Full chaps

I'm trying to decide on a type of western chaps for the schooling shows this year. I have heavy suede chaps, but I just feel so weighed down! I was looking into ultra suede and even a synthetic material since it's just schooling...but I really like the look of smoothies. Does anyone know the weights of the different chaps fabrics and which would be best for this situation? Thanks!

I love leather chaps with the fringing on. I can't be any use as to the types of chaps, but have you looked into neoprene type designs? They'd be lighter.

I have 4 pairs of chaps, 2 smoothies (both hobby horse brand) and 2 suede (other brands). My suede ones are heavier, but not by much. Ultra suede is way lighter and washable and come in a variety of colors. So if it's lightweight you are looking for, ultra suede wins that category. I wear the smoothies more because they fit nicer I think, but I will occassionally wear the suede, really nothing wrong with them. Situation wise, the smoothies wipe up if they get dirty, the suede ones you can wash and redye to make them look new again, I have one that with my black ones. Wasn't a big hassle and they looked brand new. I would say go with what fits you best. I found hobbyhorse, although more expensive than my other ones, fit me the best.

I saw a pair of smoothies on ebay and the seller said they weigh about a pound less than her suede ones. I should go downstairs and weigh mine lol. That's why I like the look of smoothies - there doesn't seem to be a lot of unsightly bunching and with a fuller figure that helps

These were the synthetic ones I saw: Saddles Tack Horse Supplies - ChickSaddlery.com Equisuede Western Show Chaps

And then the smoothies:
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I don't see any ultra suede chaps that fit the schooling budget yet. I'm starting to get into western dressage and chaps are mandatory so that's why they need to be light weight and freely moving lol.

Maesseren: Of course they need fringe! All the way across the butt too ;)

Unfortunately, I never had any luck with ebay & chaps, they all fit weird, and way too low on the hips. The hobbyhorse ones, I did order online and they fit perfect, the suedes ones I bought at a tackstore so I tried them on first, while they fit good, they just aren't as tailored as the hobbyhorse ones.

My mom used to make all of my show clothes (she's a professional seamstress so she knows her stuff!) and made me a pair of ultra suede chaps. They looked great and were easy to clean, but if the fringe is too fine the fabric doesn't hold and they fall off! They also bunched just as much as real suede, and back then I was only about 100# with skinny legs. I'm no big girl but now that my legs aren't stick thin I'd be willing to bet they'd bunch even worse.

I would go with the smoothies for fit and quality, though I haven't yet tried on a pair. Good luck in your search!

I think I'm still leaning towards the smoothies. They just look so much more stream line then the suede, even the ultra suede. Hmm...I don't know.

On a slight tangent - can you dye the color of smooth leather chaps? Like from chocolate to black?