Schott NYC
Schott NYC is an American outerwear company founded in New York City in 1913 by brothers Irving and Jack Schott. It is best known for the Perfecto, the first leather motorcycle jacket, introduced in 1928.
| Founded | 1913, New York City |
|---|---|
| Founders | Irving and Jack Schott |
| Signature | Perfecto motorcycle jacket (1928) |
| Ownership | Schott family |
| Website | schottnyc.com |
What is Schott NYC?
Schott NYC is a family-owned American outerwear company based in New York. It is famous for creating the Perfecto leather motorcycle jacket and remains owned and operated by the Schott family.
History
Brothers Irving and Jack Schott, sons of Russian immigrants, started the business in 1913 in a basement on Manhattan's Lower East Side, making raincoats sold door to door as Schott Bros. Irving named his top leather jackets after his favourite cigar, the Perfecto, and in 1928 introduced the Perfecto motorcycle jacket, first sold through a Harley-Davidson dealer on Long Island.
During the Second World War the company supplied the US military with flight jackets and naval peacoats. By 1930 it had a factory in New Jersey, and many of its garments are still made in the United States.
Products and positioning
- Perfecto motorcycle jackets, including the 613 and 618 models
- Café racer and other leather jackets
- Peacoats, military jackets and outerwear
Distribution
Schott sells through its own stores, retailers and online. In the late twentieth century its jackets gained a following in Japan and Europe, and it has flagship stores in cities including Paris and Tokyo.
Why it matters
The Perfecto is one of the most influential garments in fashion history, and Schott remains a reference for heritage outerwear.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Schott NYC?
Schott was founded in 1913 in New York by brothers Irving and Jack Schott.
What is the Schott Perfecto?
The Perfecto is the leather motorcycle jacket Schott introduced in 1928, named after Irving Schott's favourite cigar.