A One-of-a-Kind Leather: Schott NYC’s Shinki Hikaku Horse Hide Racer Jacket

For over six decades, Schott NYC has been crafting the iconic Racer Jacket in a wide range of leathers. Among the many exceptional options, few have been as rare and captivating as the new Shinki Hikaku Horse Hide Racer Jacket.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Racer Jacket is Schott NYC’s second most iconic piece, after the Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in terms of fame and popularity. Its design is rooted in full-body leather motorcycle racing suits that emerged in the 1920s and gained widespread appeal with the 1960s cafe racer movement.

The Cafe Racer design has remained mostly unchanged since 1956, with the main variations being the fit and leather.

Schott

Schott NYC offers a diverse range of leather options for the Racer Jacket, sourced from tanneries worldwide and featuring hides of varying quality from cows, sheep, and horses. Occasionally, a rare and exceptional leather like the Shinki Hikaku Horse Hide catches the eye, transforming the iconic design into a highly coveted piece.

A One-of-a-Kind Tannery

Shinki Hikaku Tannery, located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, is the only leather maker in the world that exclusively works with horse hide. Family-owned and operated since 1951, the tannery’s small operation and dedication to traditional techniques result in leathers that are inherently rare and unique.

back of a black leather jacket — The Shinki Hikaku leather comes with a glossy aniline finish.

The unique textures and properties of Shinki Hikaku leather are a result of the tannery’s traditional vegetable tanning techniques, which involve drying and aging stages that can take up to four months. This process preserves the natural grain and texture of the animal hide, resulting in a patina that is unparalleled in the industry.