L.L.Bean
MakerAbout
L.L.Bean is a privately held retail company based in Freeport, Maine, established in 1912. The company operates its headquarters in Freeport and specializes in outdoor gear and apparel. The brand is widely recognized for its Bean Boots, which are a type of waterproof boot produced at company facilities in Maine.
About
L.L.Bean is a privately held retail company based in Freeport, Maine, established in 1912. The company operates its headquarters in Freeport and specializes in outdoor gear and apparel. The brand is widely recognized for its Bean Boots, which are a type of waterproof boot produced at company facilities in Maine.
History
Leon Leonwood Bean founded L.L.Bean in 1912 in Freeport, Maine. Bean initially introduced the Maine Hunting Shoe, which later became known as the Bean Boot. This shoe featured a design combining leather uppers and rubber bottoms to offer waterproofing. Early production faced challenges with product defects, leading Bean to replace faulty footwear and revise the original design.
L.L.Bean’s product offerings grew over the following decades, including the release of the Maine Duck Coat in 1924 and the Chamois Shirt in 1927. The company achieved $1 million in sales by 1937. The flagship L.L.Bean store began operating in Freeport in 1917 and has remained open 24 hours a day since 1951, with rare exceptions for significant events.
Manufacturing
L.L.Bean maintains manufacturing facilities in Maine. Products such as the Maine Hunting Shoe, Bean Boots, Boat and Tote bags, dog beds, leather items, and backpacks are produced in company-owned factories, including a location in Brunswick. In 2017, L.L.Bean opened an additional factory in Lewiston, Maine, with the capability to produce up to one million pairs of Bean Boots per year.
Construction and materials
The Maine Hunting Shoe, L.L.Bean’s original product, uses a construction that joins leather uppers to rubber bottoms, creating a waterproof seal. As materials science advanced, L.L.Bean incorporated composites such as Gore-Tex fabric for waterproofing and PrimaLoft for insulation in selected products. Sustainable textile initiatives include sourcing recycled materials and certified cotton for use in some product lines.
Products
L.L.Bean produces Bean Boots, a boot style originally introduced in 1912, which combines leather and rubber components. Other ongoing product lines include the Field Coat, first introduced in 1924, and the Chamois Shirt, available since 1927. The company released the Boat and Tote Bag in 1944, which originally served as an ice carrier and is now sold as a multi-purpose canvas bag. L.L.Bean’s catalog also includes backpacks, tents, outdoor equipment, and apparel for men, women, and children. Apparel offerings include outerwear and casual clothing designed for a range of outdoor activities.
