Chaps or chaparajos are manufactured leather and are worn to cover your pants. They have no material at the pelvis and hips. Chaparajos function to add protection mainly to the legs, by encasing them in leather while anchored with a leather belt at the waist. They were first used by cowboys and rodeo participants, but now are a favorite with motorcyclists. Cowboys started wearing chaps to protect their legs and clothing from scratches from thorns, while herding. Nowadays, chaps are highly recommended for any rider looking for extra leg protection.
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Finding The Proper Size Chaps
Since leather chaps are worn by an assortment of people, it is essential that the proper size of leather chaps be purchased. Leather chaps are worn over pants, and one would think they would only be available in standard sizes of small, medium, or large. Yet depending on the brand of leather chaps, they can also be purchased in regular pants sizes just as you would purchase your jeans. To determine which size of chaps is right for you, do not use your regular pants measurements, but while wearing a pair of jeans, measure the circumference and length of your leg over the jeans. By measuring for new leather chaps in this way, the pair you select should be able to fit over a pair of thick jeans, and feel fine over any other pants you wear.
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Leather Chaps For Children and Teenagers
As parents or guardians, it is always a good idea to encourage children to become involved in wholesome fun. If your little boy or girl is interested in cowboys, or riding horses, think about buying them a pair of leather chaps. Chaps are nice when a parent and child wear matching pairs, because chaps for children and teenagers are only smaller versions of regular adult chaps. Expect to pay $50 to $70 for these leather chaps.
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Sewing Your Own Chaps
Chaps can either be bought in a regular store or at a motorcycle dealer, or sewn if you are handy with a needle. The first item you will need to go shopping for is leather to make the chaps. A leather of medium thickness is great for chaps, and can be found at some fabric or specialty leather stores. Suede is also good for chaps, and is easier to sew than regular leather. While out buying your leather, look around for patterns for leather chaps. Patterns can also be downloaded from the Internet, or a really good seamstress can opt to sew without a pattern.
It is also a good tip to make sure your sewing machine is equipped with sewing through leather. The material might be too thick for the machine, and this can damage its motor. Reading your sewing machine's owner's manual is a good way to find out what fabrics are supported.
Overall, chaps are easy to sew, because they require less material, and are similar to sewing regular pants. Do not forget in the end, to customize your chaps with your own special designs!
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Half Chaps For The Equestrian
For equestrians, half chaps are preferred over full chaps. The difference between full and half chaps is that half chaps will only cover and protect the leg from the knee to the ankle, with a thick piece of elastic to wrap around the soles of the feet. This is in contrast to the full chaps worn by cowboys. Half chaps are available in standard sizes of small, medium, large, etc. Leather half chaps are available in mainly standard colors of black and brown, and the most durable ones are made of cowhide leather. Half chaps can be purchased at an equestrian or specialty leather store for $70 - $100.
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Customized Leather Chaps
When buying leather chaps, it is a good idea to customize them to help you stand out from the crowd. This tip is especially useful when wearing leather chaps during rodeo or equestrian events. The first way to consider customizing your leather chaps is with jewelry. Leather chaps can be purchased with decorative buttons and jewelry for clothing. Decorating with jewelry will look impressive, especially when wearing chaps during equestrian events. Another way to customize leather chaps is with fringes and tassels. Fringes or tassels hanging from leather chaps are trendy and encompass the true Western style of wearing leather chaps. They can be worn by cowboys, or by people participating in rodeos.
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Care and Maintenance of Leather Chaps
Even though leather chaps are worn over other clothing, they should still be cared for to preserve the appearance of the leather. If chaps are dusty, depending on the material, a soft cloth can be used to remove any dust. However, when chaps become really dirty, they should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This could mean a simple washing at home, or having them professionally cleaned. When not in use, leather chaps should be stored away from direct heat or sunlight. It is best to pin them on a hanger, and let them hang as straight as possible. The chaps should also be stored in an area where the air is allowed to circulate.
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Chaps For Motorcyclists
Safety is always the first concern and this is true for motorcycle riders. Proper operation and maintenance of the motorcycle is important, but so is their physical safety while riding. Leather chaps are recommended for motorcyclists because they increase the rider's leg safety level.
The main function of leather chaps has always been to provide protection to the legs, which is something all riders need. Chaps can help offer protection from flying debris while riding, but also from the cold feel of the wind.
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A "How-To" Guide To Wearing Chaps
When putting on chaps for the first time, you might be confused about how to wear them. They are not worn alone, but over other clothing such as pants or jeans.
There are two holes in the front and back, with a belt to buckle them in the front. There is also a strip of leather in the back, which can sometimes be either laced or buckled to tighten the chaps.
Start by ensuring the main side zippers on the legs are zipped open, with the waist unbuckled.
Step into the chaps making sure to rearrange them comfortably around you.
Buckle the waist, and close the side leg zippers, while arranging your jeans or pants underneath.
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