Sizing for Schott Perfecto jackets

[josepidal]

My kid brother is a motoring enthusiast and might be travelling abroad this year. I thought to get him a leather jacket as a gift, and lots of people here recommended the Schott Perfecto. How does the sizing for this jacket run, anyway, and how are leather jackets supposed to fit?

Also, what kind of ensemble goes with this kind of leather jacket, assuming one isn't riding a motorcycle.

 

[j]

Are you talking about the Schott cafe jacket? The Perfecto name includes a bunch of different jackets, as far as I remember. Is he a motorcycle rider, and would he be using this for that? Also, how is he built? I don't think a tight cafe jacket will suit all body types, for casual wear. For real riding use, the jacket must fit snugly because loose material is dangerous.

 

[josepidal]

No, I'm talking about the Perfectos like the ones you guys picture Marlon Brando on. He doesn't ride a bike, but I'd probably say, "yet." He's of medium build.

How snug is snug? You feel a little uncomfortable wearing it, and feel the tension?

 

[j]

Snug is where it can just be zipped up over what you'd want to wear under it, when new. It will stretch and conform and become more comfortable and looser. I have not been able to find anywhere that sells Schott new, so I've never tried them on, but from what I hear you buy your size.

Personally, I can't imagine wearing one of those jackets with all the zippers. Unless you actually ride, it seems pretty tryhard. And even then, I don't know. IMO a good cafe jacket is much more versatile, but you know him better than I do.

 

[josepidal]

Got it. If you're not riding, can you wear one size larger to get something more comfy for cold days? For leather jackets in general, I mean.

 

[j]

Of course, if you want you can size up to fit a big sweater underneath or whatever. In my case, when I bought my jacket it was so tight it crushed and bent my sunglasses in my shirt pocket, but now I can easily get it on with the liner in over a pretty thick sweater and a scarf.