From Field to Fashion: The 100-Year Journey of the L.L.Bean Field Coat

Leon Leonwood Bean stood in his Freeport, Maine workshop, staring at the coat draped over his workbench. His hands moved over the fabric with a familiarity that came from decades of experience in the outdoors. L.L.Bean’s Maine Duck Hunting Coat was born from necessity—a piece of outerwear that could withstand the cold, wet and thorny woods where Maine hunters spent early fall mornings. While the coat was not L.L.’s first foray into outerwear, its rugged, timeless design would make it one of his most iconic.

Crafted from army duck––a durable, water-repellent fabric––the coat featured a deep, rubber-lined game pocket that spanned the back, a practical innovation that set it apart from other hunting gear. With corduroy-lined collar and cuffs, every stitch, every pocket was meticulously designed to serve a purpose, balancing functionality and comfort.

The coat quickly garnered the attention of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in Maine and beyond. L.L.’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction was embedded in every piece of his brand, and the Maine Duck Hunting Coat was no exception.

As the world braced for the increasing turmoil of World War II, L.L.Bean introduced the Sportsman Coat in 1940. It was an evolution of the Maine Duck Hunting Coat but with an added emphasis on versatility and ease of movement. This coat featured the rugged durability expected from L.L.Bean, along with extra design features like the bi-swing back and larger front pockets to hold shells or other hunting gear.

The Sportsman Coat continued to find favor among hunters and outdoor workers but also appealed to those simply navigating life in rural America during uncertain times. The coat had become a reliable companion, blending practicality with a touch of sophistication. During World War II, the durability of the Sportsman Coat, like many L.L.Bean products, became even more essential as materials were scarce, and outdoor gear needed to withstand the harsh demands of life on the home front and in the field.

In the post-war years, America was changing, and so was L.L.Bean. By 1947, Bean’s Sportsman Coat evolved into the Field Coat. The new name reflected a broader appeal as more people sought durable outerwear for general outdoor use. Hunters still loved the coat for its functionality, but it now attracted a wider audience, from weekend adventurers to those who simply appreciated its rugged style.

Keeping the brush brown color and durable army duck fabric, the Field Coat was designed for the woods but equally at home in-town. As America settled into peacetime prosperity, the Field Coat became a symbol of outdoor life—a versatile, tough garment that could transition seamlessly from work to recreation. The coat could be found on New England college and prep-school campuses before exploding in popularity during the late 1970s and 1980s.

In the years that followed, the Field Coat evolved from a simple piece of outerwear into an emblem of L.L.Bean. Each new generation of the coat saw subtle updates, but the essence remained the same: rugged, dependable and ready for adventure. Customers passed their coats down through generations, imbuing them with stories of hunts, hikes and fishing trips.

As the 21st century dawned, the Field Coat continued to evolve, finding its place in a world that had changed dramatically since 1924. The design team at L.L.Bean works tirelessly to ensure that new versions of the Field Coat meet the expectations of today's consumers while remaining true to the original spirit of the Maine Duck Hunting Coat. Modern customers appreciate the coat's blend of heritage and innovation.

Technological advancements in fabric production allow for lighter, more breathable materials that still retain the rugged durability that had made the coat famous. While some of the original details, such as the shell loops and rubber-lined game pocket, have been phased out for more casual use, the Field Coat remains a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and style-conscious individuals alike. Today, the Field Coat is a testament to L.L.Bean's commitment to heritage, quality and innovation.