From Kim Knox Beckius,
Your Guide to New England Travel.
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I have been wearing my Comfort Fleece Cardigan from L.L. Bean all over New England this year, and I felt compelled to tell travelers, particularly those of you who will be visiting from warmer climes, all about this perfect extra layer for cool New England days and nights. You might expect a New England travel writer to own a few items of fleecewear, and you would be right. However, I've never raved about a fleece quite like this before.

Comfort and Style, Warmth and Softness

Maine-based L.L. Bean is always, of course, a reliable source of quality apparel for men, women and children. With casual yet sharp styling and their famous 100% guarantee, I often find myself turning to llbean.com when I am in the market for clothing to wear both at home in New England and during my travels.

I've even owned other L.L. Bean fleece cardigans before, but there is something quite unique about the retailer's new line of Comfort Fleece. For starters, it is the softest and most comfortable fleece jacket that I have ever owned. It's not as bulky as some fleece tops, so it hangs nicely and feels light and easy to wear. However, it provides ample warmth so that you're prepared for whatever surprises the New England weather has in store.

From cool, early summer nights at Old Orchard Beach, Maine, to breezy walks along the Cape Cod coast at sunset, my Comfort Fleece Cardigan has served me well so far this year (2004), and I am anticipating that I will continue to wear it through the fall and winter as the days turn crisp. My fleece is a rosy red color--each season, L.L. Bean introduces a new palette of fleece shades.

Ideal for Travel in New England

In addition to cardigans, L.L. Bean offers V-neck and Crewneck Comfort Fleece Pullovers and even a Comfort Fleece Vest that I have my eye on. The cardigan, though, is ideal for travel, as it is so easy to put on and take off if you are, for example, hopping in and out of the car or making your way in and out of shops. You can also tie it around your waist, so it is out of the way when the weather is warm but handy should the winds pick up or a sudden shower pass through.

One reason I really adore this fleece is that it is made with a touch of Lycra spandex, which helps it to hold its shape through many washings (it can be machine-washed on delicate cycle) and through the rigors of being stuffed into an overnight bag and tossed in the back seat.

A Feminine Fleece

One of the things I like best about the Comfort Fleece Cardigan for women is that it offers a feminine, tailored cut that makes it look more like a blazer or jacket than a sweater or sweatshirt. That means I feel perfectly at ease wearing it both when I'm out walking New England's trails and when I'm headed to a seafood restaurant for dinner. L.L. Bean currently has Comfort Fleece styles available for women and children, and this fall, they will debut a line of Comfort Fleece pullovers for men, too. I'm sure they will feature the same softness and durability, with a more masculine fit and a manly array of colors.

New England's weather is notoriously unpredictable, so winter, spring, summer and fall, it is always a good idea to pack layers. My Comfort Fleece Cardigan is now a staple of my travel wardrobe, a go-anywhere piece that is versatile, colorful, cuddly, comfortable and classic. If you will be traveling in the region and need an extra layer for summer evenings by the sea or fall days among the leaves, this is a purchase that will serve you well.

L.L. Bean Quick Tips

If you order from L.L. Bean frequently, you may want to apply for the L.L. Bean Visa card, which entitles holders to free shipping on L.L. Bean purchases.

If you're traveling in Maine, be sure to visit the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.