October 2003

Buying Custom Chaps By Mail Or Web

Whether you ride English or Western, you’ll need a good chapsmaker. But a successful purchase largely depends upon your own preparation.

Chaps protect your legs and help give you better contact—and added grip.

Buying custom chaps from your local chapsmaker is certainly a good way to go. It’s the most convenient method of purchase, as you can see for yourself samples of the chapsmaker’s work and become familiar with the different leather weights. You’ll also avoid shipping charges and likely get more immediate gratification.

However, you may not have a qualified maker nearby, forcing you to measure yourself and place your faith in a long-distance maker. Don’t worry, though. It can work.

Chaps, pronounced “shaps,” are versatile clothing, functional on the trail or for work, and a wardrobe standard for reining, cutting, working cow horse, pleasure and rodeo events. Though not appropriate at English events,…