Perfecto Style Moto Jacket for Ladies (need suggestions & advice!)

[red devil]

Good fit!

If you want to try something different and still get a good fit, take a look at Thedi leathers, that's what I got my other half

 

[ton312]

Update! Super Monza came today and it is perfect.

I love how this one worked out because I had reached out to LL to see which of their styles could be tailored for women and I was just about to place an order when something in my head told me to check the auction sites first. This jacket is in gorgeous condition, barely worn, and the seller was incredibly helpful and as it turns out, we have the exact same measurements. Like, the *exact* same.

Blurry pics, I know – my phone does that. One of my dogs wanted to be in the photos too. As it happens, she is the one that the jacket matches.

That is a perfect fit. Well done!

 

[Aloysius]

Update! Super Monza came today and it is perfect.

I love how this one worked out because I had reached out to LL to see which of their styles could be tailored for women and I was just about to place an order when something in my head told me to check the auction sites first. This jacket is in gorgeous condition, barely worn, and the seller was incredibly helpful and as it turns out, we have the exact same measurements. Like, the *exact* same.

Blurry pics, I know – my phone does that. One of my dogs wanted to be in the photos too. As it happens, she is the one that the jacket matches.

I think the fit on this turned out impeccably. And yet I totally understand how other cross-zips just don't scratch the Perfecto itch. I also feel that the non-Schott Perfectos are all, in different way, not quite right.

It's worth noting that different models of Perfecto actually have different shapes. The 626, for instance, is more of a straight cut whereas the 613S(H) I'm after is more of a V-shape with a drop. I think this means it should be pretty feasible for you to find a Perfecto that suits what you're looking for.

Is there a front view of your jacket? That could help give us a sense of which Perfecto could fit about as well, while giving you the iconic American DR look.

 

[AliceP]

I think the fit on this turned out impeccably. And yet I totally understand how other cross-zips just don't scratch the Perfecto itch. I also feel that the non-Schott Perfectos are all, in different way, not quite right.

It's worth noting that different models of Perfecto actually have different shapes. The 626, for instance, is more of a straight cut whereas the 613S(H) I'm after is more of a V-shape with a drop. I think this means it should be pretty feasible for you to find a Perfecto that suits what you're looking for.

Is there a front view of your jacket? That could help give us a sense of which Perfecto could fit about as well, while giving you the iconic American DR look.

So true about how non-Schott Perfectos don't fully have that, I don't know how to describe it, Perfecto-ness?

Here is the front view of the jacket. It fits like a dream and if I could find a Perfecto that fits similarly, I'd be very satisfied. This jacket is about 22-23" long.

 

[Aloysius]

So true about how non-Schott Perfectos don't fully have that, I don't know how to describe it, Perfecto-ness?

Yeah, I don't know what it is! I've seen Aeros and Vansons that I love, but their version of the Perfecto just look 'off' to me.

Here is the front view of the jacket. It fits like a dream and if I could find a Perfecto that fits similarly, I'd be very satisfied. This jacket is about 22-23" long.

Your Lewis is stunning! And seeing the total lack of fade on the Lewis logo makes me think that it's like new. I think the Monza series is the only double/cafe hybrid racer design that really works.

I think the newish Schott 626 jacket (men's version, not the more nipped waist women's version) would have a similarly straight/tube cut to your Super Monza, but the issue with that jacket is that it's 26" long, which might be just enough to be too much.

The 626 doesn't have the stars or plain buttons, both of which I like on Perfectos, but that's a YMMV thing and Schott will send you star pins on request..

I have the spec sheet for the 613S/SH (Schott sent it to me recently) in front of me and I think that one would fit you really well too, arguably just as well as the Lewis, but differently (the Perfecto-shaped equivalent). That one is just 24" long so it should feel similar to your Lewis in that respect.

Personally (this is part of my own jacket buying plan as well) I'd go for a more V-shaped Perfecto so it gives a more distinct vibe next to the Lewis. They complement very well.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Please try a Vanson C2. It's the shorter body length highwayman. Made in USA. Real badass.

Photos stolen from Japanese Amazon:

 

[Aloysius]

Please try a Vanson C2. It's the shorter body length highwayman. Made in USA. Real badass.

