Lands’ End vs. L.L.Bean: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to winter weather gear, not all apparel is created equal. And although there are tons of name-brands out there that produce good quality gear, there are two that truly stand above the rest: Lands’ End and L.L.Bean, both of which have been around for decades upon decades. While the two companies seem pretty interchangeable, there are actually a lot of differences between the two brands, which we’ll dive into below. From each brand’s history to the differences in clothing and gear they carry, here’s everything you need to know about Lands’ End and L.L.Bean. 

What Is Lands’ End?

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Lands’ End is a clothing brand that was started by Gary Comer in Chicago in 1963. The brand originally sold sailboat equipment for racing sailors and got its name through spelling mistake. After a misprint in the company’s first catalog accidentally placed the apostrophe after the “s” in “Lands” instead of in the appropriate place (the company’s name was originally Land’s End), Comer didn’t have enough money to fix the grammar mistake and reprint the catalogs, which is how the company got its unique trademark name. 

In 1977, the company shifted from focusing on selling sailing supplies to selling apparel, and now carries men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, ranging from outerwear, sweaters, and long underwear to casual tees, sport coats, and blazers, and even suits. Lands’ End also has a huge home selection which includes bedding, home decor, Christmas decor, kitchen and dining, kids bedroom decor, and more. 

What Is L.L.Bean?

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L.L.Bean has been a trusted clothing brand ever since Leon Leonwood Bean himself created the Maine Hunting Shoe in 1911, which came into existence after Bean returned from a hunting trip with cold, damp feet and had an “a ha!” moment, inspiring him to design a boot with a leather upper and rubber bottoms. This revolutionized the cold weather shoe game, and his business took off from there.

A decade after inventing the iconic boot, Admiral Donald MacMillan outfitted his entire Arctic Expedition team with L.L.Bean’s innovative boot, later writing, “My men are very enthusiastic over their experience with your foot equipment on our last Arctic Expedition, finding it extremely practical, especially for fall and spring work.”

In the years that followed, Bean introduced the company’s iconic field coat, launched a women’s collection, designed the iconic Ice Carrier, and more. Now, L.L.Bean carries men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing ranging from casual sweatshirts and fleece to outerwear, outdoor equipment, bags/luggage, and more. They also carry home decor, rugs, furniture, dog supplies, food, and holiday decor. 

What Are the Main Differences Between Lands’ End and L.L.Bean?

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Although both companies have a similar selection of products, including clothing, houseware, and holiday shops, there are a few key differences between Lands’ End and L.L.Bean. One of the main differences between the two brands is that Lands’ End carries a wider variety of clothing ranging from casual to formal wear, including suits, sport coats, blazers, dress pants, and more, while L.L.Bean carries more casual clothing that is suited for everyday wear, including basics like t-shirts, fleece, sweaters, sleep and loungewear, sneakers, and more. It is important to note that Lands’ End also carries casual garments that are comparable to L.L.Bean’s everyday basics, but is considered a little more versatile by those who have shopped at both companies. 

Another difference between the two brands is that L.L.Bean’s apparel is great for those who are looking for sturdy, reliable garments and technical gear – especially for those who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. L.L.Bean’s selection of clothing is more pared down than Lands’ End, so if you’re looking for more versatility in your clothing and are focusing on building a collection of activewear, loungewear, or casual apparel, then you may want to browse Lands’ End’s vast collection of clothing. L.L.Bean also has a huge selection of outdoor equipment, while Lands’ End doesn’t really have that option, so if you’re looking for outdoor gear, L.L.Bean should be your go-to. 

Must-Have Lands’ End Products

Every dude needs a go-to waterproof jacket hanging in their closet, and with the winter weather creeping up on us soon, purchasing the Men’s Squall Waterproof Insulated Winter Parka is a no-brainer. Not only is this jacket windproof and waterproof, it also boasts a three-piece hood, storm flap, three interior pockets, and a parka length to keep you warm and dry all winter long. It also comes in a variety of sizes, including regular and tall options, and is available in five colors, so you’re guaranteed to find your perfect fit and style. 

Another must-have piece of clothing from Lands’ End is their Men’s Bedford Rib Quarter Zip Sweater, which comes in a whopping 13 different colors, as well as traditional or tailored fits. It’s perfect for layering under your winter coat or wearing on its own with a pair of chinos and makes for an excellent addition to any winter wardrobe. Finally, with the holidays right around the corner, you have to check out their selection of Family Christmas Pajamas, which will make your day-of holiday photos look totally planned and put together. 

Must-Have L.L.Bean Products

If you’re looking for an insulated jacket that will withstand the harshest winter elements, check out L.L.Bean’s Men’s Trail Model Waterproof 3-in-1 Jacket, which features a waterproof Tek 2.5 recycled ripstop nylon outer shell and a water-resistant, which you can wear alone when it’s mildly wet or damp outside, and a windproof recycled nylon inner jacket, which you can wear by itself when the weather is a little on the dryer side. This jacket is best worn during light to moderate activity in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to below 10 degrees. 

Another must-have L.L.Bean product is the Men’s L.L.Bean Hi-Pile Fleece Jacket, which is perfect for when you want to stay warm and cozy without feeling weighed down. This fleece jacket is not only lightweight, but it also features a chest pocket with snap closure, is “reinforced at the elbows and shoulders for long-lasting wear,” and has zippered hand-warmer pockets to ensure you stay toasty warm on even the coldest days. 

Outdoor enthusiasts who are in the market for base layers will love the Men’s L.L.Bean Lightweight Base Layer Pants, which are perfect for layering hiking pants or other loose-fitting bottoms, and are designed to be used during transitional weather activities like camping or hiking.