B-BAR-B - Guide for Chinks & Chaps

What type of chaps do I want? Batwing chap The batwing chap is a full length pleasure or work chap which normally secures to the upper leg with buckles and straps. It is an "open" design which allows air circulation. This chap offers full length protection from trees, brush, and other elements. Chink chap The chink is a 3/4 length pleasure or work chap which normally secures to the upper leg with buckles and straps. It is an "open" design which allows the best circulation of air. It is the most versatile chap and offers good upper leg protection from trees, brush, and other elements while offering less restriction to movement. Cutting chap The cutting chap is a full length chap which normally secures to the upper leg with buckles and straps. It is very similar to a batwing chap except that it has a "dropped heel" which is designed to cover the rider's boot heel and spurs. This allows the rider to "cue" the horse with spur or heel movements without those "cues" being seen by spectators or judges. Rodeo chap The rodeo chap is a standard item in the "roughstock" events of rodeo. It is a specially cut batwing chap that is designed to "flap" to accentuate the movements of the rider and make the riders movements look more dramatic to the spectators and judges. Shotgun chap The shotgun chap is a full length pleasure or work chap with a zipper closure. It offers the most protection from the elements but is also the most restrictive and has the least air circulation because of it's "closed leg" design. Show chap The "show chap" or "equestrian chap" is a full length chap with a zipper closure. It is very similar to the shotgun chap with the exception that it is made with a "dropped heel" like the cutting chap to conceal the riders spurs and heel. Schooling chap The schooling chap is a full length chap used for english style riding. It is basically a shotgun chap that is normally tapered more tighter fitting than a western style shotgun chap. Motorcyle chap The motorcycle chap is a full length chap with a zipper closure and snaps at the base of the leg. It is basically a biker style version of a shotgun chap with the exception that it has snaps at the base of the leg. The snaps keep the zipper from un-zipping that is caused by to the base of the chap leg "flapping in the wind" during riding.

Basic ChapsWe separate our price list into two main categories called "Basic Chaps" and "Deluxe Chaps". Basic chaps are fully functional chaps that leave out the fancy options. They are our base model to which other options can be added at additional cost.  They come with the following standard specifications:

Leather - chap body is typically 4.5 to 5.5 ounce top grain "basic leather".Top yoke - 5 to 6 ounce top grain chap leather.Side yoke - two slotted stamped steel conchos with strings rather than a side yoke. Basic shotgun chaps and other zipper leg chaps will have no conchos on the side of the leg.Front belt - adjustable 5/8" latigo leather front straps with #121 buckle.Back belt - adjustable 1.5" doubled and stitched chap leather laced on in V-braid style.Leg straps - "only applicable to buckle leg chaps" - 4.5 to 5.5 ounce chap leather leg straps, two per leg with roller buckles.Fringe - 6 inch standard fringe on chinks, 8 inch standard fringe on "basic" show chaps and "basic" rodeo chaps. Fringe is not standard on other chap styles.Thread - white nylon, black is available upon request.Zippers - applies only to zipper leg chaps, 3/4" heavy duty brass zippers.

Deluxe ChapsThe deluxe chaps come with some extra features. Those chaps that have buckle fastening legs come with three buckles and latigo straps, plus a side yoke. All come with a re-inforcing 3/4" strip sewn to the upper thigh, and a rolled and stitched backbelt that is laced on in a V-braid style. All deluxe chaps will have a chrome plated cart buckle on the front belt. They come with the following standard specifications:

Leather - chap body is typically 5 to 6 ounce top grain "deluxe leather".Top yoke - 5 to 6 ounce top grain chap leather.Side yoke - 5 to 6 ounce top grain chap leather.Front belt - adjustable 5/8" latigo leather front straps with deluxe chrome cart buckle.Back belt - adjustable rolled and stitched chap leather laced on in V-braid style.Leg straps - "only applicable to buckle leg chaps" - 6-7 ounce latigo leather straps with roller buckles, 3 straps per leg.Fringe - 6" standard fringe on chinks. Rodeo chaps - 8" standard fringe. Fringe is not standard on other chap styles.Thread - white nylon, black is available upon request.Zippers - applies only to zipper leg chaps, 3/4" heavy duty brass zippers.

