Schott NYC
Overview
I have a real soft spot for Schott. This is a company that literally invented the motorcycle jacket — the Perfecto — back in 1928, and they are still making it in the same state over 90 years later. Founded in 1913 by Irving Schott on the Lower East Side of New York City, they were the first company to put a zipper on a jacket. Marlon Brando wore one in The Wild One. The Ramones wore them on stage. That is some serious pedigree.
What I like most about Schott is that they have not chased trends or offshored production to save a few bucks. They are still family-owned, still cutting and sewing in New Jersey. The leather jackets are heavy, built to last decades, and they only get better with age. These are not fashion pieces — they are investments.
If you are looking for American-made outerwear with genuine heritage behind it, Schott is one of the few brands where the story is not marketing fluff. It is just the truth.
What They Make
- Leather jackets (motorcycle, bomber, racer styles)
- Pea coats
- Bomber jackets
- Down jackets
- Wool outerwear
Where They Make It
Schott manufactures their leather jackets and outerwear at their factory in Union, New Jersey. They have been producing in the Garden State for decades, and the factory is a point of pride for the brand.
Price Range
Expect to spend $200 to $1,000+ depending on the piece. Leather jackets land at the higher end, while lighter outerwear and wool pieces come in lower. These are not cheap, but the quality-to-price ratio is strong when you factor in how long they last.
Notable Products
- Perfecto 618 — The original motorcycle jacket. Asymmetric zip, heavy steerhide, and the template every other moto jacket copies. This is the one Brando wore.
- 740N Pea Coat — A classic naval-inspired pea coat in Melton wool. Warm, structured, and looks sharp whether you are commuting or hitting a bar.
- 184SM A-2 Bomber — A leather bomber based on the WWII flight jacket pattern. Clean lines, knit cuffs, and that broken-in look that only real leather delivers.