Today I’m reviewing the Schott 618 Perfecto, about a year after acquiring it.
It’s been the most-worn jacket in my rotation, so I’ve logged plenty of miles in it. We’ll cover the basics: what the jacket’s made of, its features, construction, fit, wearability, and whether it’s worth the price.
The Schott Perfecto style 618 has been a staple since the 1950s. Over the years, Schott has introduced many variations of the Perfecto biker jacket. However, the 618 remains the essential, the original; it maintains that classic style and features the most motorcycle-friendly design in their lineup.
(Click here if you prefer to watch my video review on YouTube)
Schott 618 Materials and Features
The Schott 618 is made of heavy 3 to 3.5-ounce steerhide, treated to be resistant to the elements. I’ve heard it called a “boring” leather. Maybe right out of the box that’s true. It starts off matte with little character. With time and wear the leather forms a beautiful patina, the grain pops, and character just becomes incredible.
It features robust hardware, including a large main zip, sleeve zips, a belt, zipped chest pocket, coin pocket, zipped hand-warmer pockets, and an inside pocket.
The interior is lined with quilted nylon poly lining.
The lapel and collar have snaps to keep them in place against strong wind. The snap on the back is for attaching a fur collar which provides extra warmth and versatility in colder months.
This jacket features both an action back and underarm gussets (called “footballs” due to their shape). They make it easy to move your arms around without difficulty while wearing the jacket zipped up.
Schott 618 Construction
Schott’s construction quality is consistently functional and well-done.
They use heavy thread on heavy leather for a very sturdily-built motorcycle jacket. Higher-cost makers may offer more beautiful and precise stitching, but Schott’s quality remains good.
Between robust materials and solid construction, this jacket will really stand the test of time.
Schott 618 Fit
For reference, I’m 5’9″ 175 pounds, and my chest is about 40.5″. I wear a size 40 in the Schott 618. It makes for a fantastic trim fit.
As to the design for this fit, consider that it’s a biker jacket designed for the riding position on a classic motorcycle.
It has a short length so the jacket doesn’t get pushed up by your thighs. The back dips a bit to keep wind from going up your shirt. The action back and underarm gussets allow you to reach forward to the handlebars without fighting against the jacket.
Some folks find the fit too short. But in my experience, it actually makes the jacket easier to wear unzipped without it looking floppy. You can always wear classic higher-rise jeans or pants to make the length work for you.
Schott 618 Wearability
If you don’t ride a motorcycle, you may be thinking “Why should I care about all these features that are motorcycle-specific?” Or perhaps, “All those biker jacket features make this a jacket that I could never pull off. It’s just not for me.”
There is a very good reason to care, even if you don’t ride.
Wearability.
Because Schott made the 618 Perfecto to be comfortable in a rather awkward position, it wears very comfortably through a variety of activities. The weight of the jacket is well-distributed, you’re not fighting against the jacket the wear it. It doesn’t cause much fatigue over time, even though it’s almost 5 pounds of heavy leather. Fantastic!
Additionally, this isn’t just a random biker jacket. It’s THE Schott Perfecto! It may sound silly, but I discounted the “icon” status of the jacket when I first got it.
Over the year of wearing this Schott 618, I found that it is amazingly versatile.
And that versatility is due in large part to the fact that people have seen this jacket before. They’re not just learning about it the moment they see you wearing it. They’ve seen it around in lots of different contexts.
Yes, its a biker jacket. Yes, it brings an edge to your style.
But it has an almost chameleon-like quality of being able to fit in with almost any outfit. I’ve worn it with t-shirt and jeans. With dress slacks and button down shirt. Flannels, sweaters, vests of different colors and patterns. Western, military, workwear, and streetwear. You name it. It’s possible.
When I first became interested in leather jackets, I never thought the style could work for me.
Now, it’s my most-worn jacket by a large margin!
Schott 618 Value
As of the writing of this article, the Schott 618 Perfecto retails for $915.
It’s kind of a funny thing. In enthusiast circles, Schott can be seen as an cheaper “entry level” jacket. In the wider public, it can seem to be an expensive “grail.”
How do we land on a generally useful recommendation for value then?
Let’s look at cost-per-wear.
If you wear the jacket twice per week, in the first year you’ll be at $8.80 per wear. That’s pretty high.
However, considering the wearability, versatility, and durability of the Schott 618, you can expect to continue wearing it year after year. And as I mentioned, I’ve actually found my wears-per-week increasing over time.
In five years of two to three wears per week, you’re down to $1.41 per wear. At ten years you’re down to $0.70 per wear.
Now we’re talking value!
We must also consider the thriving used market.
Its relatively easy to buy or sell a Schott 618 (or any other popular model) for 40-60% of the retail price.
That makes for a much lower effective price.
Whether buying used to lower your initial cost, or selling to recoup money from a retail purchase, let’s just say for argument that the effective price is roughly 50% lower than the retail price.
Revisiting our earlier calculations, we’re at $4.40 per wear after a year and $0.70 after five years.
Of course, the price per wear continues dropping as time and wears go on. But even if you get tired of your new Schott 618 after five years and sell it, 70 cents per wear is a fantastic value.
(Compare to my Thursday Racer Jacket review, a less-durable jacket focused on convenience and fit)
Scott 618 Final Thoughts
Looking over this review, it’s clear why Schott Perfecto has stood the test of time.
Simply put: the Schott 618 is a well-fitting, comfortable, durable, beautiful, biker jacket with tremendous value.
I feel confident recommending the Schott 618 to anyone looking to add classic edge to their style.
Buy it from Schott by clicking the jacket below:
This review is my honest opinion based on my own personal experience. I earn a small commission if you purchase from Schott after clicking through my link. Thanks for your support! -Del