The eBay Chronicles #002
LL Bean Knitwear
As I arrived back in Vermont after a refreshing summer by the coastal waters of New England, I felt the crisp air slowly making its way into my lungs. We had a few colder days last week and I found myself reaching for my fall wardrobe with a smile on my face. This summer felt longer than most, whether it was the sweltering heat or high and inescapable humidity it felt as if it kept going. Growing up as a local of a beach town the summer was always a long buzzing affair with tourists coming in and out en-masse; the first cold days in August always gave me something to look forward to; to the beginning of the slower life. In that fall wardrobe one piece I was wearing was my trusty LL Bean Cardigan. This was a garment that I gave a second life from eBay, the plush and soft Lambswool in a ribbed knit provides a loose yet cozy feeling that remind me of winters coming. In the last few years that I have been collecting LL Bean knitwear this stacks up as one of my favorites. The tight stitching around the collars and shoulders provides just enough structure to keep shape on a hanger although not too much as to inhibit movement. This piece is still sold by LL Bean new for around $120 but can frequently be found online for much less. I got mine for $50 on eBay with shipping in great condition. It is very low maintenance and if you treat it well, it will treat you well for years to come. LL Bean Knitwear is great for fall and has been trusted by New Englanders for generations. From sweaters to shawls they have continued to make great products in and out of Maine for years. Although you should take caution with what you buy; LL Bean has slipped in recent years with fabric choices but many of their products are still in their heritage quality so check the details and confirm with the seller on any info they have about material and origins of the garment. Many of their products used to be made in Freeport, Maine although if i recall correctly this is reserved only for their Bean Boots now. The foreign construction from countries like Jordan I have found to be of higher quality to the East Asian made ones. The other piece of knitwear I recently purchased second-hand from LL Bean is a Vintage Ribbed Wool Sweater from the 1980’s or 1990’s. The Fisherman’s knit stayed as timeless as can be although the wool is quite itchy and fits large. Itchy wool can sometimes be an indicator of cheap materials although Vintage LL Bean knits normally use high quality wool so in this case I think it is due to the extra-coarse nature of the material. It is most comfortable worn over a shirt and the sleeves are of an older style. The sleeve cuff is over 4 inches (~10cm) compared to the more modern 2-to-3-inch (5-8cm) styling we see today. This sweater is a friendly reminder of how clothing has changed, the cuffs have no elastic or tight knit, just a traditional garment with no frills or features. I do not find it easy to wear this sweater very often although when I do it is usually because of the temperature outside (it is the warmest sweater I own) instead of a fashionable reason although it can be a decent look if you find the right shirt and Corduroys to pair it with. Overall, LL Bean knitwear is something I would recommend seeking out second-hand although the old sweaters I may stay away from in the future. LL Bean may be worth a look on eBay if you are in the market for some traditional knitwear. Good luck hunting.
