Tell me about LLBean? - YouLookFab Forum

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Tell me about LLBean?

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, DD has a dance competition this weekend, so I'm going to have hours to kill as parents aren't allowed in the venue ... I noticed there is an LLBean close by, and I've never been to one before; seems like something to keep me busy for a while!

Any items I should keep an eye out for? Any favourites from the brand? Looks like they have some nice sweaters, tees and jackets?

Thanks!

ETA - a few finds of interest:

cashmere - maybe worth the investment?
coat - definitely above my preferred price range, but I want something like this for fall ...
waffle tees - yes they are simple, but I really like the look of these - worth the premium pricing or no?

Classic Cashmere Sweater, V-Neck

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Classic Lambswool Polo Coat, Three-Quarter

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Women's Classic Cashmere Sweater, V-Neck

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Women's Classic Cashmere, Crewneck

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Women's Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Tee, Long-Sleeve Crewneck

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Women's Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Tee, Long-Sleeve Crewneck

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Women's Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Tee, Long-Sleeve Crewneck

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Shopping

46 replies

Latest reply was from Mainelady

nemosmom

Veteran

I have a couple of LLBean pieces and find they wash/wear incredibly well!!

The quilted pullover is nicely made (quilted pattern lines up!), and wears like iron... the cashmere funnelneck had 27 wears just last winter, and is soft and doesn't pill nearly as bad as others I've had...

I have a couple of their shortsleeved tees (the `lakewashed organic cotton tee` -- I don't think they sell them anymore) and they are incredibly strong.... I bought them ~5 years ago, and they refuse to die. They don't pill, even when layered under pullover knits all winter.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy from LLBean again, and always have them on my radar when shopping for essential pieces.

ETA : I LOVE the red and green pullovers for you - and the grey coat looks pretty fab too!

Quilted Quarter-Zip Pullover

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Women's Classic Cashmere Sweater, Funnelneck

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JAileen

Veteran

I’ve had several pieces over the years. The quality has been excellent.

When our son and his GF lived in the Twin Cities, we stopped in an LL Bean store while visiting the Mall of America. Liked the store, but not the MOA.

Joy

Veteran

Wat h for sales. I am sized out of most LLBean but have been ok with sweaters ( forgiving across the front) and silk winter underwear which is always packed for a trip. It can add warmth if it is blustery or unusually cold and be used to sleep in. It washes in the sink and dries quickly.

DH has some of their plaid and knit shirts. They run true to size and last a long time with normal wear, washing and drying. The fleece lined jeans are great for being out in cold weather, dog walking and such. I think they also have lined chinos. The flannel lined take a bit longer to dry and weigh more. Try on to see what your size is the reg. Women’s are cut too wide for me so that I don’t fill them out. As an under layer it is ok. In the store you may be disappointed at all the murky colors. But at home they are not bright, but better. Look at the footwear if you need any. Get on the catalog list. There will be sales. The evergreen stuff is nice for the holidays, but can be pricey.

LaPed

Veteran

Their Bean Boots (duck boots with leather upper and rubber bottom) are iconic. The sizing is somewhat idiosyncratic -- their designed to wear with thick socks -- so it's good to try on a few sizes in person if you're able.

Flannels, sweats/hoodies, fleeces, and puffy jackets are all good things to check out as well. Can't speak to the cashmere, but I've generally had good luck with their knitwear. I love the cotton fisherman's sweaters. Also, their breton tops are a classic; they're an interesting knit that's more substantial than a tee but lighter than a sweater.

I've had that polo coat on my long-term wishlist for a few years -- it looks great!

