Lands' End vs L.L.Bean: which sweater to buy, and when
Both land in the budget tier: the Lands' End Supima Cotton Crew Sweater at $55, the L.L.Bean Cotton Ragg Crew Sweater at $60, $5 apart. Here is how they stack up, head to head.
| Lands' End | L.L.Bean | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 | $60 |
| Material | Supima cotton, lambswool or cashmere blends depending on style, mid gauge. | Cotton, cotton-ragg or lambswool depending on the style; mid-heavy gauge. |
| Fit | Classic traditional fit, true to size; wide size range. | Traditional roomy fit, true to size; reads classic, not trim. |
| Quality | Solid for the price — durable, classic, well-finished; cotton styles less warm than wool. | Durable heritage build — sturdy knit, holds shape, backed by a generous return policy. |
| Best for | Classic everyday layering, a wide size and colour range, and dependable value. | Classic cold-weather layering, durable everyday wear, and traditional styling. |
| Care | Wash per the fibre; Supima cotton machine-washes, wool needs a wool cycle. Lay flat to dry. | Wash per the fibre (cotton machine-washes; wool needs a gentle wool cycle); lay flat to dry. |
Lands' End at $55 and L.L.Bean at $60 are both dependable heritage knits, and the $5 between them mostly buys a heavier, sturdier build. The Lands' End leans on Supima cotton with a wide size and color range; the L.L.Bean is a roomier, mid-heavy ragg knit backed by a generous return policy. Neither is warm like wool, but both are built to last.
- The case for Lands' End
- $5 cheaper, Supima cotton, wide size and color range, frequent promotions
- The case for L.L.Bean
- Heavier sturdier knit, holds its shape, generous return policy, classic roomy fit
VerdictThe pick
Pick the Lands' End if you want the softer Supima hand, more color and size choices, and the lower price. Pay the extra $5 for the L.L.Bean if you want a heavier, shape-holding knit and the safety net of its return policy. Both are long-haul value, so the choice comes down to fit preference: trim-classic versus roomy-traditional. Color and size selection tips it toward Lands' End for most people.
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