Schott 118/618: feasible for a tall person?

[nick123]

I've had a hankering for a Schott Perfecto. Either 118 or 618. The 618 is listed to be about an inch shorter than the 118. Catch is, as many know, their lengths for a tall bloke. A "long" 118 is out of the question, as 28" is far too long to look cool and doesn't exactly exude the confidence of a cool punk rocker and instead looks like a bag. 6'2", 155-160.

So I suppose my question is, should I just go for it and try a regular 118 or 618? Nevermind the length norms and rock n roll it?...

 

[nick123]

Here I am in a vintage Schott CHP-ish model. Not perfection, but it works for me. Size 42 if I remember right. If I can find a 618 or 118 in that same ballpark with lengths I'd be happy. Or better yet find that gal I gave it to..

 

[ton312]

I *think* the standard 118 is about 1" longer in the body than the 618. 25" on the 118 vs 24" on the 618. I personally like the 118 a bit more...You're a tall guy and 24" is just too short, even for me @ 5'11"

 

[Carlos840]

I am 6'2 and 180lbs and own a Scott 644.
The back is 25,5" and IMO that's long enough. To me the real problem with Schott is the beer gut fit more than the length.
If you are skinny they fit like a bag. I had to remove 2 inches at the bottom hem from mine, and it is still the baggiest of all my jackets.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Nick, I know you are really looking at a Schott, but given what's been said above, perhaps a good alternative is the Vanson Highwayman. I have a 44 (that's still new) and it's a very trim cut. The "action back" may be a little much for some however. They are also literally stiff as a piece of plywood if constructed out of competition weight cowhide. Note that most of them have a non-removable quilted insulating liner, which may be too warm for California.
http://www.vansonleathers.com/prod-HIGHWAYMAN-347.aspx?

My very new FQHH Aero J106 is soft & supple compared to the Vanson. Just a thought...happy hunting!

 

[Harris HTM]

Hi Nick.
According to the measurements of 118 provided in Legendary (https://www.legendaryusa.com/Schott-NYC-Mens-118-Perfecto-Leather-Motorcycle-Jacket.html#tab-5) the back length at size 40 is 26 inch. I have the 618 in size 38 and 40 and the measurements of Legendary are 100% precise (I think they get them directly from Schott)

 

[ton312]

Nick, I know you are really looking at a Schott, but given what's been said above, perhaps a good alternative is the Vanson Highwayman. I have a 44 (that's still new) and it's a very trim cut. The "action back" may be a little much for some however. They are also literally stiff as a piece of plywood if constructed out of competition weight cowhide. Note that most of them have a non-removable quilted insulating liner, which may be too warm for California.
http://www.vansonleathers.com/prod-HIGHWAYMAN-347.aspx?

My very new FQHH Aero J106 is soft & supple compared to the Vanson. Just a thought...happy hunting!

The model E is in a class all it's own!

 

[Doctor Damage]

I have the 618 in size 38 and 40 and the measurements of Legendary are 100% precise (I think they get them directly from Schott)

Good to know... one is always a bit leery of measurements charts... Thanks for posting!

 

[JacketAddict]

At 6'2" I find the 25" Schotts to be much too short and ride above the belt line - albeit I do have a bit of a gut depending on the time of the year. If you are going to wear the jacket for riding you want it to be longer in the back for more wind protection down the rear end - for me the perfect length for both appearance and function for riding is 28/29", 30" starts to look ridiculously long If you are going to wear it casually then shorter length looks good - I go with around 26/27" - with 27 being just about perfect.

Stating the obvious not all upper to lower torso dimensions are the same. You may have a longer back/shorter legs or vice versa. Once you find that "perfect fit" jacket note the measurements for your future acquisitions.

 

[nick123]

Thanks!^

I actually think 26" is a little long for this style jacket. I can't believe I'm saying that!

 

[JacketAddict]

Thanks!^

I actually think 26" is a little long for this style jacket. I can't believe I'm saying that!

Go with the one that puts a grin on your face and makes you say to yourself "Man, I LOVE the way I look in this jacket!" That way you can't go wrong. ;-) One thing also - in the pic you show your shirt is untucked so that is going to make a difference in the appearance as opposed to shirt tucked in and there is no way to judge the relationship to your belt-line. In that pic it looks like you are at a racetrack?

 

[Monitor]

Thanks!^

I actually think 26" is a little long for this style jacket. I can't believe I'm saying that!

It is. 24" is right. :3

 

[ton312]

I'm only 5'11 and anything less than 27" feels like a waiters jacket... can't even count how many jackets I've sold re: too short. I get it if your a bike cop hunched over on a big ass road king all day but for casual use, that short length just looks funny to me and it seems to be a top tier buzz killer of joy in a jacket...just say'n

 

[Monitor]

I don't know, for me, Perfectos are either over the belt or they're off... I've discovered that I'm happy with a 25 - 25.5" back length but less will work, too. CR's need to be a bit longer than that but Perfecto is at its best when it's short. I don't know why, though...

 

[ton312]

It's all preference I suppose but at Nicks height that 618 will hit him at the belly button. That's just not a good look on anybody. Even this guy, who is probably 5'2".

 

[Monitor]

That jacket belt's a bit high. What's that, Vanson?

 

[ton312]

That jacket belt's a bit high. What's that, Vanson?

Yeah. The C2. I want one and there's one on eBay right now in a 42". I use this pic to persuade me against it

 

[HoosierDaddy]

That over the belt look is just plain silly these days IMHO. I wouldn't be seen in one that short on or off my MC.

 

[ton312]

That over the belt look is just plain silly these days IMHO. I wouldn't be seen in one that short on or off my MC.

I agree HD. And honestly my model E at 26.5" length has never been a problem hunched over on a bike or running to target in a minivan. The bunching up thing just doesn't happen and I'm relatively short!

 

[AeroFan_07]

A couple fit photos of the Vanson Highwayman. It's quite the stiff deal, but the insulation keeps you warm.