Anonymous

We had our biggest family fight in the MOA . That’s my memory of that place

I have a LLB canvas tote - that’s it . How can you Go wrong with those waffle knits?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Great quality, designed to last. Bernie Sanders’ style. Lots of boxy fits. Sort of like if Lands End decided to dwell on its frumpiness, crank it up, and celebrate it so much thst it became cool.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks so much everyone - sounds like their reputation for quality is well-earned, so if I see something I love, I won't hesitate. (Nm - that funnelneck *heart eyes*)

Lisa, I have the tote too - it's great; I love that it's so classic, and I can clean it with the pressure-washer My hesitation with the waffle knits was only the price - for almost $80, they need to be significantly better quality than a similar style I could probably get at Old Navy

Thanks so much all! x

Linda

I have several pieces from LL Bean, some I’ve had for a very long time. Most of the items I own are coats and jackets. I find that many of their items run large. If I am able, I get their items in petite sizes. Even if they don’t have the particular item in stock in the store, the staff is very willing to order it for you. My latest purchase was a juniper colored safari jacket. I haven’t worn it yet, but I think it’s going to get a ton of use this fall. Since the color was “last year’s color” I was able to get it for $75 as opposed to the full price!

Anonymous

These days I'm only buying sheets and t shirts for my husband from them but sturdy construction, and consistently reliable products. If you like what you find you can be pretty confident that it will last a long time.

Re Stagiaire's comment above, there is comparison between the two but I think LL Bean quality is superior. The items that are picked up and celebrated by stylish people are usually the most traditional and not intentionally fashion forward.

Anonymous

$80 for a waffle knit t? Holy ——.

kkards

Veteran

Assuming you will not be at the flagship Freeport Maine store…if you are then skip the next couple of sentences. I find shopping in the llbean stores generally disappointing. Sizes & colors can be hit or miss. Often it’s on line but not at my store. However, if you don’t know llbean it’s a good way to get a feel for the sizing and Aesthetic
That being said, it’s very New England preppy and/or gear(ish). Imo it’s sized very generously. Much if it is good quality & worth a premium price, but not all. And you might find the cuts a little basic and not very modern/current

rachylou

Veteran

I have just realised I don’t differentiate between Lands End and LLBean… that is I can’t remember what is from where. I had a lovely cashmere twin set I feel certain is from LL (gave away because I’ve changed sizes). And a really great set of monogrammed duffle bags that I’m fairly sure are LLBean.

Helena

Veteran

Lisa, exactly lol!!

Ok thanks everyone!! I'm thinking this might just be a fun window shop, but I will be open to falling in love with something that looks like it would really stand the test of time style wise. Appreciate all the input!

Aquamarine

Veteran

In my experience, L.L. Bean’s women’s clothing is very generously sized. They used to be known for their no-quibble, no time-limit return policy, but that may have changed.

I do like browsing in their stores and imagining myself as an outdoor adventurer but I am so not like that in real life, lol.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Helena, i forgot to tell your daughter to break a leg in the competition. How stressful that you can’t be there to watch! I hope it all goes well.

Rachylou and Phoebe, for the longest time, I didn’t distinguish between them either. In recent years (which probably means a decade), I think Lands End has tried to become fashionable (& may have slacked off on some quality), whereas if anything from LLBean is fashionable, it’s by chance, and quite possibly because of its non-trendy, normcore nature. Being who you are/not chasing popularity ftw!

Roberta

Veteran

I own that long coat in a rich purple and I love it. It's going to be good for years. I also own one of their peacoats in a bright yellow, and get compliments on it every time I wear it. I have an LL bBan store close to me, so it's easy for me to try things on before I buy them (and wait for a sale). They do run large in my opinion.

SarahD8

Veteran

I think LL Bean has great potential for you in terms of both style and quality -- could be a really good match for your approach to your wardrobe.

You will have to carefully seek out more polished /less gear like pieces but from the finds you've selected it seems you are already doing so.

The dance competition seems like a good opportunity to reconnoiter. Hope it goes well for both you and your daughter!

cat2

Veteran

I love their duck shoes for mud, and their boat totes for car travel. The smaller ones also make fun purse alternatives.

nemosmom

Veteran

$80 for a waffle tee?!?! It shows as $44USD on my end. Find one that you love and I will ship it to you myself!!

