Founded in 1913, Schott NYC was founded by brothers Irving and Jack Schott, the sons of a Russian immigrant, in New York City. They began by making raincoats in a basement on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which were then sold to street peddlers door to door. Known for their innovation, the brand was the first to introduce zippers to jackets, in the mid-1920s. The first Perfecto motorcycle jacket was designed and produced by Irving Schott in 1928, (he famously named it after his favourite brand of cigar) and was an immediate classic and hit among bikers.

Like many clothing brands, Schott was commissioned by the Air Force during WWII to create flight jackets or "bomber jackets" that would be functional and protective. As well as this, Schott's melton wool navy pea coat kept servicemen in the US Navy warm on deck. Schott produced wool and leather jackets for the US military for the next 60 years.

Scott's leather jackets were well-loved by the young and rebellious post-war, with the Schott Perfecto gaining notoriety from being worn by Marlon Brando in 1954 film The Wild One. Despite being banned by schools across the country due to it being a symbol of teen rebellion, it gained legendary status, especially after being worn by James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause.

In the '70s and '80s, Schott found its place in the punk rock movement, with young people continuing to wear the Perfecto jacket as a symbol of rebellion and resistance. In fact, it practically became uniform for a slew of young rock stars and musicians, such as The Ramones, Joan Jett, Blondie and The Sex Pistols.