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When L.L. Bean announced a series of stateside pop-ups for its Japan Edition last year, fans were predictably ecstatic. After all, for prep-pilled menswear enthusiasts, the cult-followed label holds a near-mythical status; the label’s ability to seamlessly integrate a Tokyo-esque casualness (in both fit and vibe) into L.L.Bean’s historic sportswear has earned it universal recognition as a north-star brand for a cohort of style-forward men engrossed in the rarified “city boy” aesthetic.
Unfortunately, multi-day events in Brooklyn and Los Angeles did little to satiate demand, and in the following months, fans wondered if the collection would make a triumphant homecoming. You no longer have to wait for an answer; as of today, L.L. Bean Japan Edition has officially returned.
While this weekend saw a repeat of last year’s pop-ups, the Japanese label isn’t stopping there. For the first time ever, L.L. Bean’s Japan Edition is receiving a mass-market rollout, launching in select retail stores and, importantly for shoppers outside of New York and California, online. While the collection is still quite limited, starting today, fans will have a chance to snag the legendary Maine-inspired daily wear at retail prices…at least until everything sells out.
The first widely available collection leans into many of Japan Edition’s greatest hits, with a number of classic heritage styles remade in modern, oversized fits and poppier, more puckish colors, only with a variety of new silhouettes. Including the variety of colorways, there are more than 20 styles available to the U.S.A.-based consumer, each with a uniquely Japanese bent on Bean’s distinctly American designs.
The hero item is undoubtedly the L.L. Bean Japan Edition Prospect Harbor Field Coat, an ultra-soft, slightly oversized lightweight jacket designed with classic prep signals — corduroy collar and cuffs, printed buttons — cut generously to emulate a Tokyo-esque boxiness and available in four stone-washed colors (Black, Blue, Saddle and Salmon).
Outwear anchors the collection — there’s also a full-length, recycled canvas version of the Field Coat, as well as a variety of other lightweight and packable styles. The nylon Milo Anorak, a playful homage to the ’90s, features the requisite adjustable drawcord and kangaroo pocket, while the zip-front Roxbury Jacket offers contrast coloring and slash pockets reminiscent of Bean’s archival sportwear.
Rounding out the capsule is a variety of boxy jersey knit graphic tees (featuring vintage L.L. Bean iconography of wildlife, naturally), front zip hoodies and a Bean-branded, 100% cotton canvas Market Tote retrofitted with extended handles for easier totability.
The latest L.L. Bean Japan Edition collection ranges from $40-$280, and is available to shop now, both in stores and online. Of course, it’s already flying off shelves — more than a few styles are sold out — but if you hurry, you at least have some chance at channeling your inner city boy.
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