Why not that much love for Schott 530?

[musashi.m]

Hello All,

While I was researching and thinking of getting a relatively simple and not too expensive leather jacket, to just use it out and about and enjoy, I also bumped into the idea of buying a good one and keep it for years.

This brought me to Schott leather jackets and I was checking their various models.

I also found many people looking for slim fitting, almost tailored look and feel, jackets.
And many answering them that, then, maybe, Schott is not the right brand, simply because their jackets are all baggy, even the slim models or even sizing down.

And then I found it. Model 530. It does seem "simpler" compared to other models of the same brand. It's cheaper than the most popular models, no removable liner that many of the more expensive models have. Softer leather (according to the official description), maybe thinner (and less robust?). Not sure.
I read some critics about the lining. Not removable, not as warm as the removale ones, maybe it piles up after some time?

But, it's a Schott. It's definitely not a cheap "your average mall store jacket" and it HAS that slim, tailored fit that some people look for in a leather jacket.
It's not (maybe) the best bike jacket, for someone that actually rides a motorbike with it, but let's be honest, many just want a jacket that looks cool.

Why is it not more popular? Especially compared to other Schott jackets, or other leather jackets in a similar price range.

Is there any catch, or issue that I am missing?

 

[Marc mndt]

To me this jacket looks boring. Nothing about it really stands out other than the center back seam and the handwarmer pockets, features that I strongly dislike on a cafe racer.

Personally I don't mind about the windflap but for some people that would be a deal breaker.

 

[Aloysius]

You’re overthinking it.

People don’t usually fixate on the model number which especially for the cafe racers is a wide range.

And even where we do talk about the model numbers more, with the double breasted motorcycle jacket, it’s more to indicate which leather we’re talking about.

 

[musashi.m]

Well, I know that I am overthinking it, but I am not in the US, and I cannot find a store that has Schott jackets where I live, to try them on. That is what I would do with a piece of clothing. Also the leather jackets I can find in store are not that great.
So I only have the Internet, pictures, people's opinions and specs.

And if I choose a serious, good, jacket, instead than a simpler, fashion one, it's going to be an expensive piece for me.

I have to be careful to avoid a disappointing, expensive, piece of leather that will just stay in a wardrobe, if I don't like it.

 

[Aloysius]

No, I mean you’re overthinking the model number.

It’s a mainline U.S. Schott so there’s going to be a good pattern and hide. The key thing is to make sure you find one that will fit your body and needs well.

 

[Monitor]

Yeah, what @Aloysius says. There's absolutely no need nor purpose for any kind of analysis of such a jacket. It's a good leather jacket, that's all there is to it and if you like it, that's all that matters.

Removable lining is trash, anyway. As a concept, it sounds good but reality, it is such a stupid, impractical and counter-productive feature. People want to grab their favorite jacket on the way out, not spend 5 minutes fussing about with the tiny zipper just to make the jacket marginally warmer. Or colder. Proof in point; Good luck finding an eBay listing for a Schott 125 where the seller hadn't lost a removable lining.

 

[musashi.m]

Yeah. I get what you are all saying. Thanks!

You know, ideally I would like to be able to go to a store, and try all Schott cafe racer jackets and other cafe racer leather jackets of similar quality and price range and see which one fits the way I prefer for model and size.
And that's not an option.

I also find very very few options for second hand 530s, and they are much more expensive than other Schott second hand jackets.
This make me think that, whatever the reason, they are less popular than, say, 141 and 641. I find plenty of those, and mabe 1 or 2 530.

So. I am trying to get help from people that maybe have them, tried them on, or saw them in real life, at least.

 

[Marc mndt]

I cannot find a store that has Schott jackets where I live,

Are you situated in Europe? If so check out Vinted, there are tons of Schott jackets listed there.

 

[musashi.m]

UK, exactly, but yeah, geographically Europe. Thank you!

 

[TartuWolf]

I'd be very cautions about Schott jackets on Vinted unless you know what you're doing/looking at.
There are really no Schott retailers in UK?
Also consider checking JP auctions, I've seen a lot of Schott jackets there.

 

[Zoro]

There are really no Schott retailers in UK?

Very few in Europe in general (Seems there's literally a handful in Continental Europe as per https://www.schottnyc.com/distributors.cfm). There's mostly distributors aka buy online.

Also I find it far easier to find the made in Pakistan Schott jackets (like in Zalando) than made in USA. I've never felt an American made Schott, but I did try one made in Pakistan and I felt it was quite overpriced, even if I lack the knowledge to justify the feeling

 

[Monitor]

I'd be very cautions about Schott jackets on Vinted unless you know what you're doing/looking at.
There are really no Schott retailers in UK?
Also consider checking JP auctions, I've seen a lot of Schott jackets there.

Well, Made in USA tag is all one has to keep an eye out.

Here's one. Great price!

https://www.vinted.fr/items/5372505219-blouson-schott-530?referrer=catalog

 

[musashi.m]

It's a great jacket in wonderful conditions from what I see, and at a very good price. But it would probably fit two of me.....

If I go with the Schott USA website recommendations, I am more of a size XS, the Schott European / French site instead says S.
Figuring which one is more correct is going to be another challenge, it seems.

 

[Aloysius]

It's a great jacket in wonderful conditions from what I see, and at a very good price. But it would probably fit two of me.....

If I go with the Schott USA website recommendations, I am more of a size XS, the Schott European / French site instead says S.
Figuring which one is more correct is going to be another challenge, it seems.

Looking at the size chart, the differences between each size are pretty small, so you probably wouldn't be in a bad place either way. However, when you do the American calculator, do you get the XS for both "slim" and "standard" options?.

 

[musashi.m]

It really depends on how accurate the chest size I typed is (my apologies, I am quite new to this!). I am not really sure it's 100% precise, and I am basing it mostly on other garnments I have and how the fit me. I usuall just try clothing in store, before buying, or I buy online from local businesses (local as in the same country, not necessarily the same neighborhood), and can send them back if the don't fit.

But, yeah with the chest size I typed, it's 34 for both "slim" and "standard".
If the chest size is 1 cm more, still 34 for both. 2 cm more and it starts advising to go for 36 if I choose "standard" fit, and 34 for "slim".

But considering I like a slim fit, maybe 34 is the best bet?

 

[musashi.m]

Just to add I did measure myself for the chest size, just not 100% sure I did it correctly.

Also looking at size 36 on the usual sites doesn't give me much more luck.

 

[konadog]

I've tried on the Schott 530 at the LA store. It's a nice jacket with good quality leather. It is also one of the most comfortable cafe racers I have tried on. Here's a great video on the jacket:

This being said. It did not look nearly as cool as my Vanson Model B or Lewis Super Sportsman. If you're in the UK, why not try to locate a Lewis Super Sportsman in sheep?

 

[Aloysius]

It really depends on how accurate the chest size I typed is (my apologies, I am quite new to this!). I am not really sure it's 100% precise, and I am basing it mostly on other garnments I have and how the fit me. I usuall just try clothing in store, before buying, or I buy online from local businesses (local as in the same country, not necessarily the same neighborhood), and can send them back if the don't fit.

But, yeah with the chest size I typed, it's 34 for both "slim" and "standard".
If the chest size is 1 cm more, still 34 for both. 2 cm more and it starts advising to go for 36 if I choose "standard" fit, and 34 for "slim".

But considering I like a slim fit, maybe 34 is the best bet?

Which jacket are you looking at? I ask because this jacket is Alpha-sized rather than sized by chest size.