Buy a Used Schott Perfecto Instead of a Cheap Knockoff

[@spencerd8201]

Great video! One question buyers need to ask when purchasing used is to ask the seller about smell. I’ve bought many many used leather jackets and at least 1/2 of them had an issue with odors or mildew. Most were returned for a refund but some I got stuck with. It can be a real issue and most smells such as mold, mildew, and thrift store smells cannot be removed. It is almost impossible to live with odors and can be so frustrating when a gorgeous jacket comes that you would otherwise love but can’t wear due to the odor. I hope this tip helps!

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah smell is a good point. I’ve heard using an ozone machine can remove a lot of smells. But a moldy jacket- no thanks!

[@spencerd8201]

It’s funny I recently bought a 118 from eBay that was supposedly new vintagewithout tags. It had horrible pictures but wanna really great price. So I took a chance. It arrived smelling like old closet and marajuana. I boxed it back up and returned to the seller as directed by eBay. It ended up coming back to me as the seller had moved and could not be reached. eBay refunded me and told me to keep the jacket. The pot smell faded and after cleaning it up and researching it ends up it was from the late 1980s which is when I was a teen in school and started my love of the black leather motorcycle jacket. I cleaned it up and the pot smell actually disappeared in shipping! The closet smell didn’t but it is now one of my favorite jackets. I have tried ozone machines on some of my musty eBay finds. It has never really worked, only making the musty smell with that of ozone which fades back to the musty smell in time. I thin the ozone works best in cigarette smoke from my experience. Again great channel!

[@DudsByDel]

@@spencerd8201 hah that’s a great eBay story. Haven’t used the ozone myself just heard about it…but good to know about cigarette smell. I have hung jackets out under the porch for a week that came with odd smell and it really helped too. Thanks for sharing

[@tonegrail650]

I bought a jacket that arrived smelling like a homeless person (piss and body odor). After putting it thru the washer an letting it dry over a week the smell was greatly reduced but still there. I then put it inside a plastic bin and dumped in a box of arm and hammer pet fresh and shook it up. Left it for a week and that got rid of 90% of the smell.

[@cheapaudioman]

I have a Hillside for the last 10 years and it’s been great. I have 3 Scott jacket and the hillside is definitely not embarrassed

[@DudsByDel]

Haven’t had a hillside jacket myself, they seem to fly a little under the radar. An acquaintance got one and thought it was a pretty robust jacket and fairly priced

[@kylemarthaller3920]

Mines an air force flight jacket I got from my grand uncle when he was serving in Korea over 70 years later and it still looks great.

[@DudsByDel]

Very cool. The history and personal connection make it very special!

[@OrnumCR]

I recently purchased a used Schott 618 out of Japan. It was size 40. As Schott has no representation in Australia, I had to take a punt. Have to say it paid off and it delivered from Tokyo super-fast. Japan is a great place to buy good quality pre-loved Schott jackets at not such a bad price. Mine was an EBay purchase and the seller was excellent. Have to say though, when I contacted Schott in New York directly to enquire why there was no agent in Australia, they couldn’t be bothered coming back with an answer. The jacket I got from Tokyo is awesome. Heavy and well made…and it was an older example which I have successfully recommissioned…so I definitely will consider a pre-loved Schott jacket. If Schott themselves don’t want my money for a new jacket, well that’s just mighty dandy. I’m heading to NYC next year, so might pop in to their store to have a word or two…thanks for your interesting video…

[@DudsByDel]

I’ve also bought a used one from Japan with good experience! Are you not able to buy from online Schott? I thought they did international shipping?

[@OrnumCR]

@@DudsByDel ….the problem I had, and the reason I wanted to find an Australian distributor, was around fit and size. What size do I buy? How is the fit? Given the very expensive pricing for a new one at around AUD$1200.00, it would be wise to at least ‘try before you buy’ … Hence why I bought pre-loved. I took a pure punt, bought a size 40 and luckily for me I struck gold. I’ve since bought another Schott jacket out of Japan…it’s still on the way. Should see it soon.

[@DudsByDel]

@@OrnumCR congrats! Cool to hear it worked out for you, I had wondered how things went

[@OrnumCR]

@@DudsByDel …yeah the Schott is fantastic…I love it…fits me so well and love the weight of it. Still want to buy a new one when I sail over to New York late next year. Compliments of the season to you and yours. Keep the vids coming. 👍

[@DudsByDel]

@@OrnumCR thanks man. Seasons greetings indeed

[@CanadaFree-ce9jn]

Thankfully, I have a store in my area owned by a young guy who really knows his brands. Seen two Schott jackets there today.