Runcarla

Veteran

30+ years ago I bought 4 LLBean canvas tote bags (#1) in their biggest size to use as grocery bags (in order to avoid plastic.) They are still going strong after 1560 uses or more! DH had one of their toiletries bags (#2) he used for the longest time (maybe 20 years?). I have one too (#3). Just recently I picked up the jacket (see Finds below) and really like it!

‘Vivienne Files’ uses a lot of LLBean clothing in the mock-ups.

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Sloper

Veteran

I have one of the big "boat and tote" bags - it must be over 40 years old. Personalized embroidered versions of the smaller bags make fun gifts.

I've also gotten good wear from a (men's) flannel bathrobe, and the women's "Comfort Mocs".

Anonymous

I like their ragg socks and organic cotton sheets and towels. LaPed posted about a pile fleece jacket that was very cool

Runcarla

Veteran

@ nemosmom - 1 USD = 1.265 CAD atm

lisaflex

Veteran

stuff lasts forever!!! washes so nicely.

Diana

Veteran

The big tote bags and the bean boots are both classics, and you should at least look at them. I have one of their plaid flannel shirts and it is super well made, very thick and warm. (Almost too warm sometimes!) I also have one of these fleece lined fleece hoodies which I love.
https://m.llbean.com/llb/shop/.....#038;pos=6

Sizing is generous, I do find them quite long and straight cut though so some thing s don’t fit me (short, curvy) so well.

And not clothing but we also really like their folding camp chairs. They’re really sturdy, pretty comfortable, and light enough not to be a hassle to carry around.

MsMaven

Veteran

I bought a few things at LL Bean online last year--it's been ages since I'd bought anything. Since I was probably going to be staying home through the winter, I wanted some comfy warm items for walks and for gardening. Kind of a color theme as shown below. I do love to wear these off red shades. I also bought a blue/white heavy cotton shirt that I wear as a jacket in summer. Everything in a size M.

I love the color of the corduroy shirt but I have a love/hate with the fabric--with all corduroy--it is fun until it's been washed a couple of times.

The fleece pullover seemed like a good idea, but it's a bit too tight on me and hard to get on and off. I wouldn't buy this again. Well, maybe if it were a color I love and if I tried an L. I will wear it this winter, but not as often as the other pieces.

I love the sherpa lined hoodie. Fits well, is comfortable for walks and errands, and even inside hanging around the house on a cold day. I'm looking forward to wearing it again in a couple of months. It washed well.

I hope this is helpful.

Women's Comfort Corduroy Relaxed Shirt

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Women's L.L.Bean Hi-Pile Fleece Pullover

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Women's Sherpa-Lined Hoodie

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Helena

Veteran

Thank you Sarah and SF; it's her last competition of what has to be the weirdest dance session in history, so I hope she just has loads of fun

Thanks everyone for the tips on what to look for! I think this is the big LL Bean store in Canada, so hopefully it will be fun to walk around.

Nemosmom, the exchange plus the upcharge to Canadians is a bit ridiculous!! Thanks for the shipping offer; I may take you up on it if I fall in love x

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

My immediate thought was duck boots too. Not an LLBean specialist by any means. Good luck to your daughter - will they film it for the parents?

NancyW

Veteran

I have a toiletry hang bag that has to be retired after the fabric that held the mirror rotted. However, my husband’s larger one is celebrating its 25th anniversary. I own a fleece (2017), a Breton like three quarter sleeve top (2009) and a matching hoodie (2017), a flannel shirt (2018) and an insulating vest (2017). Nothing is worn out or shabby and all get a good deal of wear. As others have said, a bit utilitarian, cuts are a bit blocky and colors can be murky. The totes are the greatest, the slippers get rave reviews, and the gum boots don’t fit my low volume feet. Check the sales rack, I got a terrific Pima cotton pajama set there in 2016!

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