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Behind the Design: Bean’s Insulated Utility Jacket

Join us at L.L.Bean headquarters for an insider’s look at how we create our next-generation product for next-level comfort.

4 Min. Watch | Buying Guides

A Tradition of Problem Solving

L.L.Bean was founded in 1912 on the ingenuity of one man and his desire to walk more comfortably through the woods. Ever since then, we’ve been obsessed with delivering quality goods that help people enjoy more time outside. The Bean’s Insulated Utility Jacket – along with our entire Utility collection – is just another story in our long line of problem-solving styles, designed for warm, rugged comfort that looks as good as it feels.

The Need: Outerwear That’s Easygoing and Hardworking

A good product developer doesn’t just see a gap in our product assortment; they see an opportunity to fill it. For years, we’ve had lightweight insulated outerwear for mild days, heavyweight insulators for the coldest days, adaptable pieces for transitional weather, and performance pieces for active days – but never a full outerwear collection dedicated to rugged durability. For Product Development Manager Jon B., the opportunity was clear: create something stylishly casual, yet exceptionally tough, that could take on whatever the day had in store: from yard work to dog walks to dinner out.

“What I love about outerwear at L.L.Bean is the purposeful, functional decision making. Every fabric, every design detail, has a reason for being.”

Jon B., Product Development Manager

“What I love about outerwear at L.L.Bean is the purposeful, functional decision making. Every fabric, every design detail, has a reason for being.”

Jon B., Product Development Manager

The Solve: Purposeful Fabrics, Fill and Finish

First introduced in the fall of 2019, our Utility Jacket was an instant five-star customer favorite. Customers raved about its fit, feel and versatility. It was so popular, in fact, that our outerwear team decided to make it even better. The updated Utility Jacket was introduced in 2025 with a new softer, more abrasion-resistant fabric that exceeded our in-house stress tests, hardworking PrimaLoft Utility insulation that sets the standard for resilience, and tons of purposeful details you won't find in typical workwear.

Jon and his team changed the game. This jacket has all the right rugged style, combined with plenty of comfort to make it an everyday favorite. Easy to wear, tough to wear out, with no fussy special care needed.

“As an outdoors person myself, nothing is more rewarding than seeing other people enjoy the products we make.”

Jon B., Product Development Manager

“As an outdoors person myself, nothing is more rewarding than seeing other people enjoy the products we make.”

Jon B., Product Development Manager

It’s All in the Details

Listening to input from merchants, designers and customers, Jon and his development team focused on creating a jacket that offers exceptional durability inside and out – as well as purposeful design details built throughout.

Greater Mobility

Bi-swing back, underarm gussets, inverted pleat, and articulated sleeves move with you.

Easier Snap Connection

Built-in finger loop ensures secure closure with less effort.

Reliable Resilient Warmth

60 grams of PrimaLoft Utility insulation – PrimaLoft’s hardest-working, longest-lasting insulation yet.

Extra Durability

Triple-needle stitching throughout – the same extra-durable construction used on our iconic Bean Boots.

Discover our Insulated Utility Collection

The Bean’s Insulated Utility Jacket is the newest addition to our popular Men’s Utility Outerwear Collection, designed to feel great today and get even better with time. Our rugged styles for women include the popular Adirondack Barn Coat and 1924 Field Coat, inspired by our legendary original Field Coat.

For more product videos, tips, tricks, and outdoor inspiration, visit Explore L.L.Bean.

Jon B smiles for the camera

About Jon B., Product Development Manager, Outerwear

Jon has worked for L.L.Bean for 16 years – and has always been involved with outerwear. He loves stand-up paddleboarding, boating, skiing, and developing products for customers to enjoy for a long time. It gives Jon great joy to see L.L.Bean products out in the wild and he’s known to share a few fun nuggets and stories behind the design with strangers. (Did you know these Utility styles are literally washed with stones for that broken-in stonewashed look and feel?)

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