Difference between LL Bean and Lands' End?

[Anonymous]

Also FYI, LL Bean ended their longtime lifetime warranty in early 2019. They now have a similar return/refund policy as other companies, no lifetime warranty on anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll be the outlier here and say I'm a fan of neither as I prefer Colombia.

I have found Columbia to be terrible. Every single children’s winter coat has had zipper issues and/or worn terribly. I even had one round of coats replaced per their warranty and the new ones came with issues as well. Never again

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on the products, too. I got a pair of sandals from Lands End a few years ago that wore out way too fast (and weren't comfortable enough), so I'm not willing to buy more shoes there. But I got a Lands End polartec fleece - used off ebay - this winter, wore the heck out of it, and just loved this stupid thing. I would def try more of their fleeces.

I feel like LL Bean is more "pretigious" or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a big LL Bean fan in the past - and I’m a former Mainer - but I will not buy anything full price from them anymore. Almost none of the clothing is made in the USA anymore, it’s all outsourced to Southeast Asia and China and the quality is not leaps and bounds ahead of Lands End. The do source some linens from Portugal that are very nice and probably worth full price, but if there is an outlet near you shop there instead - and/or shop the annual 25% off holiday sale.

A great place to get Patagonia, Columbia, REI and other pricey brands at steep discounts is Sierratradingpost.com - you don’t always get the full range of sizes/colors, but you can get incredible prices on first quality activewear, outerwear & gear.

some stuff on Sierra is factory seconds, that may be ok with you or not, just be aware

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:some stuff on Sierra is factory seconds, that may be ok with you or not, just be aware

Yes, and it’s clearly designated as such as required by law. Lots of great first quality items carried by them too. I believe it’s overstock, or colors/sizes that didn’t sell as well and the brand has pushed it out to secondary sellers like Sierra to make room for other products.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This isn't exactly what you asked for but the coats that have outlasted our llbean ones have been the Costco Gerry brand, they wear like nothing else a s wash beautifully

Agree! And a fraction of the price of either LL Bean OR Lands End. I have a rain jacket that I got from Costco ($29!) that is a dupe for one from LL Bean ($140). Is the quality the same? Probably not, but it is close enough to more than make up for the price difference.

My kids Gerry coats are nicer quality than either

[Anonymous]

I think the sizing is different. Lands Ends seems to run bigger & boxier than LL Bean. The kids coats from LL Bean have held up, so that’s a plus.

[Anonymous]

Both of them have similar quality for kids, but lands end offers more sales. My kids thought some of their patterns and colors were ugly (and my kids generally aren't picky), so check with them before you buy.
I prefer lands end for women's clothes. LL Bean runs short and boxy. I have lived in Lands End fleece pullovers and their starfish pants for the past 6 months and have been impressed by the quality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both of them have similar quality for kids, but lands end offers more sales. My kids thought some of their patterns and colors were ugly (and my kids generally aren't picky), so check with them before you buy.
I prefer lands end for women's clothes. LL Bean runs short and boxy. I have lived in Lands End fleece pullovers and their starfish pants for the past 6 months and have been impressed by the quality.

Yeah I agree that for kids, I’m not sure it matters and lands end does tend to be a bit cheaper.

For me, I’ve literally never found something at lands end that I’ve likes for myself, but I have a few things from llbean that I like (flannels, pullovers, sweaters).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:some stuff on Sierra is factory seconds, that may be ok with you or not, just be aware

Yes, and it’s clearly designated as such as required by law. Lots of great first quality items carried by them too. I believe it’s overstock, or colors/sizes that didn’t sell as well and the brand has pushed it out to secondary sellers like Sierra to make room for other products.

In googling sierra i see they are owned by TJX -- ie TJ Maxx. You can find really great stuff at TJ Maxx; if this is the same but for active/outdoor stuff worth a look.

[Anonymous]

I am from NH and have been wearing LLBean my entire life. I buy their puffer coats for my boys as they are good quality. However, LLBean never responded to me when I emailed them about recent online reports that some of their clothing was produced by forced labor in China, so I view them with some suspicion.

As a DC parent, I have also started buying very warm insulated jackets and snowpants from Lands End, which has frequent sales and is thus more affordable (helpful when it's only so rarely cold/snowy). The quality of their clothes has been great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there's a huge difference. Lands End has more sales. I think LL Bean is a little overpriced. Neither brand holds up the way it used to.

I don't know about LL Bean, but LE also has more use of recycled materials (eg, jeans made of recycled materials) and ethically sourced materials (like their down). I appreciate that in a business.

[Anonymous]

LL Bean has some nice, durable merino wool products. Their Cresta brand is good.

[Anonymous]

I've been buying Lands' End squall parkas for my kids for over a decade. They go through my two kids then to at least two of their cousins and still look great by the end. I agree that they have much better sales.

[Anonymous]

My son has this coat: https://www.landsend.com/products/boys-squall-waterproof-winter-parka/id_344487?attributes=9688,43307,43326,44258,44370,44967

It's held up well and looks new after a wash.

He also has these boots: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/124416?page=ultralight-waterproof-snow-boot-tall-kids&bc=474-651&feat=651-GN1&csp=a&pos=7

They have been his default footwear this winter. They are super light and performed well in the slush and snow.

I would say the quality is similar between brands for kids clothes. Look at items on both and choose what you like best.