What Are the Different Types of Leather Chaps?

Leather chaps come in many different types. They are popular as western wear as well as for motorcycle wear. They are not all style and can be very functional for people who commonly wear them.

  1. History

    • A form of leather chaps has been used since the early 1800s. Mexican cattle drivers created the first form of leather chaps, called armitas. These were created to protect them from cattle horns as well as brush and thorns.

    Leather Chaps Today

    • Today leather chaps are still worn for protection by primarily three groups of people. Bikers wear them in case they fall, to protect them from road rash on the asphalt. Modern ranchers still where them for protection against brush, thorns and cattle horns. Today's rodeo cowboys also where them for protection against bull horns and from being bitten by wild broncos.

    Shotguns

    • Shotgun chaps are full chaps that cover most of a person's lower body from the front. They reach from the bottom of the leg and have a belt at the top. They have straight legs and are often somewhat narrow.

    Batwing Chaps

    • Batwing chaps are wide and often decorated extravagantly. Originally designed for rodeos, the wider chaps flip and dance more while the wearer is riding wild livestock.They are an open-leg design that buckles into place.

    Chinks

    • Chinks are chaps that are open in the back and cut off at the knee. They are designed for those who need more mobility and were also designed to be cooler while working in high temperatures.

    Biker Chaps

    • Biker chaps are often made of heavy thick leather for added protection. Unlike most western chaps, biker chaps wrap completely around the legs. A zipper along the side of the leg is often used to allow easier access in and out of the clothing.