Help Buying First Jacket

Hey folks, I am planning on buying my first leather jacket in the next couple of months, and after lurking on this forum for a while I figured this would be the best place to get some insight. I'm looking for a cafe racer that looks great, is well made, and will last a long time. I don't ride a bike, so I can sacrifice function to a certain degree. I've checked out Schott and I really like some of their CRs such as the 641, 654 and the 530. I'm worried about the 641 being a bit "over the top" for casual wear since I don't ride. I'm looking for a slim fit and have a budget of up to $1000. Any advice, tips, and input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I would get a stock size schott 141. If it does not fit easy return and refund.

Or take a look at thurston. They have some stock thedi CR that look great and by the numbers seem really good for a given size. For example enough room in shoulders, slim body, long enough back and sleeves imo

My first leather jacket was a Schott 644, the equivalent of the Schott 641 a few years ago.
IMO it isn't over the top, it is a pretty easy to wear jacket.
Just be aware that like most Schott jackets it has very little drop from chest to waist, if you are V shaped and have a large drop it will look like a bag on you.
I have a 41" chest and 33" waist and i have had to have mine tailored to remove 2" at the waist.

I also think that Schott are pretty poor value for money, they made sens when they used to cost 500$, but i think that for what they sell for right now you could find a better made jacket. (Vanson or Aero are the first that come to mind, Thedi also does interesting cafe racer designs)

You can see fit pics of my modified 644 in this thread, first post.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-leather-jacket-database.93804/

Psant25 said:

I would get a stock size schott 141. If it does not fit easy return and refund.

Or take a look at thurston. They have some stock thedi CR that look great and by the numbers seem really good for a given size. For example enough room in shoulders, slim body, long enough back and sleeves imo

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Thanks for the advice! besides the leather itself, I'm trying to figure out the difference between the 141 and the 641. It says the 641 is cut a size smaller than the 141, but does that mean that a size 42 141 has the exact same measurements as a size 40 641?

Carlos840 said:

My first leather jacket was a Schott 644, the equivalent of the Schott 641 a few years ago.
IMO it isn't over the top, it is a pretty easy to wear jacket.
Just be aware that like most Schott jackets it has very little drop from chest to waist, if you are V shaped and have a large drop it will look like a bag on you.
I have a 41" chest and 33" waist and i have had to have mine tailored to remove 2" at the waist.

I also think that Schott are pretty poor value for money, they made sens when they used to cost 500$, but i think that for what they sell for right now you could find a better made jacket. (Vanson or Aero are the first that come to mind, Thedi also does interesting cafe racer designs)

You can see fit pics of my modified 644 in this thread, first post.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-leather-jacket-database.93804/

Click to expand...

That 644 looks great man! Thanks for the help. Out of curiosity, what do you think about the Vanson Comet?

Tehhur321 said:

That 644 looks great man! Thanks for the help. Out of curiosity, what do you think about the Vanson Comet?

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I have never handled a Comet, but i have three Vansons and all of them are great jackets.
Although not perfect compared to higher end brands, they are definitely a level above Schott IMO.
If the Comet fits you i would not hesitate getting one. I have heard they are very short jackets in the body.

And to answer your other question, a size 42 641 will be the exact same as a size 40 141. 641 is a size smaller, so you have to go up to one to get equal size. It was already like that with the 644.

Tehhur321 said:

Thanks for the advice! besides the leather itself, I'm trying to figure out the difference between the 141 and the 641. It says the 641 is cut a size smaller than the 141, but does that mean that a size 42 141 has the exact same measurements as a size 40 641?

Click to expand...

I think you mean a 141 size 40 equals a 641 size 42. Pretty sure that is the case. You can check the schott forums or email gail at schott to confirm unless someone else chimes in.

@Tehhur321, hi.

I'd definitely recommend either Schott or Vanson. Or if you're after something a bit more fashionable but of equal quality, Lewis Leathers.

Check out Aero's sale page, too. They've got a lot of stock CR's, all under $1000 and if you find one in your size, that'd definitely be your best call.

Schott makes quality jackets. They may not be using the fanciest leather out there but as far as the quality goes, you should be set for life.
Vanson makes an even better product since they're actual riding gear company, you may find their leather too heavy. Still, IMO they're the best value for money.
Lewis Leathers is great too, really popular right now but their jackets cost a bit more.

Basically, at that kinda money, you really can't go wrong with either brand you choose. RRL makes good stuff and even Levi's latest leather jackets have been really nice. That's a lot of money that can land you a really good jacket. Only way to upgrade would be something bespoke or exotic but in all honesty, the whole made to measure business is overrated and worth the up-charge (and the time) only if OTR really, really doesn't work for you.

Pick a jacket you like the most. It'll be a good jacket. If you can try it on prior to buying it, all the better.

OTR=Off The Rack. Otherwise stock jacket.

Firstly you need to get your sizing and measurements right. This took me about ten jackets before the Internet era to work out.

Then choose the right fit and style. Make sure the sleeves, pit to pit and back length are what you need. Consult, look, learn. Very important.

People often rush in and buy and only after they post photos do they see that the sleeves are two inches too short or the jacket is a size too big and they hadn't even considered this when buying.

Then choose the leather you want.

For me, because it is warm a lot here, I avoid any leather thicker than 2.5oz. It's just unnecessary and far less comfortable in my 30 plus years experience. A Vanson Comet in competition hide 3.5oz would be terrible for me. In Vanson's Firenze hide maybe ok, but still very thick (3oz). It's a great looking cafe racer.

If I went Vanson, I would go via Thurston Bros - their Comet has some refinements. I need the extra length because I am tall.

If you are not too tall (6ft and under) the Schott 641XX is to my taste their best cafe racer. I'm 6'2" and it was just a little short for me - most Schotts are no longer than 25.5 inches at back. This is generally a couple of inches too short for me. But I prefer my jackets to end over my belt line, some others prefer the short look.

There's a lot of homework to do regarding fit.

Getting your measurements correct is definitely the most important thing to do.

IMO, the 641 is not over the top at all, but in your budget, I would definitely look at Vanson, try to find some Aero's on sale, or just save up a bit more for an Aero or Thedi.

Seb Lucas said:

If I went Vanson, I would go via Thurston Bros - their Comet has some refinements. I need the extra length because I am tall.

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I own the Vanson Comet PLU-3, this is the Thurston Brothers model with 3 inches added to the back length. I picked mine up here used in the classifieds and it is an awesome café racer jacket. Definitely one to consider along with the Schott jackets you are looking at.