L.L.Bean Icons: Only the Best Since 1912
While the original Bean Boot still stands as a symbol of L.L.Bean today, we’ve introduced the world to several other products that have become icons in their own right. These are our most enduring designs – loved from the start for their craftsmanship and ingenuity, while constantly evolving with the times to be appreciated for generations.
"…No doubt the chief reason for the success of the business is the fact that I tried on the trail practically every article I handle.”
Leon Leonwood Bean, 1872-1967
L.L.Bean Icons: Only the Best Since 1912
While the original Bean Boot still stands as a symbol of L.L.Bean today, we’ve introduced the world to several other products that have become icons in their own right. These are our most enduring designs – loved from the start for their craftsmanship and ingenuity, while constantly evolving with the times to be appreciated for generations.
"…No doubt the chief reason for the success of the business is the fact that I tried on the trail practically every article I handle.”
Leon Leonwood Bean, 1872-1967
1912 Bean Boots
The Boot That Started It All
“The Maine Hunting Shoe is designed by a hunter who has tramped Maine woods for the past nineteen years. They are as light as a pair of moccasins with the protection of a heavy hunting boot.”
From an early ad for the Maine Hunting Shoe
Fed up with returning from hunting trips with cold, damp feet, our founder had a game-changing idea: pair a rubber bottom with a leather upper to create a boot that keeps water out and warmth in. Over the next century, the Bean Boot became a symbol of rugged outdoor comfort from the backwoods to the backyard, and everywhere in between.
Trends come and go, but the Bean Boot’s iconic design remains as relevant today as it did in 1912. They’re still made in Maine, in almost the same way, thoughtfully updated only when customer feedback calls for it. So, while you might not notice it at first glance, the current version has more comfort, softer leather, and better sizing than ever. Of course, you can still count on them to last for generations too.
1912 Bean Boots
The Boot That Started It All
“The Maine Hunting Shoe is designed by a hunter who has tramped Maine woods for the past nineteen years. They are as light as a pair of moccasins with the protection of a heavy hunting boot.”
From an early ad for the Maine Hunting Shoe
Fed up with returning from hunting trips with cold, damp feet, our founder had a game-changing idea: pair a rubber bottom with a leather upper to create a boot that keeps water out and warmth in. Over the next century, the Bean Boot became a symbol of rugged outdoor comfort from the backwoods to the backyard, and everywhere in between.
Trends come and go, but the Bean Boot’s iconic design remains as relevant today as it did in 1912. They’re still made in Maine, in almost the same way, thoughtfully updated only when customer feedback calls for it. So, while you might not notice it at first glance, the current version has more comfort, softer leather, and better sizing than ever. Of course, you can still count on them to last for generations too.
1924 Field Coat
Truly Timeless: Over 100 Years of Toughness
“Briars and underbrush will not snag this material. It is the toughest fabric known.”
L.L.Bean 1924 Catalog
First introduced in 1924 as the Maine Duck Hunting Coat, L.L. designed his iconic Field Coat to withstand the brambles and briars of the thick Maine woods, making it an instant favorite among outdoorsmen of the time. Over a century later, its rugged legacy lives on with the same look, heft, and durability that made it famous – now joined by a range of equally timeless, fashion-forward variations such as our 1924 Field Coat, Adirondack Barn Coat, and Lightweight Field Jacket.
1924 Field Coat
Truly Timeless: Over 100 Years of Toughness
“Briars and underbrush will not snag this material. It is the toughest fabric known.”
L.L.Bean 1924 Catalog
First introduced in 1924 as the Maine Duck Hunting Coat, L.L. designed his iconic Field Coat to withstand the brambles and briars of the thick Maine woods, making it an instant favorite among outdoorsmen of the time. Over a century later, its rugged legacy lives on with the same look, heft, and durability that made it famous – now joined by a range of equally timeless, fashion-forward variations such as our 1924 Field Coat, Adirondack Barn Coat, and Lightweight Field Jacket.
1927 CHAMOIS SHIRT
Endlessly Rugged. Exceptionally Soft.
