
When it comes to leather jackets, few brands carry the legendary status of Schott NYC. Established in 1913 by brothers Irving and Jack Schott, sons of a Russian immigrant, Schott NYC brings over 110 years of American heritage to the leather industry.
The brand made history in 1928 by creating the first modern leather motorcycle jacket, the iconic Perfecto, originally retailing for just $5.50 at a Long Island Harley Davidson distributor. Schott was also the first to put a zipper on a jacket. The Perfecto later became a symbol of rebellion when Marlon Brando wore it in The Wild One (1953).
Angel Jackets, founded in 2010, takes a different approach by offering high-quality, affordable leather jackets to customers worldwide through an online-first platform. While Schott represents over a century of craftsmanship, Angel Jackets focuses on making premium leather accessible to everyone.
Schott NYC continues to handcraft jackets in their New Jersey factory using the same turn-of-the-century machines from their founding days. Now run by the fourth generation of the Schott family, every jacket is hand-cut from patterns dating back to the 1940s and 1950s.
Their signature steerhide leather is U.S. sourced, chrome-tanned, and drum-dyed. It is a heavyweight 3–3.5 oz material that feels extremely stiff at first but breaks in beautifully over months of wear, eventually molding perfectly to the wearer’s body.
Credit: Scott NYC
Schott also offers horsehide with a traditional glossy finish, Horween Chromexcel cowhide that is vegetable-tanned by one of America’s oldest tanneries, and naked cowhide with a soft, buttery feel. Each material develops a rich patina over time and improves with age.
Angel Jackets uses 100% real lambskin and cowhide leather with factory-controlled production overseas. Their leather goes through professional tanning and multiple quality control stages, focusing on softness and ready-to-wear comfort from the very first day.
Credit: Raja (warehouse staff at Angel Jackets)
Schott NYC’s iconic Perfecto lineup includes the Model 613 “One Star” priced between $915–$990, the Model 618 at around $985, and premium horsehide versions starting at $1,050 or more. Café racers, bomber jackets, and flight jackets typically range from $700 to $1,200+, while Horween Chromexcel versions can exceed $1,700.
These prices reflect Made in USA labor, premium materials, hand-cut construction, and more than a century of brand heritage.
Angel Jackets offers biker jackets, bomber jackets, café racers, leather blazers, and long coats, with most jackets priced under $200. Their clearance section often starts as low as $99.
Position: "Affordable Luxury" at $189-$269 (often $170-$200 discounted)
Competitive Context:
AllSaints: $500-$600 (premium high-street)
Zara: $50-$100 (faux leather)
Schott NYC: $900-$1,200+ (heritage/heavyweight)
You want an authentic piece of American history, are willing to invest $900–$1,200+ in a lifetime jacket, value Made in USA craftsmanship, ride motorcycles and need authentic protection, and are committed to the break-in process. Schott jackets are built to last 50+ years and often become family heirlooms.
You want high-quality real leather under $200, prefer comfort from day one, need free worldwide shipping, like contemporary styles, and want minimal break-in time.

While Schott NYC represents legendary American craftsmanship, Angel Jackets delivers accessible luxury by offering 100% real leather at prices that make quality attainable for a wider audience. With free worldwide shipping, fast delivery, and an expanding global presence, Angel Jackets removes the financial barriers often associated with real leather.
Both brands serve different needs. Schott NYC stands as the gold standard for heritage craftsmanship with jackets designed to last generations, though at a premium price. Angel Jackets excels in providing modern leather jackets at accessible prices with worldwide shipping convenience.
Before purchasing, review product details, read customer reviews, and consider your budget and style preferences. Explore high-quality leather jackets at affordable prices with Angel Jackets.