whether to keep it, exchange it for the size smaller, or return it. What do you think?

Please forgive my crazy hair. I'm posting this before I leave the house for the day. I'm hoping that while I shower, do my hair, etc. you will have chimed in with enough thoughts that I can go make the return/exchange if needed later today.

Photos 1-2: Worn untucked with skinny jeans
Photos 3-4: Worn half tucked with boyfriends
Photo 5: A plaid Pendleton shirt I already own for comparison. Is it worth having another plaid shirt if I already own this one?

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9 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

I like your current shirt better - whether it is because of the color or fit or both, is hard to tell.

Liz

I agree with Makrame. the LL Bean shirt is fine, but your current one is better.

Karie

(website)

I like the LL Bean shirt better, and I like the fit - the shoulder seams appear to be in the right place, and the shirt looks like a BF fit, casual and comfortable. It's perfect for a cool fall day worn as you are showing it here, or for a cold winter day worn with a turtleneck layered underneath. That said, I do like to compare so I wouldn't mind seeing the smaller size for comparison's sake.

I'm also of the opinion that you can never have too many plaid shirts!

Greyscale

I really like the LL Bean shirt. (I might be biased because my favorite shirt in high school / college was an LL Bean scotch plaid shirt. Someone stole it in college and I'm still sad 15 years later.)

unfrumped

These are great photos, because it allows comparison of both color and fit. I also really need to keep doing that exercise, is this any better than what I have--that is a great way to keep on the right path.
Firse, I love the color and fit of the Pendleton. Those colors just make you glow, whereas the LLBean do not. I think you might need a smaller size, but if you did, I would get a different color! Doesn't have to be orangey auburn, but something warmer than the B&W.
Also, I hear you on shirt fit. I think the brand and cuts are so different that it is not just a size thing. Sometimes I am so between sizes--neither is right-- that then I can tell I will need a different fit so that it's fluid and not baggy. So you may try the different size but also shop other brands.

Suz

I like the LL Bean shirt. Agree with Karie that the shoulders appear to fit and while it is slightly oversized, it is not overwhelming. The scale of the print helps. I like the colours of your current plaid shirt on you also, but these are quite different, which is a good thing.

And by the way, I just love that in photo #4, you and your kitty are mirroring each other.

Plus, I like the painting.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

They are totally different - and there is room for both. You look great in orange.

Hmmm. I might want to see the LL Bean shirt sized down. I don't think it will shrink unless you pop it in the dryer on high heat. It's a beautifully made piece. And for $40.

Jenny H

Active Member

All: Thanks for the thoughts and advice. I may try the smaller size to see what that is like.

Suz: Thanks for pointing out the way me and my cat were mirroring. I hadn't noticed it and I am quite amused. The painting is by my sister. I love both the painting and her and having it in my home makes me very happy!

Tanya

It is a lovely shirt, and quite different from the one you already have. I would try a smaller size as well to compare. Adorable kitty and the way she is standing by the window.

Kristin SF

I would try the smaller size of the Bean shirt. I am an IT, with muscular arms/shoulders, and usually a S Petite. In this shirt, I took an XS Petite and the shoulders still fit, surprisingly. That said, I do not plan to put this shirt in the dryer, lol.

Wearing the Bean shirt is like wearing a cozy blanket. It's just soooo well-made! I hope you can find a good color/size combo that you love!

Jjsloane

They are 2 different colors, styles and plaids. Definitely room for both. I like the fit of the Bean, but would also like to see it sized down for comparison.

Would you wear it untucked with something over it or semitucked alone? Try the style and see if you feel like it's too blousy.

tulle

The Bean shirt may be a smidge too big, but if you like a roomier shoulder, that might work for you. Have you ever tried the "army tuck" to narrow the torso? You basically fold the back of the shirt into two vertical pleats from shoulder to hem, snugging the shirt close to the body, and tuck into pants. It gives a little structure while retaining freedom to move. That said, I think the orange plaid shirt is dreamy on you, especially against the backdrop of your pillows and art. What a pretty room!

Zibbets

I vote size down if you want to keep the LLBean shirt. Also, I would like to see it with white bottoms or dark wash jeans.

The Pendleton one is gorgeous!

Vildy

The Daily Prep did a post this year on what has become of the reliability of legacy brands. Prominently featured - and agreed to by responders - are such as LL Bean where the amount of length shrinkage as much as 4 inches, washed in cold water, etc. If you keep it and it does shrink that much, I'd return it promptly with complaint.

I washed my Bean flannel shirt in warm water/cold rinse, and hung dry. I'm happy to report no shrinkage, or minimal enough that I don't notice any.

Again, I won't be putting this shirt in the dryer, but I might try Angie's reco to put in the dryer when it's almost dry just to "fluff it up" a bit. (But the shirt is still plenty soft even with just line drying it.)

Glory

I think there is certainly room for 2 in your wardrobe. I like the fit but one size down might be worth considering if you find this one too loose.

Jules

I like the new one worn untucked over the slimmer jeans! The old one does not look like it would work that way. I am *extremely biased* for that silhouette though, since I wear it all the time*, so take it for what it's worth! Agree with the others that the two plaids are quite different. Depends how much you like plaid and want to wear it.
*Now I want this shirt too...

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