These photos were taken before the stay-home orders were issued
One index term that makes my eyes light up is “fleece-lined” (or, better yet, shearling-lined… swoon). I can’t tell you how many of my purchases are driven by or sealed with this detail; it’s my second favorite keyword, just after “zippered pockets.”
In my closet are fleece-lined leggings (would recommend with reservation), sherpa-lined boots (more like sherpa-trimmed, but would nevertheless recommend), and shearling gloves (would recommend enthusiastically… the only brand of gloves that keep my hands warm). They make winters cozier and a little more tolerable.
One of my favorite sherpa-lined items is the L.L.Bean Sherpa-Lined Hoodie: it’s extremely comfortable to wear (like being hugged by a teddy bear) because the body and hood are lined in a super plush (so soft and cozy!) sherpa fleece (100% polyester). The lining, which is substantial, does add a bit of bulk (the style is by no means “slimming”) but also adds warmth. My only complaint is that the sleeves are not lined in fleece, but LLB claims that unlined sleeves make the hoodie easier to take on/off (I have doubts about the veracity of that claim).
The fit is relaxed but true to size. I wear a size Petite XS in this style, which fits me well with a medium-weight sweater and a thin base layer.
While $79 (or $89 for plus sizes) is a lot to spend on a hoodie, the L.L.Bean Sherpa-Lined Hoodie is very well made and a more premium option compared to fast fashion offerings. It’s an evergreen style so doesn’t get discounted at the end of a season, but you can wait for a storewide sale and get 10-15% off.
I own a few other hoodies with sherpa lining, but the L.L.Bean one is my favorite, by far. For those of you in the market for new hoodies, here are two more options to consider:
♥ The Uniqlo Pile-Lined Sweat Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Hoodie (regular price: $39.90; the fit is true to size) is soft enough and comfortable enough at its price point, but the pile lining is noticeably thinner than the L.L.Bean one so feels less luxe. Like the L.L.Bean hoodie, the sleeves are also unlined. It’s a reasonable option, all things considered.
♥ Amazon’s Essentials Women’s Sherpa-Lined Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Jacket (regular price: $29.90 / Fit: runs somewhat short in length so size up if you are tall) is another acceptable option; but, like the Uniqlo and L.L.Bean hoodies, only the body and hood are lined in sherpa. It’s also a noticeably thinner jacket, so might be more suitable for late spring or early fall.
Do you have a favorite hoodie?
