This jacket is very substantial; no wimpy suede here. When you put it on, you can feel its weight, the quality workmanship, and amazing fit. It molds quickly to the body and is warmer than I expected for an unlined jacket. The brown color is slightly deeper than beige, more of a rich, warm tan or caramel, and you can see all the rugged character of the natural leather.
Being unlined, nothing comes between you and your leather. This could have been a deal breaker for me, because I have never worn a leather jacket without a lining. I love me some slick, polyester satin lining and inside pockets for glasses, a cell phone and such; so, I was hesitant to make the purchase. But, the inside leather of the jacket is finished, not sueded, which makes it easier to take on and off. Still, if you’re wearing a sleeveless T-shirt underneath, the leather-to-bare skin can be a little sticky.
The nap on the outside appears to be oiled and waxy with a firm hand rather than soft and will take a little breaking in; but, from what I can tell, this finish probably won’t show soiling as readily as a softer, lambskin suede often does.
The styling is similar to a “trucker jacket” with two side hand pockets, side button fit adjustments, button closure sleeve cuffs, and a shirt collar, albeit with a couple of slightly different features, such as a zipper front closure and one outside zipper chest pocket.
At 6’ tall, 168 lbs, with a 41 chest and 32 in. waist, the medium is a perfect fit for me with plenty of room underneath if I choose to layer up. But, I particularly like how this jacket looks with only a T-shirt underneath.
When it comes to Schott jackets, I have great expectations. With the Duke, I wasn’t disappointed. This is such a great jacket -- the look, color, fit, and quality. It’s quickly becoming my favorite jacket.