Basic Leather Description

The "basic" leather is a top grain leather ranging from 4.5 to 5.5ounces.   An ounce is approximately 1/64" in thickness.  Mostof our in-stock chaps are made from this leather because it isthe best priced leather that we can buy.  We buy these leathersin large quantity to obtain the best available pricing.  This typeof leather will offer you the best value.  The colors and texturesvary according to what the market has to offer at the time ofpurchase.  We usually buy colors ranging from light to darkbrown and call them "earthtone" colors, because they are alwaysdifferent with each shipment of leather.  If you want your chaps to be made from this leather, please call us about the currentavailability of colors.

 

Deluxe Leather Description

The "deluxe" leather is leather that we special order so thatwe can keep a consistent weight, color, and texture in our stock of leather.  This leather is more expensive than our"basic" leather.  The top grain leathers will range from 4.5to 5.5 ounce.  The suede leathers will be 4 to 4.5 ounce.One ounce is approximately 1/64" in thickness.

The colors above are kept in-stock, this is what we refer to in some descriptions on this site as "deluxe" leather.  These top grain leathers will range from 4.5 to 5.5 ounce.  The suede leathers will be 4 to 4.5 ounce.  An ounce is approximately 1/64" in thickness. The "Earthtone" leather listed below is also kept in stock but the leathers will vary in colors and texture.  Please read below for more information on the "Earthtone" leather. 

                                                           

The "Earthtone" leather is a top grain leather ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 ounces.  This is what we refer to in some descriptions on this site as "basic" leather.  Most of our in-stock chaps are made from this leather because it is the best priced leather that we can buy.  We buy these leathers in large quantity to obtain the best available pricing.  This type of leather will offer you the best value.  The colors and textures vary according to what the market has to offer at the time of purchase.  We usually buy colors ranging from light to dark brown.  If you want your chaps to be made from this leather, please call us about the current availability of colors. 

                                               

If you don't like the colors or weights of leather that we keep in stock, we have a huge selection of leather available that we can special order for your chaps.  We can normally get this leather delivered to us within two working days so delivery time for your custom chaps will not be affected. Take a look at what we  have available for special order leather.  We can be helpful for recommending certain types of these leathers for yourchaps.  Just give us a call and we'll be glad to help.

RODEO CHAPS

Additional Trim and Fringe colorsThese colors my be used for trim and fringe on rodeo chaps at no additional cost, any stock color may also be used.  These colors may be used on any other style of chaps, but use of these colors my add additional cost

Measuring for western and motorcycle half chapsWhen measuring for chaps it is usually best to have someone else measure for you. It is best to use a cloth tape for measuring the circumference of the leg like the thigh. calf, knee and so on. A stiffer metal tape is best for measuring the length measurements like outseam, inseam. and crotch to calf. In the descriptions below the term "snug measurement" will be used, this means the slack is pulled out of the tape but does not mean tight. It would be best to mark the measurement locations on your leg with tape or chalk to insure that they arc taken in the proper locations. This will also make it easier to double check all measurements accurately.

These types of chaps are not adjustable in the leg so you must take great care when measuring and make certain you are wearing all clothing that you will wear with the chaps, you may want to leave extra room for long underwear, etc. Important: when taking circumference measurements, leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit and provide us with this adjusted measurement. If you provide us with a snug thigh measurement you will barely be able to zip up the chap leg.

 

 

1. Shin length- This is the distance from the base of the knee cap (just under the knee cap) to the op of the foot or instep.

2. Calf to instep- This is the distance from the point at which the largest part of the calf is located to the top of the foot or instep.

3. Calf- the circumference of the calf.  Leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit.  We recommend adding 1/2" to  1" to a snug measurement so that there is enough slack to zip up the half chaps easily.

4. Lower leg - circumference of the lower leg. Take this measurement exactly at the mid-point between the point at which the calf measurement was taken and the point at which the top of foot or instep is located. We recommend adding 1/2" to 1" to a snug measurement so that there is enough slack to zip the half chaps easily.

5. Base of foot- the circumference of the foot at the angle shown around the area from the instep to the center of the boot heal. This can be a fairly loose measurement. This tells us the size to make the bottom of the half chap so that it drapes over the boot correctly.