Photos stolen from Japanese Amazon:

I know it's a well-made jacket, yet it's the one I was thinking of as Exhibit A of "non-Schott Perfectos look off somehow". The proportions are not right (well, they're not wrong, but they're not Perfecto proportions.) The far more-horizontal chest pocket, the taller (and more clearly piped) side pockets, the Buco-style snap-closure detachable belt, etc.

Here's a similar Japanese catalog pic of the Perfecto equivalent.

The overall effect is just different. That doesn't take away from Vanson's high quality, but it's a fact.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

I wouldn't get a new Vanson C2 with the new leather. I do have an older vintage one for sale, but it's going to be too big for you unfortunately. I'm guessing you need like a 19 ptp, and mine has a 22.

you said you ordered that schott one I attached right? Seeing your front shot in the LL, they look very similar in cut, length, etc. It's just going to have the Perfecto layout which will give you some variety with this jacket. And Schott has a killer return policy, so you should be good.

I also saw the jacket Monitor is trying to sell in classifieds. I think it's a size 36 very schott-esque. Give that one a look if you're curious.

 

[Aloysius]

I wouldn't get a new Vanson C2 with the new leather. I do have an older vintage one for sale, but it's going to be too big for you unfortunately. I'm guessing you need like a 19 ptp, and mine has a 22.

you said you ordered that schott one I attached right? Seeing your front shot in the LL, they look very similar in cut, length, etc. It's just going to have the Perfecto layout which will give you some variety with this jacket. And Schott has a killer return policy, so you should be good.

I also saw the jacket Monitor is trying to sell in classifieds. I think it's a size 36 very schott-esque. Give that one a look if you're curious.

In addition to the 137 you linked, I just saw that the Monitor special (PER70) has a women's model (PER71W)!

If she gets the spec sheet for the PER71W and finds the one whose measurements correspond best to the Monza, I'd say that's an endgame Perfecto. The pictures of the PER71W remind me of the little cartoon of 'Ramona' in the liner art of Ramones' Rocket to Russia.

She could also request stars from Schott to give the jacket the One Star look.

 

[Aloysius]

@Monitor you had high praise for the leather in this jacket, didn't you?

 

[Monitor]

I also saw the jacket Monitor is trying to sell in classifieds. I think it's a size 36 very schott-esque. Give that one a look if you're curious.

That jacket's very true to how @Aloysius and @AliceP talk about the Perfecto; Something that I totally get, too. No other cross zip has the vibe. Either way, being basically a juiced-up 618 copy, that jacket I've listed in the classifieds is very Perfecto-ish but even tho it's a small jacket, due to the heavy lining and stiff leather, it's a bit... Not large but puffy. There's no drape to it so I'm not sure how @AliceP would like that. And it's larger than what I'd imagine a women's jacket would fit. I'm relatively thin but I still shouldn't be able to wear women's jacket. Successfully.

@Monitor you had high praise for the leather in this jacket, didn't you?

Still do! I just posted a photo of mine in WJAYWT. Leather is something else on it. I'm surprised they made women's version in it 'cause I know a lot of women who strongly dislike jackets made in heavy leather and the PER70 is made in the heaviest I've seen by Schott.
I'm actually glad the regular 613/618 line isn't made in this hide 'cause otherwise I'd be out of money. Coincidentally, I still haven't fully come to terms whether I prefer the regular Perfecto fit over the PER70 but since I vastly prefer everything else about the PER70, it's the jacket I'm going to stick with.

I'm glad they dropped the fake distressing on the sleeves. It sucks. The fades don't match the actual creases on mine so I'm probably going to dye that part in the future - Or maybe wait it out and see how the rest of the jacket ages.

And be warned, it still smells like beef.

 

[AliceP]

Oh my gosh. Thank you all. I very much appreciate how helpful everyone has been!

@Aloysius I had no idea that Schott sends over stars on request. This is very good to know! I really, really wanted a star somewhere and the model I ordered doesn't come with it. I figured I could always take it to a tailor to customize later. Also, thank you so much for your suggestion on the men's cuts & other options. I placed my order for a 137W last night after one of their reps sent over some measurements. If it doesn't work out, it's good to know that I can always explore the men's options again. I do wonder about the differences in sleeve length, though.

