A Bit of History
Function and Fit
Have you ever had a pair of chaps that would twist inward or outward on you? Ever end up sitting on your buckles, or zipper rubbing the outside of your knees? Have you ever taken a pair of scissors and cut a relief for your spurs? Have you added some more "love" to your thighs and now those beloved chaps don't fit?
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All of these issues are due to less than ideal patterning and style. Regular off the rack chaps are designed to fit the large majority of people, but often miss the mark.
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I have learned to make chaps from some of the best chap makers out there. Every single element of the design is made with functionality and comfort in mind. Every pair of chaps is made for that individual- completely made to your measurements, ensuring the perfect fit. My goal is to make you a pair of chaps that are comfortable to wear all day, functional for your riding, and look dang good on you!
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Brief History behind the word "Chaps"
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The concept of chaps was introduced by the Spanish cowboys called "Vaqueros" to protect their legs from cactus, brush and thorns. They called them "chaparros", which refers to a low-growing thicket that damaged clothing as cowboys rode through it. (1) The first chaps were just large pieces of cowhide attached to the saddle and wrapped around the legs. Later the vaqueros modified this design by making a legging that hung from a belt around the waist and went down the leg to just below the knee and rawhide thongs would hold the chaps to the legs. (2) Interestingly, The word "Buckaroo" sprang from the Spanish word "Vaquero," as you may know "V" is pronounced "B" in Spanish.(3)
Early pioneer Texans designed a heavy buckskin breech that fully encircled the leg and often had fringing. Chasing the wily longhorn that would run into dense thickets of thorns necessitated heavy protection. As the cowboy population grew throughout the west, western leather makers designed three types of chaps to accommodate the various general types of ranges and conditions they were used in. The three types were Shotgun, Bat Wing and Woolies. Texas cowboys wore chaps that protected there legs from sharp branches and thorny bushes and thistles. In the north cowboys not only used them for protecting their legs while riding through brush and rough terrain but also used them for the added warmth and some protection in wind, rain and snow.(2)
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Sources:
(1) https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/12/02/chaps-old-west/?chrome=1&D2c=1&A1c=1
(2) https://www.cochiseleather.com/leather-history.aspx
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