The Mode T was rolling out in 1913 and the streets becoming crowded in New York City. At this time two Russian immigrants, brothers, came up with an idea and went after their piece of the big dream. Jack and Irving Schott began making raincoats and sold them door to door all over New York City.



In the 1920s when Al Capone and The Yankees famous Babe Ruth were filling the news with their antics and records, the Schott brothers were changing fashion and defining a new American style. It was at this time that the first zipper was put onto a jacket. It was the Schott brothers who brought us the zipper jacket that we all know so well today.

Eager to innovate, it was no surprise that Irving Schott then set his sights on another American classic in the making - the motorcycle. In 1928, nearly 40 years before Harley Davidson would create their own, Irving Schott designed and produced the first leather motorcycle jacket. Retailing for $5.50 at a Long Island Harley Davidson distributor, the Perfecto was durable, rugged, and immediately embraced. To this new generation of "bikers," the Perfecto was a symbol of the excitement, adventure and danger that fueled their fascination with motorcycles.

But as the country and the world turned its attention overseas, so did Schott. Commissioned by the US Air Force at the start of WWII, Irving Schott designed and produced a "bomber jacket" that would serve and protect Our Boys as they fought for liberty in the air over Europe and the Pacific. And on deck, servicemen kept out the cold with Schott's classic melton wool naval pea coat. Rugged and warm, these leather and wool jackets would be produced by Schott for the US Military for the next 60 years.

After WWII the American Dream turned towards motorcycles and stars rose to the call. James Dean, Marlon Brando and others came into the limelight and they all wore Schott leather jackets. Remember the movie "The Wild Ones" ... who could forget?

For 50 years Schott NYC has grown and prospered and produced leather jackets and attire. The Schott family, still in control of the company, has kept hold through generation after generation. Now they have expanded into women's fashion attire, handbags, and even sunglasses. The business still operates out of the New York City area and is in a 100 year old building.

In an old brick building we design and produce the styles that have - and will continue to - connect with the American spirit. More importantly, we are still dedicated to the ideals of quality, innovation, and individuality that were so important to Irving Schott - and that remain important to every person who buys one of our jackets.

Four generations of Schott's thank you for appreciating our quality leather products and our passion for the motorcycle jacket.