Thread: Anyone know anything about Schott jackets?

My mother recently took me out for my birthday and took me to one of my favorite leather shops to look for a new jacket. Well after a lot of looking and trying to find a jacket that fits my chest and shoulders without being to long in the sleeves, I finally tried on a Schott 233 style jacket. It felt like it was made for me, but even though it felt like a very sturdy tough jacket, the fact that it was lambskin worried me as I am hard on jackets and generally keep wearing them until they fall a part or no lnger fit. After trying it on and getting over the sticker shock of good quality jackets made in the USA, I couldnt get the idea of that jacket out of my head. Anyway, I ended up calling Schott and they advised that I buy the 184SM style jacket as it is made of cow hide that is the same weight and thickness of their motorcycle jackets and rather indestructable (I have my doubts..I seem to be able to destroy anything).

I call my friend at the leather shop and inquire about this jacket, they agree that it would work well for me, but cautioned that it runs a size smaller than the 233. So I have them order the 184SM in size 52, which of course increases the price so I am now looking at a jacket that retails for $625.00 US as opposed to the 233 in size 50 that retails for $575.00 US (The size 48 retails for a bit less, but was still much more than I have ever paid for a jacket...and it didnt fit well). Luckily my mother offered to pay for a bit of it and the manager of the store is giving me a discount because we are old acquaintances. I am told that this jacket will last almost as long as I will, and for the price I sure hope it does.

Anyone have any experience with this company? Is there stuff worth the price? I go to try on and pay for this jacket this weekend, so I havent been able to inspect or see the jacket for myself. If you have any experience with Schott let me know. I have tried on quite a few less expensive and more expensive jackets on but none fit as well or felt as sturdy...and that was comparing Schott lambskin to other companies cowhide....I am assuming their cowhide will feel even more sturdy. I am still in sticker shock though, and still not used to a jacket size 50 or 52 costing anymore than a size 40 or 42..although I understand more materials are required. Ohwell at least if I get fat as I age this thing will still fit lol.

If it is indeed made similar to a bike jacket, you should be in good shape. I looked over their site and they seem to have well made stuff. And c'mon, Marlon Brando wore them

EDIT: If possible, go check out a bike shop with jackets. They will have similarly priced jackets that are basically body armor but all leather. Notice the quality of them and see how the two compare. The bike jackets are made to take a beating and still work great, so if the Schott is anything like it, you shouldn't be displeased.

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

If it is indeed made similar to a bike jacket, you should be in good shape. I looked over their site and they seem to have well made stuff. And c'mon, Marlon Brando wore them

EDIT: If possible, go check out a bike shop with jackets. They will have similarly priced jackets that are basically body armor but all leather. Notice the quality of them and see how the two compare. The bike jackets are made to take a beating and still work great, so if the Schott is anything like it, you shouldn't be displeased.

I have felt my share of really well made motorcycle jackets as my dad had a number of bikes while I was growing up. I was never really able to wear any as my shoulders and arms are oversized and the sleeves on motorcycle jackets were always far to long on me. I need something with elastic cuffs on the arms for this reason which is why the bomber style jacket works so well for me. I know its the same exact leather (weight, thickness, composition, etc) that they use on the motorcycle jackets, the only difference should be the fit and style. Unfortunately I havent gotten to feel any of their motorcycle jackets or cowhide bomber jackets, but this weekend I will compare it to what my dads jackets feel like.

What I do know is that the leather cowhide is 3 oz. and 1.2 - 1.4 mm thick....Im sure that means something to someone...I am not sure where that falls in the biker jacket world though.

They are part of a small number of really premium outfitters still left in the U.S who make really overengineered items. I think at one time they had the contract for military flight jackets. Another company like them is Gibson and Barnes in El cajon, Ca who also specializes in leather jackets. The jacket probably will outlast you. I have a leather flight jacket sold by LL Beane I bought years ago, its made in the U.S by one of those companies and it looks as good as when I bought it 15 years ago. Go buy your jacket.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

They are part of a small number of really premium outfitters still left in the U.S who make really overengineered items. I think at one time they had the contract for military flight jackets. Another company like them is Gibson and Barnes in El cajon, Ca who also specializes in leather jackets. The jacket probably will outlast you. I have a leather flight jacket sold by LL Beane I bought years ago, its made in the U.S by one of those companies and it looks as good as when I bought it 15 years ago. Go buy your jacket.

Thanks for the info, sounds like its worth the price then. It came in to the store today and I will pick it up on Saturday. Good think I am getting it in a size 52, if it is going to last THAT long I can still wear it when my shoulders shrink and my belly grows as I age lol.

Actually you'll find the longer you have the jacket and the more you wear it the better it will look and more comfy it will get. Few people will ever know the joy of a well broken in quality full annyline processed leather jacket.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Actually you'll find the longer you have the jacket and the more you wear it the better it will look and more comfy it will get. Few people will ever know the joy of a well broken in quality full annyline processed leather jacket.

I pick it up tomorrow, I am glad I chose brown, I like the way it looks as it breaks in...although the Schott rep told me it can take up to 25 years to REALLY break in their cowhide jackets...I dont know if she was pulling my leg or telling the truth though.

Well hey, if it really does take that long to break it in, then it's gotta be a good buy

Do youo guys know the name of the jacket manufacturer that custom makes to order. They're so popular that there's a waiting list...

Originally Posted by justchillin

Do youo guys know the name of the jacket manufacturer that custom makes to order. They're so popular that there's a waiting list...

I know Schott does, but I am sure there are many others. I could probably use a custom made jacket due to my measurements...but since they change I didnt want to go that way...oh ya and I cant afford it lol.