Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Lusting After: L.L. Bean Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat

Well, I'm officially done shopping for F/W outwear.  It's a wrap. Game over.  See ya later.  My buddy Gabe alerted me to the coat to end all coats.  L.L. Bean's Black Watch Heritage Wool Duffel Coat is perfect - classic outwear silhouette, classic tartan.  Hell, the best tartan ever.  It's as bold as timeless gets, which as far as I am concerned is the definition of a must have.  This is a statement making coat, but that statement won't embarrass you in, let's say, 2 years.  The details are standard Bean fare.  The wool is of the Italian sourced 18 oz. variety and the jacket comes hooked up with Bean's Thinsulate insulation (as seen in their Bean boots) to keep you extra warm.  It's got traditional toggle closure, but also features a zipper (presumably YKK from previous experience) and backer buttons for when the wind really kicks up - that's a heavy dose of function to go with a full house of form.  Lots of brands seem to be on the cropped duffel tip these days, but for my money I want a 3/4 length to keep my ass warm - L.L. Bean hits you right above the knee.  If you don't trust me on black watch outerwear, and I know a lot of you don't, at least trust one of the greatest to ever do it.



-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Of course there is always an option for those of you who prefer to keep things stealth.]

30 comments:

  1. All the hidden compartments on the inside are worth the price alone. There is a place for your keys, dime bags, cell phone, condoms, etc. It does run a full size larger than normal though, so keep that in mind before you pull the trigger.

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  2. This is about as dope of a coat as I have seen, and for that price, I can't see a reason not to cop it. I was doing a post on essential outerwear today, and this immediately had to make it. Check it out, I'd love to hear what people think.

    http://mensstyle101.blogspot.com/2010/09/duffle-pea-or-top-coat.html

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  3. It's about fucking time you payed homage to L.L. Bean; it's been at least two weeks!

    Also, I don't understand why there is a link to "The Bean Boot Project" and there hasn't been any activity in months. Just drop the link already, you're not fooling anyone.

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  4. I don't think Lawrence could go one week without "copping" an article of clothing. Dude needs therapy or a girlfriend.

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  5. Anon- And by "two weeks" you mean one day, right?

    Also, The Bean Boot Project is my favorite thing I did on Sart Inc and I always like to keep it in the forefront because there are lots of great images/stories there. Who am I trying to fool?

    Terrance- You're crazy if you think I buy everything I post on here. Lots of these are simply items that I appreciate or am enthused about. With that being said, I am buying this coat.

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  6. I'd seriously advise against purchasing this coat if you are under 200 lbs. It will fit like a potato sack—which ultimately is L.L. Bean's mantra.

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  7. I don't know why anon wants you to take the bbl link down

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  8. Yeah, I have to agree with that. L.L. Bean is notorious for its oversized gear. You'd be much better off with a Club Monaco joint in the coming weeks. Save your cash flow.

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  9. I am so pumped for this. The instant I saw the pic, I knew I must buy, just like you L.

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  10. LAS, the Bean version in tartan is solid but if anyone needs a solid color duffle coat you cant go wrong with a Gloverall. Size down and grab one at STP with whatever 20-25% coupon you can find. I just bought a classic navy one for $150...cant beat that. That said, if I needed another option, Id def buy the tartan.

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  11. No, no, no! This coat has the absolute WORST fit. Lawrence will be adding this to the "My Bad" series he started as soon as he tries it on. Guaranteed.

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  12. Anon @3:22 (and anyone shitting on fit for that matter)- Have you tried this coat on? Is it really that bad? Even if I plan on sizing down?

    You guys are really bumming me out. This jacket looks so awesome.

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  13. I have been debating buying this for some time now but im worried about the fit as i have a slim frame. I know tommy has somewhat of a bad rep but this duffle is killer too anyone know about how it might fit in comparison? http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=489983&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

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  14. It is a coat, it is supposed to be some spacious on the inside to allow for multiple layers. Unless you plan on wearing only a t-shirt underneath, I dont think there will be a problem. The difference between good fit and bad fit in outwear is small. I would much rather have a slightly larger/roomier coat, than one that I cannot wear over multiple layers, in my opinion. Has anyone actually tried this thing on, or are we all just speculating?

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  15. I apologize for the awful number of typos in that post. I am attempting to simultaneously type and eat lunch. :)

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  16. That's a very nice woman's coat.

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  17. Lawrence - Yeah, I can attest to its slouchy fit. I tried it on last weekend at the Freeport, Maine location. And yes, I was wearing a shawl collar sweater when I tried it on, not a t-shirt.

    If you look at the back photo of the jacket, you can actually see how droopy it is from the frame of your body. Another immediate red flag is how it's listed as a "relaxed" fit, which is basically L.L. Bean's way of saying "this jacket is designed for the average overweight American man."

    I'd hate to see you go through the effort to purchase it just to find out exactly what I told you. So concerned yourself forewarned, amigo!

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  18. I copped a small today. I'm 5'7" and 165lbs. I have a wider back/shoulders so the relaxed fit/sized down should be pretty spot on. I also like to layer in the winter. Should have it by next week. I will do fit pics. I will prove everyone wrong. I will be looking great this fall.

    Haters be damned.

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  19. I only wear things that are skin tight. It's too bad that LL Bean doesn't have modern fits. I would want my nips showing through the wool on super cold days.

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  20. Shit is nasty. You'd buy a dog turd if it had black watch printing.

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  21. I'm a huge fan of duffle coats AND blackwatch plaid, but this coat is giving off a strong Paddington Bear vibe.

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  22. That would be so, you do you whipper snappers call it? Dope? If it only had rope and wood toggles in stead of the cheap looking horn and leather. LL Bean could fuck up an anvil with a rotten banana.

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  23. Just thought I'd throw this out there. It's a well-priced coat and probably a little bulky, per Bean's usual fit: take it to your tailor. $50 extra will get a perfectly fitted jacket.

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  24. A few years ago, i was on the( slightly obsessive) hunt for a duffel coat and looked at all the options out there. i ended up with the most authentic and the best in quality in my humble opinion. I hate to say it was the made- in-Italy-Ralph Lauren version: Wood and rope closure, extra heavy double faced melton wool, Brass bottoms on the hood for adjusting the opening, 2 bottom throat flap and two outside patch pockets. And I got it on sale at Bergdorf's for 350 bugs, down from 1200!

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  25. Add to above: A less expansive option but not less authentic to the RL Duffel is the Gloverall Monty. Same details and the real thing.
    The LLB is similar to the one Brooks Brothers are selling. Made in china for the masses. I'm sure it keeps you warm, but nothing for stylish purist.

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  26. They hav a very similar jacket to this at Uniqlo right now. I think same color scheme as well, but most definitely its a lined duffle.

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  27. The toggles are plastic as is the faux leather that fastens the toggles to the jacket.

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  28. Yeah, shame this doesn't have rope loops and wood toggles. It would be perfect.

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  29. I had the good fortune to find one of these in my local Goodwill for ten dollars today!

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