In a world that’s constantly changing, you can be sure of one thing: the Schott motorcycle jacket will always be cool.
But as cool and iconic as they are, they didn’t start that way.
Before the Schott brand was known for its motorcycle jackets, they were dedicated to something a little more practical.
The Schott motorcycle jacket in the 1920s
The Schott brand was founded in 1913 in New York City’s Lower East Side by Irving and Jack Schott, and the company initially produced raincoats.
Their iconic leather jackets, branded with the name Perfecto, gained popularity in the mid-1920s.
The introduction of the first Schott leather motorcycle jacket by Irving Schott in 1928 further solidified the brand’s association with American outdoor wear and adventure. During World War II, Schott supplied the US military with bomber jackets and pea coats.
The Schott motorcycle jacket into the 1950s
But after a few years of the Schott name being synonymous with service to the nation during wartime, the 1950s saw a cultural shift. Schott jackets became emblematic of rebellion and counterculture.
Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” and James Dean’s iconic style popularized the Schott Perfecto motorcycle jacket among rebellious youth, despite facing bans from school systems due to its association with delinquency.
In the following decades, Schott became synonymous with the punk rock scene in NYC and around the world. Bands like The Ramones, Blondie, the Sex Pistols and more rocked their Schott motorcycle jackets on stage and off, further cementing Schott’s status as a symbol of defiance and individuality — and securing the iconic jacket’s place in counterculture history.
Similar Schott motorcycle jackets available on Rumblist
The Schott motorcycle jacket around the world
But despite global popularity, Schott remained committed to its American roots. They expanded internationally while continuing to manufacture most of its clothing in the United States. As it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013, Schott remained a family-owned business, with a strong dedication to preserving its heritage and craftsmanship.
Schott today and into the future
Schott now makes a full line of men’s and women’s clothing, including great jeans a more.
Each Schott garment carries a sense of history and pride, embodying the American spirit of freedom and resilience. As the company looks towards the future, it remains a beacon of American originality, crafting timeless pieces that resonate with generations to come.
Schott motorcycle jackets on Rumblist
No closet is complete without a Schott motorcycle jacket.
You can grab yourself one at a great price at Rumblist Moto Market.
Right now there’s a variety of Schott motorcycle jackets available on Rumblist from a variety of sellers.
See all available Schott motorcycle jackets available on Rumblist Moto Market.
Including the Schott 530 motorcycle jacket with its mandarin-style collar that snaps closed without flapping in the wind.
For more reading on icon motorcycle jackets through time and function, check out this previous article.