Anonymous wrote:LlL Bean! Lands end frumpy

LOL, look I am a HUGE LL Bean fan, but let's be honest - they are both frump.

Don't forget about Eddie Bauer. I've had good luck with them for coats, messenger bags and some other stuff as well.

LL Bean is better quality and more classic in the styling (won't look dated as quickly).

I am a pretty solid medium top in most brands (32G), but my LL Bean puffer coat is a small. And I can wear a vest and sweater under it and still breathe and move my arms. I think my North Face ski jacket is a large. So size down for LL Bean outerwear. They assume that you will be wearing layers.

LlL Bean! Lands end frumpy

It's items hold up well.

ll bean has the "prep" factor.

I think LL bean quality is better for most items, but not all. Both stores run large IMO. Or I should say they run matronly. If you are a M at Ann Taylor or Talbots then stick with a M. If you wear a medium in Patagonia, go with a small.

I'm your size in many brands, but in Lands End dresses and bathing suits I sometimes end up in a size 6 (with DD cups for the bathing suit tops). That said, a too big bathing suit is a problem, but with a winter vest, being slightly bigger is better than smaller IMHO.

Generally, I find LL Bean better for "performance" type outerwear, but if you're not going on a technical expedition in the wilderness, it probably doesn't matter.

I don't typically shop either brand, but both have exactly the sort of vest I want - longer length, lightweight, warm. L.L.Bean is much more expensive - acutally 3x the price since the Lands' End version is on sale. Is it really better quality? And can anyone comment on the sizing for either brand (do they run large or small)? I'm a size 8 and would typically wear a petite M, or regular M.