Vintage 1980s Schott A2 Naked Cowhide Leather Jacket 184SM

Firm in the hand and unapologetically structured, this 1980s A2 reflects a period when American civilian flight jackets leaned into material honesty rather than surface treatment. The silhouette follows the original military blueprint, but the character is defined by the hide itself. This is a jacket that carries weight, structure and natural authority.

The piece was produced by Schott NYC during a decade when the company favoured open-finish, full grain hides that were intended to mature visibly through wear. Schott’s long association with American flight and motorcycle jackets placed emphasis on durability first, allowing the leather to record use rather than conceal it.

The cut remains true to the classic A2 configuration. Clean through the body, balanced in proportion and finished with epaulettes and twin flap pockets, the shape is controlled and purposeful. The waistband anchors the silhouette firmly at the hem, maintaining structure without excess volume.

The leather is full grain naked cowhide, notably firm and dense. Unlike heavily processed or corrected hides, naked cowhide was left largely untreated at surface level, allowing it to darken and burnish naturally. Here, the hide retains its structural integrity with a strong, grounded feel. The surface shows authentic tonal variation across the sleeves, seams and pocket edges, formed gradually through decades of wear. The grain remains tight and disciplined, with creasing that reflects movement rather than fatigue.

The interior lining remains original, clean and well preserved. Waistband and cuffs have been professionally refurbished in the workshop to restore resilience while maintaining correct proportion and tension. All construction remains sound, with stitching secure throughout and hardware functioning as intended.

Condition and Preservation

The jacket has been professionally cleaned to remove embedded soiling, then lightly conditioned in house to ensure suppleness while preserving the integrity of the naked cowhide surface. No cosmetic enhancement or artificial darkening has been applied. The leather remains firm, structured and strong, with natural patina consistent with age. There are no structural weaknesses or areas of thinning. Overall condition is very good vintage, defined by maturity rather than wear.

Key Identifying Features

• 1980s Schott A2 civilian flight jacket
• Full grain naked cowhide with open-finish surface
• Firm, structured hide with naturally developed burnishing
• Classic A2 silhouette with epaulettes and twin flap pockets
• Original lining, clean and intact
• Professionally refurbished waistband and cuffs
• Original hardware throughout
• Strong stitching and sound overall construction

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 27.5"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 23"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 28"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 20"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 25.5"

Best suited to a 48-50 chest with a traditional A2 fit. Please compare these measurements with a similar garment for best accuracy.