I already have a horsehide 689H, and I love it, so I couldn’t wait for this 618HH. This new one will be for motorcycle riding — with the fake-fur collar I recently purchased from Schott in the winter — and the 689H will be for more traditional pursuits and socializing. (I can’t believe I wrote that with a straight face.)
I have more than ten Schott leather jackets now, and a few dozen leather jackets from other brands (especially Harley-Davidson), and this could be my favorite — either this or my new 111 Perfecto in navy blue cowhide. For reference only: I’m 6’0” tall, 225 pounds, with a 46” chest and still have an athletic build with no belly (yet). I wear a size 46 suit and sport coat, and a size XL in most other brands’ leather jackets, like Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle jackets. I went against the Fit Guide on the Schott product page and instead of ordering the recommended size 48, like my 689H and my older 118, I went with a size 50 with this jacket because I read the 618 has a more fitted profile. Also, Schott made it clear that the fur collar for a 118 or a 125 should be ordered a size larger than the jacket itself so the snaps will match up. I am SO glad I ordered the larger size. It fits perfectly and has room for a hoodie underneath.
The only surprise is this 618HH measures 27” from the base of the collar to the bottom in back. I expected it to be. 25” but I prefer this longer jacket because I wear these jackets for daily riding, not for fashion. The chest on this jacket measures 50” (25” across from armpit to armpit) and also at the waist — there’s no taper. Surprisingly, my older, size 48, 118, which I bought used, measures around 49” at the chest, 46” at the waist, and 25” from the base of the collar to the bottom in the back. It’s more fitted than my size 50 618HH.
The horsehide leather is shiny and stiff but it will break in beautifully. I can’t wait.