Fitting Chaps?

I feel kind of embarrassed asking this, I have no idea how chaps (western) are supposed to fit I have to get a pair this year and I don't know what they're supposed to fit like. If I wear a 36 (38's for showing, so they don't ride up my boots when I put my heels down) inseam in jeans, what size chaps would I wear? Where is the hem supposed to fit to? If you guys could post pictures of properly fitting chaps, I'd be really grateful Also, do you prefer leather over suede or vise verse, and why?

Thanks for your help!

I think it might depend in what you show in.

Cutting or ranch style shows differ from the style that folks wear for western pleasure or reining...what classes are you showing in?

I'm doing reining and would like to be able to use them in WP too.

Do plan on custom made or off the rack?

If custom made then they will ask for several different measurements, waist(where your chaps will sit) upper thigh , lower thigh(just above the knee) calf, inseam, outseam, and the drop(crotch).

You seem tall, I would guess that customs would be the best, for a flattering fit.... I am tall as well, I have tried to buy chinks off the rack and they look ridiculous on me(too short)....I would go custom, if you get something timeless, not trendy, you will get your moneys worth!

I'm 6ft tall, it makes it hard to find everything :P I was hoping to be able to get something off the rack because I'm on a tight budget, so I think I'll shop around and if I have to go custom then I will. How much would getting some custom made be?

I feel for you! Finding stuff for tall gals is hard!

My husband used to make my chinks then we sold the sewing machine when we came to Texas because we didn't have room. I have no idea what those style might cost, if I had to guess I would say starting at $350 and up based on the amount of leather. Ultrasuede might be cheaper...I keep thinking someone who knows more might jump in here and say something.

If your on Facebook, Penni Gerardi, a reining horse trainer is making some neat stuff not sure of her prices, look up Chapparal Chaps.

Custom will cost more and I think your right cowchick that your probably looking at $350 for a basic pair. If your on a tight budget and looking at a pair off the rack you could maybe look into a men's set that is a bit longer perhaps. Lots of skinny reining/cutting men out there so even being a gal they would probably fit you.

If your looking for a project why not build a set yourself? A regular sewing machine with a leather sewing needle may do the sewing job for you as long as you go slow. Look around your area there might be someone with a industrial sewing machine that would be glad to give you a hand. There not rocket science to make and when I first started doing leather work my first project was a pair of chinks. Had a older saddle maker nearby who gave me a hand and helped with the fit and style.

Tandys leather factory has a chaps pattern pack but not sure if they have the style you want. Good luck.

My mom makes all my show clothes, but I don't know if she'd be up for chaps. I'll have to talk to her about it.

I was thinking men's might work too, I've worn men's wrangler jeans before (there was a little "extra room" though, if you know what I'm saying haha!) If I get a pair off the rack, how should they fit? Are they more of a slim or relaxed fit? How long should they be? To my ankle or longer like jeans? Sorry for all the questions, I've never had to buy chaps before.

You might be in luck, most chaps I have purchased off the rack have been way long. Try a few pairs on & see it they fit. If you are buying online, check the leg measurement, as the inseam is generous as the chaps don't really come right to your groin.

Fit is a personal preference for sure but how I like them is to fit almost like relax fit jeans. They should be to the bottom of your heel when you have your boots on at a minimum and probably an extra inch or two wouldnt hurt to make sure they are long enough when your knee is bent on your horse. If you can go try them on that would be best. Chaps are supposed to fit around your hips and are usually fitted just below your belt line or in the middle of your belt line but not a lot higher than that. If there buckled to high it can throw off the diff quite a bit.

Ask around as well you might be surprised how many pairs there would be that you could buy second hand.

Good luck.
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