Outerwear Buying Guide
Your guide to finding the perfect jackets and coats – whether you’re hanging out, heading out, or exploring more.
2 Min. Read | Winter
A family walking up a snowy winter hill with snow tubes.

The Right Outerwear for What’s Out There

The best jacket for you is the one that will provide the most comfort for what you’re doing. First consider which activities (or chores or errands) will take you outside most often, then choose something with the level of warmth or versatility you need.

RAINWEAR

From commuting to camping, drizzles to downpours, we’ve got waterproof jackets and shells that are right for any weather or adventure.

Whatever the condition, stay comfortable, dry and ready with our high-performing rainwear.

SHOP MEN'S RAINWEAR

SHOP WOMEN'S RAINWEAR
A smiling couple outside in the rain.

Best for Everyday Rain Showers & Light Adventures

Keeps you dry when you need it – and packs down small when you don’t.

Best for Wettest Conditions & Layering for Snowsports

The ultimate in protection and performance for serious mountain adventures.


A dial showing 'Warm'.
ALL SEASON

Best jackets for multiple seasons, milder temperatures, and layering up for long adventures.

These jackets defy seasonality thanks to their adaptability. They’re designed to provide lightweight comfort and weather protection when worn alone, and layer well when cooler air comes along, making them some of the best jackets for unpredictable weather.

SHOP MEN'S WARM OUTERWEAR

SHOP WOMEN'S WARM OUTERWEAR
Smiling woman outside wearing a fleece jacket.

Best For Cool-Weather Hiking

Soft, breathable and windblocking for superior comfort wherever adventures take you.

Best For Cool, Casual Gatherings

Warm enough for cooler days and stylish enough for the office or evenings out.


A dial showing 'Warmer'.
VERSASTILE WARMTH

Best jackets for fall to winter, everyday outings, and light to moderate adventures

These lightweight insulated jackets are the ones you’ll want to always have near the door. They’re super versatile, weather resistant and breathable, helping you feel great from morning commute to mountain peak.

SHOP MEN'S WARMER OUTERWEAR

SHOP WOMEN'S WARMER OUTERWEAR
Happy couple walking outside wearing down jackets.

Best For Everyday & Light Adventures

Everything you need in a down jacket and nothing you don't.

Best For Hiking & Layering

Super light and packable for active wear and warm enough to use as a midlayer.


A dial showing 'Warmest'.
COLDEST WEATHER

Best for all activities and everyday comfort in very cold conditions.

Hands down the best coats for winter’s worst, our heavyweight insulated styles provide optimal comfort for full days out in the toughest, harshest conditions.

SHOP MEN'S WARMEST OUTERWEAR

SHOP WOMEN'S WARMEST OUTERWEAR
A man and woman walking in the snow wearing L.L.Bean winter jackets and snow pants.

Best For Alpine Adventures

Rugged, warm and packed with mountain-ready features for all-day ski and snow fun.

Best For Winter Strolls and Après Ski

Cold-weather cocoon: designed for hood-to-hem coziness.


Find the Right Jacket Insulation

A feather with water droplets and the Downtek logo.

3 Reasons to Choose Down

Ounce for ounce, it’s nature’s best insulation. Ours is specially treated to repel water.

1. Light and Warm: Delivers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio that synthetics can’t replicate

2. Compressible: Stows easily, giving you an easy option to carry an extra layer

3. Long Lasting: Can last for years without degrading, with proper care

Shop Men's Down Outerwear

Shop Women's Down Outerwear

Primaloft material with water droplets plus Primaloft logo and text, recycled insulation content and water resistant.

3 Reasons to Choose Synthetic

Down-like comfort with no feathers and even more water resistance.

1. Keeps Insulating When Wet: Performs better than down in very wet environments and damp climates

2. Hypoallergenic: Won’t cause reactions in people who are sensitive to down

3. Easy Care: Unlike down, synthetics don’t require special care to clean and maintain

Shop Men's Synthetic Outerwear

Shop Women's Synthetic Outerwear


A boy in L.L.Bean outerwear.

Kids' Outerwear

Get kids cold-weather ready in our hand-me-down worthy layers. Cozy and durable, our outerwear provides toasty warmth and protection that lasts.

Shop Kids Outerwear


Email Us or Contact Us at 800-349-9130 | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (ET)