Just Chaps has been designing and manufacturing riding half chaps since 2003. With this history, we are best placed to offer women riders this ultimate guide on choosing half chaps. We will look at the best half chaps for women, which textiles will work best and how to find your best fit.
Why half chaps matter for women riders and why riders love them
Half Chaps offer a comfortable, affordable solution for all riders. Half Chaps are necessary to prevent the stirrup strap pinching the rider’s inner calf. Long boots are not suitable for all riders – and can be prohibitively expensive! – half chaps are the ideal alternative to long boots.
Which materials are best for Half Chaps ?
Just Chaps uses a wide range of materials; let’s look at each option in turn so that women riders can decide which material best suits them.
Leather Half Chaps or Gaiters
Leather is typically the most traditional option and is perfect for compeition or every day training. Just Chaps has developed the Saltos leather range with both the Half Chaps (with zip down the size) and Gaiters (with zip down the back) winning product awards. You can read more about this fantastic range in our blog here.
Neoprene Half Chaps
This is where is all began for Just Chaps – developing a range of riding chaps made from neoprene which proved to be exceptionally comfortable and easy care. They are still a best seller today for those reasons. There’s more information on the All Purpose neoprene Half Chaps here.
Cool Half Chaps
Cool Half Chaps are becoming more popular every year. Perhaps it’s because their little perforations allow your legs to breathe. Perhaps its the lightweight washable fabric. Or they are the ideal “alternative pair” of Half Chaps for every female rider. Read more about them here; we’re sure you’ll love them.
How to measure correctly for women’s Half Chaps
Choosing the right size for half chaps or gaiters is critical. Too tight and you will be uncomfortable. Too loose and they will twist.
Just Chaps has an easy-to-follow Sizing Guiden how to measure for Half Chaps:
- measure the calf at its widest
- know the approximate height of the rider
- visit our Sizing Guide to see which size is best for you.
We advise as snug a fit as possible so that the Half Chaps offer “support” to the lower leg and do not move while you’re riding. Here a few sizing tips:
- Saltos Half Chaps are made from unlined leather and will give a little
- Saltos Gaiters are lined and will not give like the unlined Saltos Half Chaps, however, they will mould and soften
- Cool Half Chaps have a stretch panel but the actual fabric will not give
- All Purpose neoprene offer most stretch
How to care for your Half Chaps and Gaiters
- Saltos Leather: remove dirt and dander with a damp sponge with a little cleaning product. Add leather feed once dry. Dry away from direct heat.
- Cool Half Chaps: fasten zip and popper and wash in the machine at 30 degrees. Dry away from heat.
- All Purpose: can be washed in the machine as per the Cool Half Chaps.
A few Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I wear Just Chaps women’s half chaps with chunky boots? Yes you can – and there’s more detail here.
- What size women’s half chaps should I buy? See the advice above or view our Sizing Guide.
- Can I wear half chaps (instead of long boots) in competition? We recommend that you check with the discipline. Generally, our Saltos leather range work perfectly.
Summary
We hope this article is useful for choosing women’s Half Chaps where the fit, comfort and material are all key considerations and key to your performance.
If you’d like to learn about our award-winning Waterproof Trousers, this is for you. And our full range of riding gloves are here. Feel free to contact our expert, friendly team with any questions.