The Perfecto

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An American legend

Every Schott jacket has a story shaped over more than a century by four generations of the Schott family. The brand is a true American story: a pioneering spirit, boldness, innovation, quality and creativity define everything it makes.

The American dream

Whether protecting young pilots in the skies over Europe in 1944 or challenging the establishment with the black leather jackets worn by Marlon Brando and James Dean in the ’50s, Schott jackets became part of American culture and standard-bearers of the American spirit. This American success story began in 1913 with brothers Irving and Jack Schott, sons of a Russian immigrant, determined to achieve their American dream.
Irving Schott is born in New York
1892
Irving Schott is born in New York
In New York, the Schott brothers open their first factory. Their functional, durable clothing is an immediate success.
1913
In New York, the Schott brothers open their first factory. Their functional, durable clothing is an immediate success.
Schott Bros. creates the Perfecto® for motorcyclists, a jacket that will redefine motorcycle wear with its comfort and practicality. It is named after Irving’s favorite cigars.
1928
Schott Bros. creates the Perfecto® for motorcyclists, a jacket that will redefine motorcycle wear with its comfort and practicality. It is named after Irving’s favorite cigars.
At the request of the U.S. Army Air Forces at the start of World War II, Irving Schott created a “bomber jacket” to protect pilots from the cold. Production of civilian jackets, including motorcycle jackets, was then suspended so the factory could devote its full capacity to making these military jackets.
1941
At the request of the U.S. Army Air Forces at the start of World War II, Irving Schott created a “bomber jacket” to protect pilots from the cold. Production of civilian jackets, including motorcycle jackets, was then suspended so the factory could devote its full capacity to making these military jackets.
The Perfecto® becomes a legend thanks to Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” and James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause.”
’50s
The Perfecto® becomes a legend thanks to Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” and James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause.”
In 1966, Andy Warhol creates an iconic silkscreen of Marlon Brando wearing his legendary Perfecto®, titled Four Marlons. The work sells at auction in 2014 for $69.60 million.
1966
In 1966, Andy Warhol creates an iconic silkscreen of Marlon Brando wearing his legendary Perfecto®, titled Four Marlons. The work sells at auction in 2014 for $69.60 million.
Schott launches the "Down - Prime Northern Goose" line. Its down jackets are a major success and gradually become accessible to a wider audience. Down jackets remain one of Schott NYC®’s most important product categories today.
1971
Schott launches the "Down - Prime Northern Goose" line. Its down jackets are a major success and gradually become accessible to a wider audience. Down jackets remain one of Schott NYC®’s most important product categories today.
Mel Schott receives the American Designer Award from the Leather Industries of America.
1978
Mel Schott receives the American Designer Award from the Leather Industries of America.
The Schott crew. From left to right: Irving Schott, Roz, Melvin, Steve Colin, Milton Perlman.
1989
The Schott crew. From left to right: Irving Schott, Roz, Melvin, Steve Colin, Milton Perlman.
As the world becomes more connected, the Perfecto® becomes a global symbol of “American Cool.” Japan and France become key markets for the brand, where “Made in America” products are especially coveted. Schott turns its attention to a new music scene: as hip-hop culture reaches a wider audience, colorful leather jackets become a hit.
’90s
As the world becomes more connected, the Perfecto® becomes a global symbol of “American Cool.” Japan and France become key markets for the brand, where “Made in America” products are especially coveted. Schott turns its attention to a new music scene: as hip-hop culture reaches a wider audience, colorful leather jackets become a hit.

Beastie Boys in the early ’90s

Giancarlo Fisichella, a Formula 1 driver from 1996 to 2009, begins racing in Formula 3 with Team Ravarotto, driving a Schott NYC-sponsored Dallara F392.
1992
Giancarlo Fisichella, a Formula 1 driver from 1996 to 2009, begins racing in Formula 3 with Team Ravarotto, driving a Schott NYC-sponsored Dallara F392.

He earns his first victory in the final race of the 1992 Formula 3 Championship at the Autodromo di Imola circuit.

Schott NYC celebrates its 100th anniversary. Over the decades, the Perfecto® has become much more than a piece of clothing: it embodies the American spirit. A century later, this iconic jacket continues to resonate across generations as a timeless symbol of rebellion and freedom. Schott NYC continues to create iconic pieces for people of different ages and styles.
2013
Schott NYC celebrates its 100th anniversary. Over the decades, the Perfecto® has become much more than a piece of clothing: it embodies the American spirit. A century later, this iconic jacket continues to resonate across generations as a timeless symbol of rebellion and freedom. Schott NYC continues to create iconic pieces for people of different ages and styles.
Since 2020, the bomber jacket has made a strong comeback in fashion. ’90s silhouettes are back in a big way. Timeless and versatile, this piece is a wardrobe essential, whether your style is classic or more daring.
2020
Since 2020, the bomber jacket has made a strong comeback in fashion. ’90s silhouettes are back in a big way. Timeless and versatile, this piece is a wardrobe essential, whether your style is classic or more daring.

Iconic jackets

From 1928 to today, Schott’s history has been marked by many milestones. Among them are the creation and launch of the first biker jacket, which Irving named Perfecto; work on bomber jackets for the U.S. Air Corps and peacoats in collaboration with the U.S. Navy; jackets for American police officers; and the first goose-down parkas.

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Schott NYC 100 Years of An American Original