I dropped into SchottNYC here in San Francisco to pick up a pea coat in a size long that I’d ordered back when it was actually chilly. Like many, I already owned a pea coat from another brand, but certainly not this quality. And it showed.
While in the store, I glanced around to see if I could replace a trucker-style leather jacket that has seen better days (also from another maker). Normally, I’d steer away from the rows of storied Perfectos. They’re cool and have great style, but just not for me.
So I was very surprised to see this 533 model among them and tried it on. Didn’t take long for me to convince myself I’d finally found a workaday leather jacket I could wear all year.
I’m tall, but the fit is still good. The shoulder width is very slightly more narrow than I’d prefer — not uncomfortable, and ease of movement is still very good. But a little more room would be better. Nonetheless, I think the coat will shape to me nicely with time. The sleeves are long, as is the style with motorcycle jackets; and that’s fine. Such is the same with pea coats: they’re long to protect from cold weather, and to fit well with gloves.
This is now my third SchottNYC coat (the first was the fleece bomber). While so many of the styles are clearly for northeast weather, it does get chilly enough here in SF for the pea coat. And actually cold enough for the great and iconic fleece bomber jacket for perhaps a month. I always enjoy wearing the fleece bomber whenever the opportunity arises.
But back to this waxy pullup 533: it is a coat that I will be able to wear year-round, with T-shirts underneath when it’s warm, or bulky sweaters when it’s not. I like the nature of how it will wear, making a virtue of scuffs and marks. While not yet having the occasion, I think this 533 can even dress up to a degree, perhaps with grey flannel trousers and Oxford shoes, and look great.
Yes, the price is high. But you see and feel what you are paying for. The leather is fine and supple to the touch. The craftsmanship is evident. And the surety of buying from a solid American manufacturer like SchottNYC is entirely worth the price of admission.