No help…Mine is VERY boxy, because it is my Dad’s, from WWII….I am the only one in the family small enough to wear it, and it weighs about 40 lbs!

I think you need to just start with the 12 in both. Personally, I think you will be a 10.

The LL Bean is more of the traditional peacoat. Square and boxy. The Pendleton seems to have a waist.

How will you be wearing it? For me, I would use this coat with a light sweater or top. Not a bulky sweater. That to figures in to how you want to size it.

ETA I like the look too. i actually have a fleece pea coat from Lands’ End from years back that I still use.

I think of a peacoat as flaring slightly at the hip. At least for a woman.

Having met you, I cannot imagine that you would wear a 12 in anything. Eld makes a good point in leaving room for a sweater underneath.

At least the LL Bean would be easy to return at the mall. Maybe they have one you could try, and then stop at Nordstrom and buy yourself a treat.

I have an 'LL Bean wool pea coat. It's a great coat. Really warm. I think it's pretty true to size.

Have you tried one on? I have always heard that for busty women (and I'm one!) that double-breasted was not your most flattering cut. I don't particularly like double-breasted on me, but I'm not sure that it emphasizes my chest. You are slim so will probably look good; I think someone not-so-slim, the style could make look chunkier. I prefer a single line of buttons. In fact, I HATE COATS and thank goodness we do not often have a very long time of coat-wearing temps. Ha!

Oh I hate coats too! 😁 In my next life I will be born into money in Hawai'i, where all I have to worry about is which beach to use today. LOL.

However I have the misfortune to live in N.Y., where it is eleventy degrees below zero like 18 months a year....😆

I need warm. It's warm! It's a nice looking coat. I have broad shoulders and bust and no one has ever used the word "slim" to describe any part of me. Most serious winter coats add bulk and I don't think this one is any worse than any other though. My normal size is 10 or 12 and I bought the 12 so hefty sweaters fit underneath and I don't feel constricted.

My only reservation is that I've heard their quality is going down. Mine is probably 8 years old or so and still looks brand new. Don't know if the new ones are made as well...

If you have a generous bust the Pendleton will probably be a better fit. It is a very nice and more flattering version of the pea coat, which has undergone many iterations over the years.

Get both and model them for us!

I have a JCrew pea coat from about 20 years ago. I honestly don't wear it much now though I did wear it quite a bit for many years. Personally I prefer the styling on the LLBean coat because I find slash pockets more flattering and classic/streamlined than the flap pockets. (Sorry, I know you didn't ask that.) I would check return policies, order both sizes, and figure out what fit is most flattering and works with the thickness of clothing you're likely to wear underneath.

I like the classic look of the LL Bean too. I wonder if the flaps would stick out if you put your hands in the pocket of the Pendleton. I checked the fabric content of both - the LLBean is 100% Italian lambswool and has Thinsulate insulation. The Pendleton doesn't mention lining and simply states 'wool/poly/other blend. The Bean comes in a petite while the Pendleton doesn't - if that makes a difference to you.

Did you check the reviews to see what other customers wrote? There are lots of Bean reviews. The Pendleton only has one review - from someone who is 5'8", weighs 145 and bought a size 8. If that fits her there is no way that you are a 12!!

Reporting back. I ended up ordering the LLBean one in a size 8. It is actually a bit roomy, but will be fine with a light sweater. I was a bit disappointed that the heft that I've always associated with pea coats isn't there, but it is lined with Thinsulate, so the warmth will still be there. I have to remind myself that I no longer live in (way) Upstate NY and won't have to dress for survival. I am looking forward to those cool fall days in Philly.

Jojo, a peacoat to me is not for brutal weather. That is what your puffy coat is for.

The peacoat will be great for running to and fro.

I have a wool LLBean coat, not exactly pea, it zips and then toggles but similar length, pockets and arms. It is warm as all get out. Wool and quilt lined. Not sexy though.