[@DudsByDel]

Oh nice! Used and you get to try them on, best of both worlds

[@Cobin9923]

$1K leather jacket is too expensive for me but that doesn’t mean I can’t save up for it. I agree, in the long run this jacket is worth the luxury for many of us, plus, is made in the US! So, thanks for your advice, totally agree with you. Btw, today is Christmas. I wish you all a Merry Christmas m/happy holidays.

[@DudsByDel]

Merry Christmas Jacob. Also look, I buy used a lot. I think if you prefer to buy new, by all means go for it. It especially makes sense for jackets that can’t be had any other way, or if you have unusual build and can’t fit standard sizes. But buying used can open the door to lots of options you can’t otherwise afford

[@sauceboss3808]

All saints, Boda Skins and Coach make great jackets for a lower price and absolutely great quality.

[@armandblake]

Just pulled a trigger on a vintage 618 with a patched lining and with few things wrong, but I fix shoes for living so I can get it right. I thought about getting a copy but this has been around from the 80s so it should be good quality. Also Schott should resell in case I need to flip it

[@DudsByDel]

Nice that you have the ability to mend a jacket on your own. I bet it will make for an interesting piece over time!

[@MrJruta]

After watching many videos including yours, I pulled the trigger on a Schott Perfecto. Zero regrets, it is in fact an heirloom piece as you say 👍

[@DudsByDel]

Happy for ya! At this point the challenge may be to stick to just one!

[@erikkibler3466]

The 618 I bought used today is just at that perfectly broken in stage and it feels tailored to my frame🤟

[@DudsByDel]

@@erikkibler3466 such an awesome feeling when the fit is just right!

[@ibbjos08]

Good points Del. Secondhand jackets are a great value.

[@DudsByDel]

Appreciate it!

[@justynmoore9670]

I lucked out and got a gently used schott 370 off of ebay for $350 and i love it!

[@DudsByDel]

Nice. I also got my 370 on eBay. I think for around $500 after tax and shipping

[@Iamjustdanny]

I'd also like to add another option. Schott's annual factory sale. A deal can definitely be had there.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah it’s about to happen! Schott will also occasionally have online sales for 15-20% off but you never know when they’ll do it.

[@c.w.9615]

Thanks for speaking about the hazard of buying used. I don't know my size. I'd like to check out the Schot store in NY the next time I'm there.

[@DudsByDel]

Trying on in person is definitely nice. Make sure to take note of the specific model you're checking out since Schott makes several similar styles that have different fit. As in the 118 and 618 look similar, but the 118 basically fits a size larger (and a bit longer) than the 618

[@c.w.9615]

@@DudsByDel Excellent tip. Thanks.

[@JonOlomon]

I'd really like to see a direct comparison of the best of the best: Langlitz, Vanson, Cal Leathers, and any others in that category.

[@DudsByDel]

Gotta add Lost Worlds! I don’t have all of them currently but would like that too

[@MichaelHsu95]

You should do a review on independence brothers. There are a few reviews on KZbin, but would love to hear your opinion

[@DudsByDel]

I’d be interested to do it but my first impression that it ain’t great. Hard to get one from the custom guys that don’t offer returns

[@luckybguy]

Thoughts on wilsion amd Arizona leather? Im assuming they are low teir cheap because i see alot of them for sale

[@DudsByDel]

Early Wilson I’ve heard can be good. But for many years not so much. Not familiar with Arizona leather

[@luckybguy]

Well because of you del and your videos I finally just bought a schott, all your points are valid and honest and I appreciate your videos

[@DudsByDel]

@@luckybguy congrats man! Thanks for letting me know, I really do my best to be honest and clear

[@petersilecchio4417]

Great Video Del. Thank You for Posting.

[@DudsByDel]

Thank you Pete!

[@dp97303]

the cycle shops here in Oregon they go for 200 to 400

[@DudsByDel]

On the low end, that’s a great price!

[@avemusbananum]

Hey Man, I love your vids!! I was wondering if you could make an ultimate buyer guide of perfecto jackets :) Thanks Have a nice day!!

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah that sounds cool. I’ll put it in my list

[@ricobaby555]

Is FMC cheap bcuz they look A1?

