North Face vs. LL Bean

[Anonymous]

I went through an obsessive research process where I weighed exactly this issue about three years ago and ended up w the ll bean. After living in a harsh climate for a while before moving to DC I now only take "stats" into consideration when dealing with outerwear. The ll bean has objectively more warmth (check out down counts) and has detailing that makes a major difference, particularly cozy fleece neck and pocket lining. The stiching is also better.

Also in regards to brand stuff, it's not my first priority but I'm not immune to it. Most people think of llbean and lands end as sort of old money New England, not flashy, but certainly part of a lifestyle. At least this new Englander always assumed that. North face is flashier and a great brand but a little nouveau.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The links show men's jackets. If you're buying for a man, the slimmer fit of the NF probably isn't a big factor.

For a man, definitely get LLBean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The links show men's jackets. If you're buying for a man, the slimmer fit of the NF probably isn't a big factor.

For a man, definitely get LLBean.

This. Real world fits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The links show men's jackets. If you're buying for a man, the slimmer fit of the NF probably isn't a big factor.

For a man, definitely get LLBean.

This. Real world fits.

Unless you are a woman over 5'8". I hate that ll bean doesn't off tall sizes for women. I'd love to buy from them, but only but Patagonia and nf for the longer arms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LL Bean is an old brand that appeals to the middle-aged, like me. I love LL Bean. It's not fashionable, but mostly timeless. I have a few fleece jackets from LL Bean that I love. They are warm and well-made and last a long time. Ditto for their polo shirts. I bought several for DH and for the kids, and they last forever. I did buy DD a North Face jacket, which she wore until it practically wore out. She was on the cutting edge of fashion, but stopped wearing it when all her friends started buying North Face jackets (micro-down, or whatever it's called). Now she wears a dumpy, Army-green jacket that's all the rage with her friends. Not my style, but I'm not a teenager.

Oh, sorry, OP. Get the LL Bean jacket if you like it. It's probably better made than the North Face jacket, which is not worth the price at all. And North Face is out, according to DD.

I went to prep school in New England a hundred years ago, which is where I first learned about LL Bean - the kids there used to wear the shoes out, then return them and get a new pair. The flannels were big then, too. I still think of those are clothes that kids too right to care what they look like wear, because of that formative exposure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LL Bean is an old brand that appeals to the middle-aged, like me. I love LL Bean. It's not fashionable, but mostly timeless. I have a few fleece jackets from LL Bean that I love. They are warm and well-made and last a long time. Ditto for their polo shirts. I bought several for DH and for the kids, and they last forever. I did buy DD a North Face jacket, which she wore until it practically wore out. She was on the cutting edge of fashion, but stopped wearing it when all her friends started buying North Face jackets (micro-down, or whatever it's called). Now she wears a dumpy, Army-green jacket that's all the rage with her friends. Not my style, but I'm not a teenager.

Oh, sorry, OP. Get the LL Bean jacket if you like it. It's probably better made than the North Face jacket, which is not worth the price at all. And North Face is out, according to DD.

I went to prep school in New England a hundred years ago, which is where I first learned about LL Bean - the kids there used to wear the shoes out, then return them and get a new pair. The flannels were big then, too. I still think of those are clothes that kids too right to care what they look like wear, because of that formative exposure.

Totally right up there with bell bottoms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Totally right up there with bell bottoms.

I like bell bottoms and am currently looking for some jeans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LL Bean is an old brand that appeals to the middle-aged, like me. I love LL Bean. It's not fashionable, but mostly timeless. I have a few fleece jackets from LL Bean that I love. They are warm and well-made and last a long time. Ditto for their polo shirts. I bought several for DH and for the kids, and they last forever. I did buy DD a North Face jacket, which she wore until it practically wore out. She was on the cutting edge of fashion, but stopped wearing it when all her friends started buying North Face jackets (micro-down, or whatever it's called). Now she wears a dumpy, Army-green jacket that's all the rage with her friends. Not my style, but I'm not a teenager.

Oh, sorry, OP. Get the LL Bean jacket if you like it. It's probably better made than the North Face jacket, which is not worth the price at all. And North Face is out, according to DD.

I went to prep school in New England a hundred years ago, which is where I first learned about LL Bean - the kids there used to wear the shoes out, then return them and get a new pair. The flannels were big then, too. I still think of those are clothes that kids too right to care what they look like wear, because of that formative exposure.

Totally right up there with bell bottoms.

Straight leg Levis, in my day.

[Anonymous]

LL Bean may be good quality but The North Face is better. Yes it may be a little bit expensive but their quality is wonderful. I bought a jacket 20 years ago and I still have it today. Great quality. Thanks North Face!

[Anonymous]

With North face you're paying for the logo. If you're a Lexus person vs Toyota but the North face.

Btw if you live in new England no one wears North face. Pategonia, columbia, sure, and of course LL Bean because the quality and value are worth it.

[Anonymous]

LL Bean - New Englandy / preppy

North Face - college kids and annoying fratty adult guys and girls

Eddie Bauer / Columbia- west coast middle aged folk and outdoorsy folk

Patagonia - no comment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LL Bean - New Englandy / preppy

North Face - college kids and annoying fratty adult guys and girls

Eddie Bauer / Columbia- west coast middle aged folk and outdoorsy folk

Patagonia - no comment

Patagonia is headquartered in CA and was big there when I lived in San Francisco. I also saw a decent amount of Columbia (which is headquartered in Oregon). I didn't see as much North Face or LL Bean.

[Anonymous]

I don't see anyone who really skis or who needs to be out in cold weather wearing North Face. To me, that's a fashion brand. I know their more expensive stuff is high quality, but that's not what most people around here are wearing.

I'd prefer people wear anything but North Face.

[Anonymous]

My husband works outdoors in every season. We live in Massachusetts so you can imagine the winters here. He's dressed head to toe northface, it is great quality stuff. He actually sweats. I've never bought ll bean, don't know anyone that would say choose them over northface honestly. I know nothing about ll bean personally. But if you want quality, northface is def worth spending the extra money. If you're honestly worried about your kids getting beat up over northface on their clothes, it might be time to consider moving. Just saying

[Anonymous]

To the anonymous saying new englanders wear ll bean, ummm, where? Bcuz i've been in new England over 40 years, everyone I know wears northface for the quality. Some wear ll bean but def not more than northface.