Ever purchase something that so greatly exceeds your expectations it instantly becomes one of your top 5 favorite things you can not live without?
I could probably write a small book about this jacket but I'll keep this review brief; the Schott 596 "Rancher" has to be the best kept secret of the Schott line-up. It is built with the classic Schott quality we all expect and demand from the price point, yes, but this is truly an heirloom piece. I expect it to last at least my lifetime, and my son will probably get a few decades out of it as well (and he is 5 currently).
The jacket is heavy like a cowhide jacket should be, but not to the point it weights you down. The leather is stiff but supple and should break in with a fantastic patina over time. I love the flannel lining of the interior of the jacket, which feels like your favorite shirt or blanket.
The sheep collar is a big reason I chose this jacket, and why I suspect most people are looking at this particular style. It's absolutely wonderful- incredibly warm, hugging the back and side of your neck without being restrictive. It pops off easily with 6 snaps, and I was beyond impressed that the entire removeable collar is also top grain leather, even the inside, and the snap attachment points.
With the sheep collar removed this jacket has an entirely different look, making it much more "dressy" like a delivery jacket. Truly two jackets in one. My only gripe here is the snap for the inside center of the collar leaves an exposed metal button on the inside of the jacket that touches the back of my neck. On a cold morning I can feel it. Would be nice if there was a piece of the flannel lining that covered this, but ultimately it is not a big deal.
For fit, I'm 6'6" 215lbs athletic taper, and the Large fits me exceptionally well, if not a little baggy in the belly but great around the chest. For someone of my height, the Schott "fit finder" will tell me nothing fits, but I found this to be in the range of acceptable. The length hits right about my hips but the sleeves are a touch short when I reach my arms, like driving, for example. This is pretty common for me so something I am used to. I pulled in the side buckles to the tightest setting to shore up the bagginess of the belly and it fits like a nice tailored jacket without being restrictive.
I was on the fence about this jacket for a while but ultimately very happy I pulled the trigger. Also, incredibly fast shipping- ordered on a Monday and received in Colorado on a Thursday! Thank you, Schott!