Schott during Black Friday

Schott, a New York house since 1913

Schott was born in 1913 in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, founded by brothers Irving and Jack Schott, sons of Russian immigrants. The two brothers started by making raincoats in a basement, which peddlers then sold door-to-door on the streets of New York. The NYC emblem attached to the brand name recalls this origin. More than a century later, the company is still owned by the Schott family and still produces part of its clothing in the United States, a rarity among the big names in American jackets.

Other top brands

The Black Friday of top brands also includes:

• Faguo.
• adidas.
• Asics.
• Helly Hansen, technical jackets.
• Birkenstock.
• Crocs.

All the top brands are gathered on the top brands page.

The Perfecto, the first motorcycle jacket with a zip

In 1928, Irving Schott designed a leather motorcycle jacket and named it Perfecto, after his favourite cigar. Schott is considered the first brand to have put a zip on a motorcycle jacket: the asymmetrical zip crosses the torso to shield against the wind, and the zippered pockets keep the rider's belongings secure. In 1953, Marlon Brando wore it in the film The Wild One, and the jacket became a symbol of rebels, then of rock and punk. In France, the word Perfecto now refers to any jacket of this style, a testament to its success that has surpassed the brand itself.

Caban, bomber and down jacket: the military legacy

During World War II, Schott manufactured for the US Navy the caban with ten buttons, made from thick melton wool, featuring wide lapels and sturdy cuffs: a double-breasted coat worn today in the city, over both formal and casual outfits. The bomber, a short jacket with ribbed edges inspired by pilot's jackets, gives a sportier look and is worn from autumn onwards. The down jackets from the brand extend this utilitarian approach for extreme cold, with generous volume and, on some models, a hood or high collar.

Choosing and maintaining a leather jacket

A leather jacket should be chosen to fit snugly, as it will conform to your body shape over time: it should allow you to cross your arms and raise your elbows without pulling at the back. The motorcycle jackets from Schott have a fitted cut based on the riding position, with sleeves long enough to cover the wrists while holding the handlebars. For maintenance, the leather should be nourished once or twice a year with an appropriate balm, it should be hung on a wide hanger that maintains the shoulder shape, and it should be left to dry away from a radiator after getting wet, never being machine washed.

Frequently asked questions

How does a Schott jacket fit?

Schott jackets have a fitted cut, inspired by American styles. Many buyers take their usual size for a snug leather fit, or a size up to accommodate a thick sweater or jumper underneath.

How is Schott pronounced?

The name is pronounced like the English word "shot": neither the c nor the second t are pronounced. It comes from brothers Irving and Jack Schott, the founders of the brand in New York.

What does NYC mean in Schott NYC?

NYC stands for New York City, the place where the brand was born in 1913. These three letters remind us of the New York origin of a house still run by the founding family.

What leather is used for a Schott jacket?

Cowhide, which is robust, ages beautifully over time; horsehide, thicker and stiffer at first, is known for its durability. Lambskin, more supple and lighter, is suitable for a city jacket.

Bomber or caban: which keeps you warmer?

The melton wool caban, long and double-breasted, covers the hips and offers better protection from the wind and cold. The bomber, being shorter, is worn in mid-season, with its ribbed edges at the wrists and waist helping to retain heat.