Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Plus Size Primaloft Packaway Jacket

I have a black Primaloft Packaway zip up jacket from a few years back and I love it. It's lightweight for the in between seasons in NH. I'm 5' 4", 123 lbs, for perspective in my review. I have tried a couple of sizes and styles of the latest version of this jacket. I'll start with the full zip jacket. First, I'm not a fan of the plain unquilted pocket on the chest-just looks out of place. Second, the fit is totally different than the original cut. It's too fitted (kind of hour-glass cut) and the bottom wings out on the sides maybe to accommodate someone with wide hips? I also tried the anorak jacket. I could get the jacket over my head np problem but, very challenging to remove the jacket. Also, there is no zip option incorporated into the kangaroo pouch. The shell version of Bean's anorak has a kangaroo pouch and it incorporates a zip pouch, which is a great design. Needless to say, the Primaloft Packaway Jacket (all versions) were sent back. LL Bean...if something ain't broke, why fix it?

I returned it for 2 reasons - (1) fit was not good and ordering a different size would not have resolved that and (2) it was not warm enough for my needs. Didn't really like the color either.

Jacket had a great flattering fit throughout the bust and torso but the sleeves were incredibly short. I tried to size up but the sleeves were still too short.

Pro: this jacket is very lightweight and very warm. Cons: I ordered the red and expected a matte color, but it's very very shiney almost glittery. Also runs large- I got a medium and swim in it.

I have an older version of this jacket in petite that love. It is about 8 years old now so I wanted an update. But the sizing of the new jacket is larger and about 1-1.5 in longer than the older version. I returned it since I didn't love it for the cost.

Loved the color, style, and fit (the fit runs small so I ordered the next size up). BUT there was no warmth to it. I wore it with a turtleneck and chamois shirt in 40-45 degree weather and I was COLD. For the price it should of had a double zipper.

Returned it, it wasn't warm enough in 30 degree temps.

I loved my jacket until it got a small smear of jelly on it. I have tried everything I can think of and a dark spot remains.

I was really disappointed in the lack of loft; it feels flimsy. This is more a shirt weight than jacket weight. The Primaloft is very flat and skimpy in this jacket. I tried it on; I'm always a Med. size, with longish arms. I'm swimming in it, sleeves too long although I checked the size chart. Even with lots of layers this would still be too large for me. Cannot see how warm this would be in cool or cold weather.

This is my 3rd Packaway jacket. It is not warm at all like my other 2! The sleeves are too short and too tight. I will not be able to put another layer on except on the torso. I guess I should have sent it back for a bigger size but that wouldn't help the warm factor. I have loved this jacket in the past- great zipped pockets and terrific color!

I was disappointed in the quality of the outer material of this jacket. It seemed thin and somehow lacking in body..I'm 5'2" and weight 110-112 pounds. I ordered a small and found it way too roomy across the chest and shoulders. I needed it for a trip to Ireland and decided to leave it homeMay return it when I get backL. L. Bean, please don't start cutting corners on qualityhave always relied on you for long lasting, well fitting outdoor wear!

Like most llbean clothing it is cut for flat chested women . Most of your jackets don't fit me up top which is why.sadly, I have to return them. Hope springs eternal though, and I keep tryingMore specifically this pack away jacket is extremely tight in upper arm / shoulder area. No room for a heavyish sweater or simply to feel loose and free. On the other hand, the fabric the light weight and attractive texture is exceptionally good. However If you are busty forget it . In which case go for the 850, a very comfortable and becoming jacket with raglan sleeves. I have 3!

Long-time L.L.Bean customer, now very disappointed. The coat is designed beautifully -- but a small tear & piece of white fleece appeared in Week 2. L. L. Bean graciously sent a replacement. Now the SAME THING has happened. I am gentle with my clothes. Wearing the coat I walk or drive in the car. There are no sharp objects involved. I can only conclude that the outer material is very thin or poorly manufactured. I am very disappointed about the damage, and I am angry with L. L. Bean for what seems to be poor product control or testing. The coat is vulnerable to the most gentle use. What is to be done?

I really wanted to like this jacket. I'm trying multiple jackets in prep for an Alaska trip. I like the weight, but compared with others I've tried, it seems so thin & flimsy. I'm not sure why I didn't order a L petite, but I don't think it should swallow me as much as it does. I'm also not crazy about the contrast zippers. But that's an individual thing. I just don't feel that it's a good value, and I'd like to have something I'll love wearing next winter too, not just on the trip. I will say though, the marina blue color is absolutely lovely!

Really disappointed with the quality of this coat. It is sooo thin and the material isn't flexible at all. Was hoping to use this as a winter sports coat for walking/hiking and snowshoeing with layers. I sized up 2 full sizes and couldn't fit more than a light sweatshirt under it. Unfortunately, had to be returned.

Beautiful color, vintage lavender. Disappointed in jacket as the zipper was flimsy and didnt work at all. For the price of $159, the zipper should work properly and not be so cheap. I might have purchased this if the zipper had worked properly

I am really disappointed. The pictures do not depict a light weight jacket you can see light through. Ok, so I give it a try. Wore it outside, 30 degrees, wore a turtleneck shirt under it, within 2 minutes I was very cold. Could feel the cold hitting me especially on my back. Never expected to pay so much for such a cheap jacket. This would be ok for spring or fall but not winters in the northeast. I am returning it.

Returned-poor quality zipper a problem mow and a definite issue. Disappointed- really needed a jacket like this.

I work in television production. Everyone wears jackets like these so I thought that they must be warm. It supposed to be good to 35 degrees. Nope. Uncomfortable at 51 degrees. Even with a sweater layer under the coat it was still not much better. I wouldn't buy again. I'm thinking that a light weight coat is not worth $169. Half the price would be more reasonable. When you're cold, the name brand doesn't matter. As great as it fits, as beautiful as it is, back it will go.

So much for high-tech fabric and lightweight warmth. Returning.

I have this same jacket type in 2 colors from last yr. It was my go-to jacket. I gained some quarantine weight & wanted to get it in a bigger size. Read the reviews stating that Bean changed jacket, it was thinner w a different fit from last yr. I am usually a MP or LP. Jacket was big on top & bottom but snug in waist (where my extra weight is) in both those sizes. Should've kept the LP that I almost bought last yr-warmer and thicker. I prefer more substantial zipper-feels flimsy also. Please bring back the packaway from yrs past!!!! Exchanged this jacket for a LR-am layering under it even tho it's big on me.

This could have been 5 stars if it fit. It is very tight across the back shoulders and super tailored in the waist. I wear an XL in other LLB coats but not this one.

I love the color and style of this jacket, but the fit was off--too much fabric in the back of the jacket made it baggy. Sad to return it.

I have an older Primaloft Packaway that I love. I ordered this in hopes that it would be the same cut and style. It is not. This jacket is about 2" longer than my older one, and, although it says "slightly fitted" it is very cut in at the waist and way more fitted than the older one, as if made for an hourglass figure. I would exchange a petite, but will not take a chance on the cut in at the waist. Could we please go back to the older style?

Bought this over the summer. Just started to get cold so just started to wear. Only worn a few times and noticed has a small tear in it. So disappointed new jacket has a tear. For the price should not be so fragile.