Cockpit USA vs Schott NYC: Which American Brand Is Better?

Schott NYC has been making leather jackets in America since 1913. Cockpit USA has been making military flight jackets since 1975. Both are genuinely American, genuinely heritage brands. But if you're specifically shopping for a flight jacket — A-2, B-3, G-1 — the comparison between them is clearer than it might first appear.

What Each Brand Does Best

Schott is known primarily for the Perfecto motorcycle jacket — arguably the most iconic American leather jacket ever made. They also produce a range of other leather jackets including some flight-inspired styles. Schott's reputation is built on motorcycle culture, rock and roll, and decades of consistent cowhide and steerhide construction. Their products are well-made and hold value.

Cockpit USA's entire identity is built around military aviation outerwear. Every major jacket in their line — the A-2, B-3, G-1, British RAF shearling — traces directly to U.S. or Allied military specifications. Cockpit USA holds a current USAF contract as the official supplier of the A-2 flight jacket. That institutional relationship is something Schott simply does not have in the flight jacket space.

Leather Quality

Schott uses primarily cowhide and steerhide — thick, durable, and known for excellent protection. Their leather is legitimately good quality. Cockpit USA uses goatskin, horsehide, lambskin, and full shearling depending on the model. For flight jackets specifically, the horsehide and goatskin Cockpit uses are the historically correct hides — they're what the originals were made from. Schott's cowhide is excellent for motorcycle jackets but doesn't carry the same historical authenticity for aviation reproduction pieces.

Price and Availability

Schott pricing is competitive — their leather jackets typically range from $400 to $900, with some styles higher. Cockpit USA ranges from about $500 to $1,200. Both are premium American brands. Schott is more widely available through department stores and direct. Cockpit USA is sold through authorized dealers including Legendary USA, which stocks the complete lineup.

Flight Jacket Accuracy

If you want a bomber jacket with military-accurate details — the right collar, the right hardware, the right pattern dimensions — Cockpit USA wins decisively. Schott's flight-inspired jackets are good jackets, but they're not built from mil-spec documentation. Cockpit USA's USAF A-2, available at Legendary USA, is the genuine article.

The Verdict

For motorcycle jackets, Schott is hard to beat — the Perfecto is iconic for good reason. For flight jackets, Cockpit USA is the specialist and the more historically authentic choice. If you want a B-3, A-2, or G-1 that actually carries military lineage, buy Cockpit USA through an authorized dealer like Legendary USA. If you want a classic American cafe racer or moto jacket, Schott is an excellent option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Schott make a B-3 bomber jacket? Schott has produced shearling-style jackets, but their B-3 offerings are not built to military specification the way Cockpit USA's are.

Is Schott NYC made in the USA? Schott does produce some jackets in the USA and some overseas — check specific product listings.

Is Cockpit USA the official USAF A-2 supplier? Yes. Cockpit USA is the official supplier of the A-2 flight jacket to the U.S. Air Force.

Which is better for a motorcycle rider: Schott or Cockpit USA? Schott's Perfecto is one of the best motorcycle jackets ever made. For riding, Schott wins. For aviation history and flight jacket authenticity, Cockpit USA wins.

Where can I buy Cockpit USA jackets? From authorized dealers like Legendary USA at legendaryusa.com/collections/cockpit-usa.