Schott NYC

Behind The Label

Founded in 1913 by brothers Irving and Jack Schott in a Lower East Side basement, Schott NYC is the definitive architect of the American leather jacket. Originally selling raincoats door-to-door, the brand made history in 1928 when Irving Schott designed the world's first motorcycle jacket. Named the "Perfecto" after his favorite cigar, it was the first garment of its kind to feature a functional zipper—a revolutionary move that replaced the cumbersome buttons of the era and provided wind-proof protection for a new generation of riders.

The brand's cultural legacy was cemented in the 1950s when Marlon Brando wore a 618 Perfecto in The Wild One, turning the black leather jacket into a global symbol of rebellion and teenage angst. This "rebel" status was so potent that the jackets were famously banned from schools across America for a decade. By the 1970s, the Schott leather jacket found a new home at the center of the punk rock movement, becoming the unofficial uniform for the Ramones at CBGB.

Schott’s commitment to "Made in USA" excellence extended beyond the biker world; during World War II, they produced the legendary B-3 Bomber and Peacoat for the U.S. Navy, designs that remain staples of the brand's collection today. Now a fourth-generation family-owned business, Schott NYC continues to manufacture its core leather goods in its New Jersey factory. By utilizing heavyweight steerhide and horsehide that only improves with age, the brand bridges the gap between mid-century military utility and the timeless, raw energy of American rock-and-roll.