Choosing the right size half chaps or riding gaiters starts with accurate measurements. For Just Chaps adult sizes, you need two pieces of information: your approximate height and your calf measurement.
This guide explains how to measure, why sizes vary between styles and what to do if you need additional calf room.
How to Measure Your Calf
Use a soft tape measure and wear the riding trousers or breeches you normally wear with your half chaps or gaiters.
- Measure around the widest part of your calf.
- Keep the tape level and close to your leg, without pulling it tight.
- Measure both calves and note each measurement in centimetres.
If your calves measure differently, use the larger measurement when checking the size guide. If the difference makes choosing a size difficult, we can help.
Watch our short sizing video to see how to measure your calf and choose the right size.
Use Your Height to Choose the Height of Your Half Chaps or Gaiters
For our adult half chaps and gaiters, we use your approximate overall height to help determine the appropriate product height. You do not need to measure your lower leg for adult sizing.
Use your height alongside your calf measurement in our sizing guide. Select the style you are considering, as the sizing options differ between products.
For children, follow the measuring instructions for the individual product. Our guide to children’s half chaps and riding gaiters provides further advice.
Will I Wear the Same Size in Every Style?
Not necessarily. Materials, stretch panels and construction all influence how a pair feels, so always check the size guide for your chosen style.
- All Purpose Riding Half Chaps use flexible neoprene and stretch panels.
- Classic Suede Riding Half Chaps combine suede, which gives with wear, with a stretch panel.
- Cool Riding Half Chaps use lightweight material with a stretch panel for flexibility.
- Saltos Leather Half Chaps are unlined and combine soft leather with a stretch panel. The leather softens and gives with wear.
- Saltos Leather Gaiters are lined and offer a more structured fit. Their elastic panels provide flexibility, but they give less than the half chaps.
Where a size shows a calf measurement range, check your measurement against that range. If you fall between sizes, contact us rather than assuming the same size will suit every style.
How Snug Should Half Chaps and Gaiters Feel?
Aim for a close, comfortable fit. They should stay in place without feeling painfully tight, and you should be able to close the zip without forcing it.
Leather half chaps should feel snug initially because the leather gives with wear. Lined leather gaiters have a more structured feel, so do not assume they will stretch as much.
Try your pair with your usual riding trousers and boots before riding in them. Check that the top sits comfortably below your knee when you bend your leg.
Check the Fit with Your Riding Boots
Your boots also affect the fit around the ankle. Try half chaps or gaiters with the boots you intend to wear, rather than checking them without footwear.
Our half chaps offer flexibility for wearing with both jodhpur boots and chunky riding boots. Saltos Leather Gaiters are shaped for jodhpur boots.
For more advice, read our guide to half chaps that fit with chunky riding boots.
What If You Need Additional Calf Room?
Start by checking the wider calf sizes available in your chosen style. If those do not provide enough room, a compatible zip extension panel may help.
Our Riding Half Chaps Zip Extension Panel works with All Purpose Riding Half Chaps, Cool Riding Half Chaps and Classic Suede Riding Half Chaps. It does not fit Saltos Leather Half Chaps.
For Saltos Leather Gaiters, use the Saltos Extension Panel.
Choose the panel that matches the height and compatible size of your half chaps or gaiters. Check the product page carefully, or ask us for help before ordering.
Need Help Choosing Your Size?
Please contact us with your height, both calf measurements, the style you are considering and the boots you normally wear. We’ll be happy to help you choose.
For further advice on materials and styles, read our complete guide to riding half chaps.
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