[@DudsByDel]

Hmm could you clarify? I don’t understand

[@cagezero1]

Copped a classic Perfecto for $300 minus the extortionate shipping cost. I'm pretty certain it's a 618. It's a beautiful piece. Schott's materials and craftsmanship are always really good. Their jackets age really well if you take half decent care of them. I've got an old Schott A-2 flight jacket that I'm proud of too. You do have to take care regarding the fit but that's nothing unique to Schott. Their clothing all measures true to size and is reasonably consistent in bodily fit and proportions. Just gotta do your homework. I wouldn't buy a new one but I don't even like new leather items. Durability and history is the whole appeal of leather, surely. Retail fashion kinda just blows.

[@DudsByDel]

Congrats on the pickup. I think Schott makes great jackets too. I would say that their sizing isn’t just true to size- the 118 and 141 for example are bigger than you’d expect for the tag size. Have a great one

[@cagezero1]

@@DudsByDel Oh okay, I'm sure you're more knowledgeable than myself so I'll take your word for it. My understanding is that the 118 is meant to be a roomier and more comfortable counterpart to the 618? So I'd assume some proportions would be different. I would probably love it, only didn't go for it because my options were limited buying used. I don't really know anything specific about the 141 nor the 613 or other models. I did my research on the classic 618 enough to have a good idea of how it ought to fit and got what I expected. You too!

[@BESTIAL-CRUCIFIER]

I bought "cheap" leather jackets about 10 and 7 years ago. I liked them at the time but under scrutiny they don't hold up, and the older of the two has broken in two places. I have too many expenses to put up $1500 AUD for a Schott. Even used they exceed the price of what I paid for my jackets. I've been looking around but the situation in Australia is dire. There's barely anything that isn't fast fashion garbage, and what exists is often either too small (women's) or too large for me. It's tough, basically have to be on high alert for a good deal at all times.

[@DudsByDel]

ahh that’s tough. The shipping costs certainly don’t help either! I feel ya on the high alert mode…scrapping for deals is a tough way to be all the time

[@kevinwalsh9483]

hey del, nice video. i recently had my schott 141 cafe stolen. i pd. 600.00 for it new 10 yrs. ago. to replace this jkt. today it would cost me 950.00 before tax. schott prices are OUT OF CONTROL. please tell me if i am mistaken, but i believe fox creek leathers are made here in america. 40% less than a schott. master supply, out of toronto also makes really good quality jkts., even though they outsource.

[@DudsByDel]

Hey Kevin! Yeah Schott prices increase every year ish by about 5%. Fox Creek and Hillside are less expensive but maybe a step down in quality? Haven’t handled them myself. I like Vanson, they tend to be a little less than Schott and they do 10% sales from time to time. Also Schott has an annual factory sale, but you have to go in person…

[@kevinwalsh9483]

thanks del. do you know when the factory sale is ? i happen to live in n.y.@@DudsByDel

[@DudsByDel]

@@kevinwalsh9483 yep it’s supposed to be 10/21

[@kevinwalsh9483]

thanks.@@DudsByDel

[@jacobn516]

Milwaukee leather jackets are the same quality and almost 1/4 of the price. I have always wanted a perfecto but can't justify the price when there are jackets out there just as good for half the price.

[@DudsByDel]

@@jacobn516 i just don’t agree that those jackets are the same quality. If you like em, go for it.

[@jacobn516]

@DudsByDel have you ever had one?

[@DudsByDel]

@ I compared them in another video- cheap vs expensive leather jackets

[@jacobn516]

@@DudsByDel take me in the video if you don't mind.

[@brianminkc]

I just bought a Milwakee leather coat for $98. Hard to believe you can buy a coat for this price. My $600 Harley Davidson coat appears to be of similar quality. The HD is made in Mexico. Frankly I don't have $1000 to buy a Shott

[@DudsByDel]

Fair enough. I checked out a Milwaukee jacket a while ago but feel like return to it is in order. I paid $350 for my 618 used. Clearly more than $100 but a far cry from $1000

[@JonOlomon]

I don't entirely agree with this, and I think it depends on what you're looking for. I bought a 1K Godspeed moto, NWOT on ebay for 300. Then I bought a NWT Boda Skins Kay Michaels, Steve Cook edition on Poshmark for 600. It fits like custom made, and it's made with the softest lambskin I've ever seen. The Godspeeds lambskin is very soft as well. They both have polished stainless steel hardware. These are great quality jackets, but probably won't be as durable or offer as much protection as Schott or the others.

