Schott Men’s Waxed Natural Pebbled Cowhide Café Leather Jacket

The Cafe Racer leather jacket design that became mainstream in the 1960’s was developed in England. As soldiers were returning home after WWII they caught the bug of souping up older, prewar motorbikes. These motorcycles were raced between local pubs and cafes which created the need for a streamlined, minimalist leather racing jacket. Traveling at times in excess of 100 MPH was a fairly dangerous proposition on the roads that were more like trails at the time. Heavy horsehide and of course a strong main zipper added a certain level of protection for these speed happy daredevils. One would imagine there were wagers made and records set during these early cafe racing days.

Schott Brothers has produced a café racer leather motorcycle jacket since we produced model 666 RS for Beck in 1956. It was called a “Leather Racing Shirt” and cost $28.95 at the time. Schott also marketed our own racing jacket as the model 641XX. In the early days these leather jackets had symmetrical zippered pockets on the chest, an adjustable snap collar strap and zippered sleeve cuffs. As they were worn and abused many examples found today are missing any signs of the original inside linings.

Rooted in tradition, the Schott Model 530 continues this cafe racer style from the 50’s. Based on early racer designs the 530 has changed a bit but the overall concept remains the same. Design a tight fitting, no frills mens leather jacket with a cool, refined look. We feel our Café Racer’s accomplished this and make a profound statement. Schott continues production of the classic Café Racer motorcycle jacket style, as always, right here in the U.S.A.