L.L. Bean Signature New Traditional Twill Suiting Review

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.

The Pros

• The Fabric: It’s some of the best feeling and moving cotton I’ve ever encountered.  Mid weight. Smooth.  Cool.
  .
• 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.
  .
• The Color: Not quite white.  But not yellowish khaki either.
  .
• The Price: Under $200?  More than fair.  If you catch a sale it can be had for as little as $130.
  .
• The Shape: Pre sculpted at the sides, high armholes, nice.
  .
• 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.
  .
• 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.
  .
• 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.
  .
• 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.