[@DudsByDel]

What part don’t you agree with? Basically the point is if you can’t afford the new thing you want, buy the used thing you want. Rather than settling for something you dont really want

[@AladdinSaneNYC]

I have VERY curious questions concerning moto jackets and I'd sure appreciate your replying: Where can I purchase a pre-owned classic Schott Perfecto moto jacket in perhaps a 4 or maybe a 5x size? NYC here, and by the way how close to size do these jackets run? I think a 4x would be great, but I'm unsure. Please inform, and thanks! 🙏🏹

[@DudsByDel]

The 618 and 613 run true to size. If you're looking for a bigger fit, the 118 is about one size bigger than stated. So a 118 size 48 would be 4xl. Look on ebay and grailed, possibly the FedoraLounge forums. Ebay makes saving a search with size parameters easy

[@DudsByDel]

Hey was checking the classifieds and ran into this listing. Not familiar with the seller, so you may want to pay the extra for PayPal protection but lots of folks do business on the forums www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/excellent-condition-schott-perfecto-118-sz-48-350.112540/

[@franzb69]

what's the best value one? a good value one.

[@DudsByDel]

Best value is probably something like a used Schott, Vanson, or Aero. Possibly Cockpit / Avirex, old LL Bean flight jackets are also good quality for less money. There are too many possibilities to list. These makers all have a pretty large used market

[@supersaiyan-u7w]

I have 2 master supply jackets around the $400 to $500 price range and they seem high quality to me. At what point are there diminishing returns

[@DudsByDel]

A good question. I think probably past $1000 you’re paying for luxuries like unique design, higher quality hide, more beautiful stitching etc. Nailing the exact curve of diminishing returns is kinda tough…also consider that some jackets have a thriving resale market compared to others. Popular or sought-after models and makers you can get more back out of the jacket if you decide to move it later

[@xCreepyKidsx]

I tried buying used Schotts and Vansons but every jacket I could find in 40 or 42 was stretched out by someone with a big gut or huge waist and would look like a bell on my 30 inch waist when I tried them on. Someday I'll buy a brand new Schott if I can afford it but for now I just gave up on owning a leather jacket.

[@DudsByDel]

I wonder what specific models you got. The Schott 118 for example fits a size bigger than a Schott’s 618. The Vanson Enfield fits a size bigger than the Royale Enfield. And so on. Point being the tag size alone is not the best indicator as to whether a particular model will fit you. Learning measurements, or asking for advice at a place like the Fedora Lounge can help a lot.

[@joshuabochum4304]

Just scored a Schott Perfecto for $350... ebay is the way

[@DudsByDel]

Congrats dude!

[@israellevrie5744]

Bought mine for 75 bucks on Facebook marketplace😎 it’s now my favorite riding jacket. It does however need to get the zippers replaced. Does anyone know where I can get some good zippers for it?

[@DudsByDel]

Nice price! Are the zippers broken? Or the tape ripped? What’s the problem?

[@israellevrie5744]

@@DudsByDelthe zippers are missing some of the little nubs and the handle part is off the other side

[@chris101gray3]

Idk, I am in two worlds regarding Schott Perfecto's. For decades I wanted one but at their price I could. ever afford one. Recently I found one used online for $400 so I pulled the trigger. For context, over the course of my life I have owned numerous perfecto styled leather "biker" jackets of varying quality but all very good with thick heavy cowhide leather, most made in India. When I got the Perfecto it was a bit of a let down to be honest as the leather was much thinner than I have seen on any biker jacket and also the underarm seams (a high stress point) were both coming apart. The inside of the waist was not keather, but Vinyl as were both the 'v" expansion gussets under the sleeve zippers. I found this really surprising that Schott would feel the neccessity to make such a cheap cost cutting element to their jackets, not to mention highly disappointing. Consequently I sold the jacket on for basically what I paid for it and bought a Vanson instead...It cost more but heck was it worth it! Personally after my experience I feel Schott Perfecto's are highly overrated for what is essentially a very mediocre garment that is of substandard workmanship for the very high prices asked. I would certainly never pay full new retail for a Schott jacket. You can do far better for a lot less $$. Sadly its just another example of fast fashion and paying for a label.

[@liualpha6951]

How many leather jackets do you have now ( over 300 USD per jacket)?

