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Affordable Men's Style

L.L. Bean Signature New Traditional Twill Suiting Review

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L.L. Bean Signature New Traditional Twill Blazer – $135 | Matching Pant – $59

Dress shirt by Alfani Red (pinstripe currently unavailable) | Tie by Clubroom, close match BDG – $24

Not all of you will like L.L. Bean Signature’s ultra-casual traditional twill suit separates.  But some of you will love them.  Consider me in the latter category.

It’s difficult to feel 100% totally at ease in a suit.  Even if it’s your favorite, impeccably tailored, compliment-generating two or three piece machine, you still feel suited up.  A suit just isn’t something you’re ready to flop down on the couch and take a nap in.  Even the more relaxed cotton chino or linen versions that are ready for summer can make you feel a little less than totally relaxed.

By now you know where I’m going here.  This one is the exception.  It’s so relaxed, but still has the right shape and details, that you might put it on one early evening this summer for the hell of it.  You and the missus might not have precise plans, but she’ll get kinda dolled up to go out and you’ll reach for this.  And she’ll like that.  And so will you.

Click for the full size

The Pros

  • The Fabric: It’s some of the best feeling and moving cotton I’ve ever encountered.  Mid weight. Smooth.  Cool.
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  • The Construction: It’s got hardly any lining, but thanks to the fabric it’s not limp.  Perfect for warm spring and hot summer days.
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  • The Color: Not quite white.  But not yellowish khaki either.
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  • The Price: Under $200?  More than fair.  If you catch a sale it can be had for as little as $130.
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  • The Shape: Pre sculpted at the sides, high armholes, nice.
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  • The Versatility: It can easily be broken up into a sportcoat that’s denim ready, and chinos you can wear with anything.

The Cons

  • It Runs a bit large:  I’m right between a 38-40.  Glad I went with the 38.  It’ll need a touch more tailoring at the sides but I like my jackets to fit like a glove.  No big deal at all.
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  • The Uber Casual Stitching: The wider belt loops, patch pockets, and the detailing at the tip of the jacket make it a little more casual than some might like.  I won’t hesitate to wear it to a wedding though.
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  • The Shoulder pads are more than I was expecting: But since the jacket is so relaxed and casual, they give it a non schlumpy shape.  I wouldn’t even call them strong.  See the pics.  Not noticeable.
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  • The Slightly Long Sleeves:  They’re a touch long, and with the functional buttons at the cuffs, this might present a challenge to my tailor.  We’ll see.  Still, not a big deal to me.

The Bottom Line

I paid $130 for it during a sale and it’s already become my favorite suit.  I still really like and rely on my medium to light grey Indochino Ultimate 3-piece for business and dressed up affairs.  But this?  For $130?  I can’t wait for it to warm up.  In the meantime I’ll be wearing the hell out of each piece separately.  After a small amount of additional tailoring of course.

From Left: The patch pocket and jacket stitch details, the slightly long sleeves, the minimal lining.

Comments

  1. That’s how the jacket fits BEFORE tailoring!?

    I’m afraid to ask but I have to: How does it compare to the J.Crew Chino Ludlow sportcoat in terms of fit and material?

  2. I recently tried on the darker khaki version (moss, I want to say), and I agree with all of the above as it applies to fit and fabric. Color-wise it seems this set really only works out in the near-white that Joe reviewed. Anything darker and the faded, almost-distressed points on the lapel and edges push the jacket into looking far too casual for a suit of any kind. The near-white would look sharp yet carefree at a summer wedding, the “moss” might look like you didn’t really try.

  3. Is that what they list on their site as the “Khaki”? The picture on the website makes the khaki look like it’s glowing white…

  4. I really like the fit, on this. A little tailoring and it’s going to be great. I have been considering this for a while now, but the contrast stitching has kept me hesitant. I’m afraid this pictorial has confirmed my fears. The stitching is just too distracting for me. I like the fabric, the color, and the relaxed, laid back fit of the suit, but my eyes are continually drawn to the stitching.

  5. I got this, too, and agree with everything. The only real thing that had me scratching my head was the extremely wide pant legs at the cuff. Having them tapered is no problem, but it seemed kinda crazy considering the fit of the rest out of the box.

    Lucky for me, I have long arms, so the length was perfect. The pick stitching on the cuff and the working buttonholes would otherwise make for a tricky adjustment.

  6. nice. I picked up the plain weave suit last fall for around the same price. I cant wait to wear it but like you said it needs a little tailoring.

  7. Yep, this is the Khaki. It’s not as white. But it’s not a yellowish khaki either. I’m a big fan (obviously) of the color.

  8. This isn’t a word, but, I’d say it’s more “Rumpley.” Both in fit and material. But I dig that. And when I get it dialed in it’ll be a unique blend of sharp tailoring and laid back fabric.

  9. LEC has a chino jacket that matches their slim chino pants. I think the entire combo (with free shipping promo) was south of 150. The pants are slim (fuller than Rugby’s Univ. Chino/ slimmer than the J.Crew Classic cut). The jacket has slim arms (can’t wear a sweater with it) and high arm-holes (which I preferred). Working surgeon cuffs, bucket pockets and a 1/3 lining. I’m very pleased with the purchase.

    Just a thought for comparison.

  10. They aren’t on sale, but LEC just launched an extra 30% off their already reduced items sale. Code is CANVAS30 and the pin is 1107. Workin’ on something for Monday.

  11. I did the same thing a couple of months ago, I have a casual summer cotton suit for $130. For some reason, I find that navy cotton looks better than navy wool. I got my tailor to slim down the pants and bring in the sides of the jacket for less than $20.

  16. That color shirt was a mistake for that suit i think, it nudges towards casting a pinkish hue when the eye blends both….really not a huge fan of this suit. Why not just go a light grey in the summer?