L.L. Bean
Freeport, Maine outfitter. Its labels move from the founder's signature script to a serif wordmark and finally the 1987 'Sunrise over Katahdin' logo.
- Origin
- USA
- Founded
- 1912
- Category
- Outdoor & Heritage
- Documented eras
- 3
How L.L. Bean labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1950–1969
Signature Script Label
Mid-century L.L. Bean used the signature script of founder Leon Leonwood Bean on its labels.
- Founder's signature script logo
- Freeport, Maine address
- No ZIP code before 1963
- Woven label
How to spot it
The handwritten-style 'L.L. Bean' signature and, often, a ZIP-less address.
Value signal
Signature-script Bean is desirable, especially hunting and field pieces.
1969–1987
Serif 'L.L.Bean Inc.'
From around 1970 the label switched to a printed serif 'L.L.Bean Inc.' wordmark.
- Serif 'L.L.Bean Inc.' wordmark
- Freeport, Maine, with a ZIP code
- Care instructions appear after 1971
How to spot it
A serif 'L.L.Bean Inc.' rather than the signature script.
Value signal
Solid value for U.S.-made outerwear of this period.
1987–present
Sunrise Over Katahdin Logo
In 1987 L.L. Bean introduced the 'Sunrise over Katahdin' logo, still associated with the brand today.
- Sunrise-over-mountain logo
- Care symbols on later labels
- Increasingly overseas production
How to spot it
The sunrise-and-mountain graphic on the label.
Value signal
Common; value driven by model and condition.