[@DudsByDel]

Something like 6 or 7. I have a Schott Western fringed suede jacket that was less than $300

[@Mishalex]

Super unpopular opinion: full-grain Shinki horsehide leather is too thick, too stiff, and just takes too long to break in. I'm perfectly happy with my cheap, chemically treated Pakistani top-grain leather over here.😅

[@DudsByDel]

Shinki produces a wide variety of hides. The two rainbow country jackets I’ve gotten are Shinki horsehide and both have been extremely comfortable. I briefly had a Simmons Bilt jacket in some kind of Shinki hide that was fine comfort-wise, but was too short and I sold it. So I dunno. Think a lot depends on the type of leather and how the maker uses it

[@Mishalex]

​@@DudsByDel Thanks for the response and the expertise, Del. That's good to know. I'll have to look into some of their other offerings. You're almost certainly right that there's a horsehide leather jacket out there somewhere that's right for me.

[@animikhchakrabarty]

hi, i bought a perfecto from a local thrift store and can't say if its real. cdo you have the expertise to authenticate if i send you photos?

[@DudsByDel]

Fair chance I can. Send pics of the labels, front and back of jacket, look inside the little coin pocket for small white tag include that too. Easiest to DM me on Instagram dudsbydel

[@arnavjamale1457]

which jackets are best for university students, i dont want to spend alot on first jacket 😅

[@DudsByDel]

Have to recommend a used Schott or Vanson motorcycle jacket plus a little patience. Follow the Finds and Deals thread over at FedoraLounge

[@arnavjamale1457]

@@DudsByDel thanks 👍

[@OnHustler]

Thanks for sharing Sir!

[@eclispeIDE]

FWW. Brands like John Varvatos, Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sandro can be found used for a lot less than new. These are good alternatives for people who want something more fashion oriented, Also Aero is a good brand for something more classic.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah there are so many fashion brands, I really don’t keep up with the bulk of them. Slowly working my way through the “heritage” makers. I’ve had several Aeros but the fit never quite worked…

[@meganr25]

What is your opinion on buying used (good brand) if it has a couple small rips and is heavily discounted?

[@DudsByDel]

Rips on the leather or the lining?

[@meganr25]

@@DudsByDelleather. Thanks!

[@DudsByDel]

@@meganr25 then big discount definitely warranted. There no real recovery from that. Though it can look good if you’re into it.

[@meganr25]

⁠@@DudsByDelthank you

[@richardcostello360]

I couldn't be bothered with Schott when their customer service just ignores inquiries as to why they don't have distributors in Australia.......thankfully we've got Stagg and Mars (Melbourne based companies) who took what Schott made and upgraded it to Japanese levels of perfection

[@DudsByDel]

Understandable to seek makers that are more available to you in Australia. Seems like a common but still frustrating issue for yall.

[@vonniev0n]

Bugged out...... top jacket of all time period!!!!!!!

[@DudsByDel]

True dat man!

[@thejacketdepartment]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks man!

[@kevinbarrett9615]

How would a women’s Schott fit a man ?

[@DudsByDel]

Probably oddly. They create space for the bust, and the cuts are generally more cropped. The arms are slimmer too

[@kevinbarrett9615]

@@DudsByDel thanks

[@ianalpha835]

Never take the dark bargain!

[@DudsByDel]

Too late for you 😢

[@agentzane9821]

Yooo

[@DudsByDel]

Heyoooo

[@stevenkalfakis4165]

Buy a Ford Instead of a cheap knockoff, lol

[@DudsByDel]

Hey I drive a Ford, I endorse this message

[@stevenkalfakis4165]

Me too actually! But I own that overpriced jacket and I actually like my Pakistani made Unik better,lol. I’ve had them both for over 10 years.

[@DudsByDel]

@@stevenkalfakis4165 I can only give my own perspective. I think Schott jackets are great. If the asking price for new is too high, then buy used. But many of the made in Pakistan jackets I’ve seen and the few I’ve handled have all been inferior in different ways. There’s a huge thread on (and clear following for) Five Star jackets on FedoraLounge.

[@stevenkalfakis4165]

Does yours still have a strong leather smell? Mine barely does anymore, but the Unik makes the room smell like a cow factory,lol.

[@DudsByDel]

@@stevenkalfakis4165 hah! I will have to ask since I lost most of my sense of smell in my 20s