For those of us lucky enough to partake in east coast living (and inevitable winter weather), it’s common knowledge that finding clothes to stymie chill and slush is a long-term process. There are a select few new jackets here or on-sale flannels there that do the trick, but just as often, your go-to winter boots come from the back of dad’s closet, not fresh from the mall. Indeed, there’s a real draw and comfort in hardy hand-me-downs: the sentimental value, but also the tangible long-lost quality construction of a pre-fast-fashion world.
L.L. Bean is tackling the age-old question of whether “to buy or to raid the family home attic,” with the enticing answer of “why not both?” The Pre-Loved Collection is the company’s first endeavor of kind, following in the trail-blazer footsteps of thrifting-obsessed teens to launch a virtual vintage sale via the legacy outfitter’s Instagram. Sourced from flea markets and fairs across the country over a multi-year process, each item has been thoroughly refurbished and re-tagged, while maintaining that lobster-loving charm we’ve come to expect from the outdoor brand.
The Pre-Loved collection is set to release in three weekly installments, Oct. 13-27, and features fleece to flannels and back. The first drop, centered around shirting and light layers, is impeccably catered to modern sensibilities, despite the pieces’ varying ages; a straight-out-of-the-‘90s Chamois Shirt (pictured below) in a stunning forest green is one of our personal favorites, as is the fall-ready checked Maine Guide Shirt.
The 28-item collection is available for purchase via the in-app Stories feature. Set your alarms, dust off your credit card, and let the folks know you won’t be home with a duffle and ulterior motives this year: L.L. Bean has you covered.
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