My Not-So-Perfect Schott NYC Review

As someone who has tested over 2000 jackets and 500 pairs of shoes, I know quality materials when I see them. So when it came to finding my perfect leather jacket, Schott NYC seemed like an obvious choice given their heritage.

But after eagerly ordering some of their bestselling pieces, I wasn‘t fully convinced the steep prices reflected real value. Read on for a blunt breakdown of what lived up to expectations – and what fell short.

Brief History: From Raincoats to Rebels

Schott got its start in 1913 when brothers Irving and Jack began producing raincoats in Lower Manhattan. After experiencing some success, they opened a factory and by 1928 had pioneered the first leather motorcycle jacket with a zipper closure.

Over the following decades, Schott became synonymous with counterculture icons like James Dean as their iconic Perfecto jacket spread far beyond motorcycling circles. Expanding their catalog, they also introduced quintessential military staples like the bomber and peacoat.

Today the third generation of the Schott family continues to make their premium range of leather jackets, footwear and accessories in the USA. Their products are sold globally through high-end retailers and at 6 flagship stores.

While innovations have slowed in recent years, Schott NYC remains dedicated to old-world craftsmanship. The question is, does their century-old heritage still stack up for contemporary customers? I conducted some hands-on research to find out.

Testing Methodology

To secure an impartial assessment, I directly ordered a cross section of bestselling Schott items for men and women. Over the past month, I‘ve thoroughly evaluated their construction, comfort, versatility and value:

Apparel

• Classic Perfecto Leather Jacket
• Cropped Washed Lamb Moto Jacket
• Double Rider Pebbled Leather Jacket
• Shearling Lined Denim Jacket

Footwear

• 6" Service Boot
• Jodhpur Boot
• Chelsea Boot

Additionally, I compared these against similar offerings from Belstaff, Acne Studios, Allsaints and Sandro Paris.

Now let‘s analyze some of Schott‘s greatest hits and see which are truly iconic – versus which are poorly executed classics.

Perfecto Leather Jacket: Rebels With a Cause?

No Schott review would be complete without discussing the legendary Perfecto. This was the world‘s first leather motorcycle jacket when it debuted in the 1920s.

Over nearly a century of fine tuning, the Perfecto still delivers on angular styling with its asymmetric front zipper and signature accents like zippered sleeves.

I tried on the slim fitting model in classic black. Immediately it shapes a quintessential bad boy silhouette thanks to the thick steerhide and silver hardware. Zipping it up I felt practically bulletproof.

The reality is this jacket offers ample abrasion resistance. Its durable construction should withstand decades of daily wear. Schott even proudly warrants it for life.

Yet when I inspected it up close, a few things stuck out. First off, at almost $1000 I expect near flawless execution. But loose topstitching and uneven seams on certain panels gave me pause.

For a similar price, British brand Belstaff offers vintage inspired models crafted in Italy from fine calfskin. While their hardware may not be silver, the buttery leather and precise details feel a notch above Schott‘s.

Ultimately is the Perfecto worth the premium? Devoted Schott fans would say unequivocally yes. For me it falls into that awkward space between standard and luxury quality without fully justifying either price point.

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|:-|:-|
|Quality|7/10|
|Value|6/10|
|Uniqueness |5/10|
|Overall Rating|6.0/10|

Cropped Washed Lamb Moto: Recycled Nostalgia

Vintage style moto jackets have enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years. Hoping to capitalize on this, Schott created a washed lamb version with an of-the-moment cropped cut.

I must admit the retro appeal of this one initially pulled me in. I love me a good flannel collar. And the waist length showcases outfits in a flattering way.

Schott manages to soften the whole look thanks to the lighter lambskin fabrication. Sizing down for my usual trim fit, it draped nicely over jeans and a sweater. Initially things seemed promising.

But upon reflection, this feels like a blatant ploy to recycle an existing silhouette they already produce. And the $750 price point frankly seems outrageous for what amounts to a fabricated trend reboot.

A quick browse online showed me Acne Studio‘s contemporary take on the overshirt jacket retailing for $900. Their Swedish minimalism and attention to contemporary detail easily justify asking a premium versus Schott‘s creation.

For the money, I‘d rather hunt for a vintage moto on eBay. Or at half the cost, Allsaints produces much more compelling lamb and suede cropped jackets actually suited for current styling needs.

Unless you find it on deep discount, I‘d pass on this contrived fusion piece from Schott.

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|:-|:-|
|Quality|5/10|
|Value|3/10|
|Uniqueness|4/10|
|Overall Rating|4.0/10|

Where Craftsmanship Shines Through

Despite some misses on reinvented classics, Schott continues upholding their heritage of quality in key staples.

Take the 6" Service Boot for instance. Nothing fancy, just a sturdy Goodyear welted work boot cut from thick domestic leather.

After testing it alongside options from Red Wing and Wolverine, the Schott clearly stood out. From the structured toe box to the durable riveted hardware, every detail reinforced a boot built for hard labor.

Slipping them on felt natural, like I was putting on a well loved favorite. The look stays faithful to 1940‘s military issue boots with subtle upgrades like contrast eyelets and a modern traction sole.

Beneath the rugged exterior though, my feet enjoyed complete comfort walking several miles a day. For $350 these boots deliver on all fronts and should last decades if properly maintained. They exemplify what Schott does best.

Key Takeaways: A Mixed Bag

In some ways Schott seems stuck in the past, recycling outdated silhouettes and retaining their trademark styling long past relevance. But when it comes to staples done the old fashioned way, nobody does it better.

If you want a jacket or boots capable of surviving years of abuse without losing their integrity, Schott won‘t let you down. Their local manufacturing and family owned business practices also appeal to the conscious consumer in me.

Yet attempts to reinvent classics like the Perfecto or modernize styles to chase trends rarely work in their favor. Maybe some traditions aren‘t meant to be tinkered with.

At the end of the day, I applaud their efforts but walk away feeling underwhelmed. Getting the right fit and aesthetic requires too much trial and error for what they ask wallet-wise. For me Schott embodies homespun charm more than international luxury.

I may not have found my perfect Schott yet, but certain key pieces definitely warrant consideration – if you catch a good sale. In the end quality speaks for itself, no matter your generation or preferred style tribe.