male rider sat and wearing saltos leather half chaps

Best Men’s Half Chaps from Just Chaps – a Buyer’s Guide.

Just Chaps have been designing and manufacturing men’s half chaps since 2003; so you are in safe hands. Here we look at the key features needed in a pair of men’s half chaps; what materials are recommended and why; top products and styles and how to maintain them.

Key Features for Men’s Half Chaps

  • Durability: stitching, zips, poppers. Just Chaps use only original YKK zips in the manufacture of the men’s half chaps together with the best poppers and stitching.
  • Best materials for everyday use. The leather and suede is chosen to withstand the rigours of equestrian daily use
  • Ease of maintenance. Our men’s half chaps can be maintained with ease and in just a few minutes. There is more information below, alongside each product.

What Size Men’s Half Chaps do I Need? Can you fit Tall Riders?

Men (typically) have a longer lower leg than women and therefore require our longer sizes. We advise a very close fit for half chaps so that they do not twist or rub when worn.

Our Sizing Guide is easy to follow, but as a general rule of thumb:

  • A Rider over 5’6″ will take Medium length Half Chaps
  • A Rider approx 6′ will take a Long length Half Chaps
  • A Rider over 6′ will take Extra Long length Half Chaps
  • note : all the above lengths have varying width fittings. Measure your calf at its widest to find your perfect fit.

How should Men’s Half Chaps Fit?

Men’s Half Chaps should fit close to the lower leg, as snug as possible. Too tight and they will be uncomfortable; too loose and they will twist. Pick the size which gives you as close a fit as possible; the leather or suede will give as you wear.

Which Men’s Half Chaps are Best?

Men generally choose either:

  • Classic Suede Half Chaps: traditional no-nonsense half chaps made from durable suede that offers great grip in the saddle
  • Saltos Half Chaps: our best-selling and award-winning leather Half Chaps (read about them in Horse and Hound) are perfect for everyday riding yet smart enough for competition

Maintenance of Men’s Half Chaps

  • Classic Suede Half Chaps, require little attention. Simply hang to dry (away from direct heat) and brush to remove dirt and dander. There’s more to read on Classic Suede here.
  • Saltos Leather Half Chaps will continue to look their best and last longer with a little attention. Simply remove dirt and dander with a damp soapy sponge and then feed with a leather oil or cream. Allow to dry (away from direct heat).

Do I need Men’s Half Chaps or Men’s Full Chaps?

Good question….we will explain.

Men’s Half Chaps –

Cover the lower leg, are very close fitting and designed to prevent the stirrup strap from pinching the inner calf. Do you struggle to find Long Boots ? We have the perfect alternative.

Men’s Full Chaps

Cover the entire leg from top to bottom. Riders wear Full Chaps to keep clean, stay dry and to protect clothing. At Just Chaps we have two Full Chaps options – both are waterproof. One is a lightweight waterproof shell, ideal for year-round use. The other has a micro-fleece lining, perfect for the colder months. You can read all about our Dri-Rider range of waterproofs here. Interested to learn more about our full chaps ? You can delve deeper here.

Are men’s and women’s half chaps different?

No. All of our half chaps are unisex. What differs normally is the size – generally men take Half chaps in a Long or Tall; most women wear Half Chaps in sizes Short or Medium length.

Conclusion

This article gives you a great deal of information to buy the best men’s half chaps. We have a very similar article on the best half chaps for women. If you have any queries, please contact our expert, friendly team; we’re here to help.