That 71W is gorgeous! I very much like that it has a cotton lining - makes it so much more transitional. One of the gripes I have with the one I ordered is the synthetic lining, ughhh. It might not be too bad though, so I'll see how it feels when it arrives sometime next week & I'll update here. I wonder why more jackets can't be lined in cupro. =/

Oh, check out this Schott x Rag & Bone collab - Amazing, a unicorn, and similarly impossible to find.

 

[Aloysius]

Oh my gosh. Thank you all. I very much appreciate how helpful everyone has been!

@Aloysius I had no idea that Schott sends over stars on request. This is very good to know! I really, really wanted a star somewhere and the model I ordered doesn't come with it. I figured I could always take it to a tailor to customize later. Also, thank you so much for your suggestion on the men's cuts & other options. I placed my order for a 137W last night after one of their reps sent over some measurements. If it doesn't work out, it's good to know that I can always explore the men's options again. I do wonder about the differences in sleeve length, though.

That 71W is gorgeous! I very much like that it has a cotton lining - makes it so much more transitional. One of the gripes I have with the one I ordered is the synthetic lining, ughhh. It might not be too bad though, so I'll see how it feels when it arrives sometime next week & I'll update here. I wonder why more jackets can't be lined in cupro. =/

I withdraw the earlier recommendation to check out the 613S after seeing that the 71W exists, haha. It's everything I was recommending the 613S for, without the drawbacks (like potentially overlong sleeves). I think you mentioned LA earlier? Definitely not somewhere I'd want the usual quilted lining!

I think a great course of action for you could be to basically use the 137W as a fit jacket– go ahead and email Schott again for the spec sheet for the 71W– then once you get the 137W, you can see how you like it/the fit, and exchange for the comparable 71W taking into account how you found the sizing.

Unlike the men's version (which costs a few hundred extra), it costs just $40 more, so I'd do the upgrade without blinking.

Oh, check out this Schott x Rag & Bone collab - Amazing, a unicorn, and similarly impossible to find.

That collab is beautiful! I'm pretty sure someone here specced out a Five Star jacket with a similar D-pocket design (minus the star pin, but that's added easily enough). You could go that route, once you have your jackets as reliable sizing goalposts to base it on. (Going straight for custom can be a risky proposition.)

 

[AliceP]

Please try a Vanson C2. It's the shorter body length highwayman. Made in USA. Real badass.

Photos stolen from Japanese Amazon:

Omg, that's awesome. Don't think I'd be able to pull it off though. What a difference the brass-toned hardware makes!

 

[Jin431]

congrats on your new LL jacket, it looks great. good luck with the search for another cross zip and while youre at it might as well get a cafe racer and a trucker and maybe a brown jacket as well lol welcome to the lounge

 

[Aloysius]

Ahh, fixed my post. I'd accidentally hidden the whole thing inside the quote…

 

[AliceP]

Ahh, fixed my post. I'd accidentally hidden the whole thing inside the quote…

No worries! It means a lot that you took the time to respond. And that's a great idea about trying on the 137W for fit and then comparing it with the 71W. Planning to do just that.

@Jin431 I am really glad I discovered a community of folks as finicky as I am about certain things, haha. I can see how this might grow into a collection.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

You did very well @AliceP ! That jacket fits you quite well. I would have no advice to give on this as my lady is still struggling to get the right leather jacket for herself. I will now have to use your success as an example!

 

[navetsea]

great fit , congrats!!

that double waist adjusters on give the back more interesting/ edgy look, also the coin sleeve pocket too of course.

 

[Edward]

Please try a Vanson C2. It's the shorter body length highwayman. Made in USA. Real badass.

Photos stolen from Japanese Amazon:

These are nice. Vanson are now about the same priced as a Schott in the UK, sometimes les depending on where you buy. Different strokes for different folks an aw that, but I'm much more impressed by the Vanson of the two.

In addition to the 137 you linked, I just saw that the Monitor special (PER70) has a women's model (PER71W)!

If she gets the spec sheet for the PER71W and finds the one whose measurements correspond best to the Monza, I'd say that's an endgame Perfecto. The pictures of the PER71W remind me of the little cartoon of 'Ramona' in the liner art of Ramones' Rocket to Russia.

She could also request stars from Schott to give the jacket the One Star look.

Interesting it's cut to the men's side while being a jacket designed for the ladies. I wonder if that's Joan J's influence.