Measuring (zipper leg) - Shotgun, show, motorcycle, schooling chapsWhen measuring for chaps it is usually best to have someone else measure for you. It is best to use a cloth tape for measuring the circumference of the leg like the thigh. calf, knee and so on. A stiffer metal tape is best for measuring the length measurements like outseam, inseam. and crotch to calf. In the descriptions below the term "snug measurement" will be used, this means the slack is pulled out of the tape but does not mean tight. It would be best to mark the measurement locations on your leg with tape or chalk to insure that they arc taken in the proper locations. This will also make it easier to double check all measurements accurately.

These types of chaps are not adjustable in the leg so you must take great care when measuring and make certain you are wearing all clothing that you will wear with the chaps, you may want to leave extra room for long underwear, etc. Important: when taking circumference measurements, leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit and provide us with this adjusted measurement. If you provide us with a snug thigh measurement you will barely be able to zip up the chap leg.

 

1. Hip - take a snug measurement around the base of the belt loops, this will be about 4" larger than the waist of your pants.

2. Outseam - the length from the base of the belt loops to the floor, with boots on. If you prefer to wear your chaps above the base of the bell loops then this measurement should be taken at that point.

3. Inseam - the length from the crotch to the floor with boots on.4. Crotch to instep - the length from the crotch to the top of the foot or instep.5. Crotch to calf - the length from the crotch to the largest part of the calf.6. Crotch to knee - the length from the crotch to the center of the knee-cap.7. Thigh, upper - the circumference of the thigh at the crotch. Leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps

to fit.8. Thigh, mid/upper- the circumference of the leg at this point which is halfway between the (7) and (9). Leave

the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit. 9. Thigh, middle - the circumference of the leg at this point which is halfway between the (7) and (11). Leave

the tape as, loose as you want the chaps to fit.10. Thigh, mid/lower - the circumference of the leg at this point which is half way between the (9) and (11).

Leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit.11. Knee center - the circumference of the knee at the center of the knee. We will use this as a reference only.

We will blend the actual chap knee between (10) and (12). If you want us to make the knee to your exact measurement then we will, but you must inform us to do so.

12. Calf — the circumference of the calf. Leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit. We recommend adding 2" to a snug measurement for western style shotgun chaps so the chap leg will slide up and down freely.

13. Lower leg - the circumference of the leg at this point located half way between (top of foot) and (12). Leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit. We recommend for western

style shotgun chaps so the leg will slide up and down freely and belt a little at the bottom. For western shotgun chaps, customers usually leave this one up to our judgement, but if you want a specific measurement here then please inform us.

14. Top of foot - the circumference where ankle/foot bends. leave the tape as loose as you want the chaps to fit. For western shotgun chaps, the customer usually leaves this one up to our judgement, but if you want a specific measurement here then please inform us.

15. Front rise - bottom of belt to crotch.

Measuring (buckle leg) - Batwing, Chink, Cutting chaps

When measuring for chaps it is usually best to have someone else measure for you. It is best to use a cloth tape for measuring the circumference of the leg like the thigh. calf, knee and so on. A stiffer metal tape is best for measuring the length measurements like outseam, inseam. and crotch to calf. In the descriptions below the term "snug measurement" will be used, this means the slack is pulled out of the tape but does not mean tight. It would be best to mark the measurement locations on your leg with tape or chalk to insure that they arc taken in the proper locations. This will also make it easier to double check all measurements accurately.

 

1. Hip - take a snug measurement around the base of the belt loops, this will be about 4" larger than the waist size of your pants.

2. Outseam - the length from the base of the belt loops to the floor, with boots on. If you prefer to wear your chaps above the base of the belt loops  then this measurement should be taken at that point.

3. Inseam - the length from the crotch to the floor with boots on.4. Crotch to knee - the length from the crotch to the center of the knee-cap.5. Thigh, upper - the circumference of the thigh at the crotch. Take a snug but not

tight measurement.6. Thigh, middle - the circumference of the leg at this point which is halfway

between the 7 and 11. Take a snug but not tight measurement7. Total length of chink – this measurement is required for chinks only. Our

standard adult chink lenth from the top of the chink to the bottom of the fringe is 32”. You may want them to be longer or shorter. Please provide us with the total length that you would like.

8. Front Rise - base of belt to crotch