Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Commando Crew Neck Sweater

As other reviewers have mentioned, the sweater is a bit itchy. It has a classic wool sweater feel. I will have to wear a shirt underneath but with the crewneck, it's hidden. I bought the XS based on the stock left and the size chart - sure enough, it is more like an S I'd buy from other brands. It fit, so yes it's a good idea to measure first before buying your usual size. I was a bit worried but it's not tight at all. The gray color is like the photo; the patches have a sort of thin, soft canvas feel, and are sewn overtop the wool. The wool is fairly warm and the sleeves are long - they arrived rolled up like in the photo. So many small size tops have short arms and I'm happy these sleeves actually cover my wrists. Length is good - not short. Not a lot of feminine shape but that is what the photo showed (and the style) and is not sloppy. Overall I am happy, and am thrilled to find a commando sweater in a woman's cut. This looks and feels like it will last me years.

I asked LL Bean a few years back to make this sweater as well as their men's rag wool sweaters available in women's sizes and in the same muted, neutral colors for women. So very glad they listened!! I love their men's wool sweaters and colors, been buying them for my husband for over 25 years. When this sweater and the rag wool for women finally came out in these neutral muted colors, nobody could have been happier! Been stocking up on them ever since. Thanks LLB for always being the best and listening to your customers! Loyal customer since the 1980's.

I love this sweater and bought it in the late summer knowing that I would have to wait to wear it. I love the shoulder patches, the thickness of the wool and that it covers my lower back which is often so cold in the winter. Always I wear cotton under wool sweaters and my favorite is LL Bean Turtle necks..

I love this sweater. As others have said, it's too itchy on bare skin, but it looks great and is nice and warm.

I love this sweater! It is very warm and I like that it is 100% wool. The elbow patches are a great idea because I give this sweater a lot of hard use. It works perfectly for my daily chore driven life.

This sweater is really warm, plenty long in the sleeves, even for my arms, and hand washed well. It has a thick, durable weave, and the elbow pads will add to its lifetiime. Thank you, L. L. Bean.

I've been looking for a warm sweater that fits well...and I found one! It is a little itchy but that's the nature of any type of wool. I wear it with a lightweight button down or just a tank top. I usually wear a medium in LL Bean tops but the small fits perfectly with layers.

This sweater fits great (true to size) and is very warm. I wear a t shirt or cami under it. I love the ribbed knit. I gave it four stars because it has pilled when washing and I need to use my sweater shaver on it.

I love the unique shoulder & elbow trims that add a little something to a regular crewneck sweater. The sweater is very warm, a tad heavy and definitely feels like wool but I didn't have any issues with itching, however, I found it more comfortable with a camisole underneath. I got the black and will probably be ordering one of the other colors. I first ordered a Small but it was too narrow in the shoulders but the Medium was perfect. Torso is long enough, sleeves are appropriately long and I love the cuffs. For reference I'm 5'7", 130# and usually wear a 6 but like my sweaters a little loose. This is a great colder weather sweater!

I bought this sweater in grey in 2023 and have worn it numerous times. It's suitable for cold weather, which we have in abundance in Maine, but wearing it inside can be a little too warm if you're active. The sweater has a clingy yet boxy fit. The material is thick and somewhat stiff; it holds an accordion folding shape when it's "relaxed," like when sitting down. The patches add interest and texture; the patches are satiny and smooth in contrast to the wool cable. I don't find it overly itchy despite being all wool. It's a stand-alone and unsuitable for layering because the fit is so snug unless you wear it over a silk undershirt or some very light, thin material. For instance, I wouldn't wear it over a button-down shirt. The shoulder patches accentuate the shoulders and give a broader look to that area. It's a well-structured, well-made, very warm sweater with a nice retro fashion touch. I am 5'5", 155 lbs and got a L and could have gone M.

This is warm, but I wasn't thrilled with the style. Still, its warm and that's what I needed. But I liked my Bean waterfowl sweater better, as far as the style.

No shrinking when washed on cold and hung dry. 5’9 150 ordered a medium

I washed in the washer in cold and had no issue with shrinking. Hung to dry

Bought this for my daughter and she absolutely loves it. It is her new go to and wears it all the time. Warm, but not bulky. Good fit with no bulging in arms or around stomach. Well built. Will buy again.

Very comfortable and stylish. Love the spruce color.

This sweater looked too manly on me. It is boxy. Made well but just not for me

Color is MUCH darker than what is shown in the catalog or online. I returned this item.

I'm 5'7", 135 lbs. The Medium fit my broad shoulders and long arms perfectly. I ended up sending it back only because it was about 4" too long.

Im 57, 135 lbs. The Medium fit my broad shoulders and long arms perfectly. I ended up sending it back only because it was about 4 too long.

This sweater is heavier than I expected and I'm pretty sure that if you're a person who rests elbows on desks and tables, the rib knit will kill your elbows. It fit nicely and looked good, but on the bulky side.

I have to say these types of sweaters were made for the defense forces. My other half had one or two and I loved it because it was soooooo lovely and warm especially while on watch in the middle of the night or any time for that matter. You will never be cold with one of these jumpers!!!!!!

Love the design but wish it wasn't so itchy. I wear a long sleeve shirt underneath.

Love the design but wish it wasnt so itchy. I wear a long sleeve shirt underneath.

I purchased a very similar sweater from LL Bean a couple of winters ago so I came back for another. These sweaters are so much warmer than my cotton ones, I've become a wool convert forever! Only four stars because they are impossible to wash without shrinking, even in cold water and laying flat to dry. Fair warning: some people might find these itchy; I always wear something between it and my skin. Also, it is wool, so it smells like wool (i.e. sheep?) and it never goes away.

I like the teal color but it's darker than it appeared on my screen. You need to wear a long sleeve undershirt because it is itchy. It is warm.