“Absolutely will not shrink and is more durable than wool. The longer it is worn the more it feels and looks like chamois leather.”
L.L.Bean 1933 Catalog
Many L.L.Bean products toe the line between comfort and durability, but few do it as well as the Chamois Shirt. Incredibly soft, but tough as nails, L.L.’s heavy cotton shirt was designed to be a go-to for hunting and fishing trips. Today, it’s the 7.5-ounce brushed Portuguese flannel that keeps customers coming back for more – versatile enough to be worn as a shirt, a light jacket, or an essential layering piece.
1927 CHAMOIS SHIRT
Endlessly Rugged.
Exceptionally Soft.
“Absolutely will not shrink and is more durable than wool. The longer it is worn the more it feels and looks like chamois leather.”
L.L.Bean 1933 Catalog
Many L.L.Bean products toe the line between comfort and durability, but few do it as well as the Chamois Shirt. Incredibly soft, but tough as nails, L.L.’s heavy cotton shirt was designed to be a go-to for hunting and fishing trips. Today, it’s the 7.5-ounce brushed Portuguese flannel that keeps customers coming back for more – versatile enough to be worn as a shirt, a light jacket, or an essential layering piece.
1944 BOAT AND TOTE®
A Bag Built for the Long Haul
“A strong bag of builders’ canvas that serves a basket for wood, garden vegetables, fruit etc.”
L.L.Bean 1944 Catalog
Introduced in 1944 as Bean’s Ice Carrier for hauling ice from “car to ice chest,” our iconic tote has evolved into an unlikely status symbol. From the office to the beach, often with custom monograms that showcase a clever sense of irony, Boat and Totes aren’t just perfectly functional, they’re a perfect reflection of your personality. They’re also practically indestructible – handcrafted in Maine of heavyweight canvas and reinforced in all the right places. Tested to hold up to 500 pounds, they’ll carry more than you can. We promise.
1944 BOAT AND TOTE®
A Bag Built for the Long Haul
“A strong bag of builders’ canvas that serves a basket for wood, garden vegetables, fruit etc.”
L.L.Bean 1944 Catalog
Introduced in 1944 as Bean’s Ice Carrier for hauling ice from “car to ice chest,” our iconic tote has evolved into an unlikely status symbol. From the office to the beach, often with custom monograms that showcase a clever sense of irony, Boat and Totes aren’t just perfectly functional, they’re a perfect reflection of your personality. They’re also practically indestructible – handcrafted in Maine of heavyweight canvas and reinforced in all the right places. Tested to hold up to 500 pounds, they’ll carry more than you can. We promise.
1979 RAGG WOOL SWEATER
100% Wool for Generations of Warmth
“We wanted you to know how truly fine our L.L.Bean sweaters are. We have enjoyed them all these years and thought you might like to know.”
A letter from a customer, with photos of him and his wife wearing their same beloved sweaters—40 years apart.
Our iconic sweaters are made of pure premium lambswool yarns for seasons of comfort and warmth. While many competitors use lesser-quality blends, our yarns are richly textured and noticeably softer. Solid marled colors remain a popular choice, but it’s the bird’s-eye and Fair Isle patterns that stand out as true L.L.Bean classics – becoming vital symbols of our brand heritage, offering a sense of cozy-cool style that isn’t going away anytime soon.
1979 RAGG WOOL SWEATER
100% Wool for Generations of Warmth
“We wanted you to know how truly fine our L.L.Bean sweaters are. We have enjoyed them all these years and thought you might like to know.”
A letter from a customer, with photos of him and his wife wearing their same beloved sweaters—40 years apart.
Our iconic sweaters are made of pure premium lambswool yarns for seasons of comfort and warmth. While many competitors use lesser-quality blends, our yarns are richly textured and noticeably softer. Solid marled colors remain a popular choice, but it’s the bird’s-eye and Fair Isle patterns that stand out as true L.L.Bean classics – becoming vital symbols of our brand heritage, offering a sense of cozy-cool style that isn’t going away anytime soon.
