Home ) Chaps

There are several types of material that can be used in making your chaps. I will describe each and give you the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Smooth Cowhide Chaps click image to enlarge

The most popular leather I use for chaps is called simply cowhide.  It is a durable yet comfortable weight of leather that is smooth on one side and suede on the other. It comes in a plethora of colors, and a hide can usually be found to match whatever blousing or jacket material you want matched.  Smooth sides can be matte finish or a very shiny finish.  Not all colors come in both finishes, but many do.  I think 85-90% of my leather orders use cowhide.

Pig skin is also an option.  I don't recommend pig skin because it is fragile, and if you have chaps made from it, you must treat it with a lot of TLC.  The advantage of pig skin is that there are many colors available in this leather.

Beth Treptow with Suede Side Cowhide Leather Chaps click image to enlarge

Chap splits are another choice.  This leather is about twice as heavy as the cowhide but is very strong and durable.  If you are going to use your chaps for trail riding or real ranch work, this is the type of leather you may want. Also, some people choose this leather for horse showing, because they or the person they're purchasing the chaps for is hard on clothing.  While there are several colors to chose from, they are not as varied as the cowhide and are harder to match to specific fabric.

Garment weight splits are an option I often recommend for children and small adults.  It's much lighter weight that the chap splits, comes in many colors, and is affordable.  If you know the chaps are going to be outgrown in one or two show seasons, it's a really good choice.  The disadvantage is that the hides are small and can't be used to make chaps for many adults or tall or heavy children.

Calf suede is fast becoming a popular choice of leather for show chaps.  It's very light weight yet stronger than pig skin.  It also has a very luxurious nap.  Colors are limited to a few basics, but people are really liking it.

Example of Ultra Suede Chaps click image to enlarge

Last but not least is the very popular ultra suede. This is a man made fabric that is purchased by the yard instead of by the hide.  Ultra suede can be used for not only chaps but vests, jackets, and trim on all types of fabrics.  There are many, many colors available, and some of my customers won't consider anything else for chaps.  It is light weight, easily matched and can be dry cleaned or washed.

NEW! I now make chaps from Lamb Skin.

Chaps to Match! click image to enlarge

Some of you may have a favorite blouse, jacket, or vest that would look better as part of a color coordinated outfit. Send me a swatch or even the item itself and a beautiful, new look can be created by color matching leather chaps with what you already have. For more information about quality, custom horse show clothing, please visit Kris' Kustoms (opens new window).

Once you have selected your leather and color, fill in the information (dollar figure and color) on the Custom Chaps Worksheet (opens a new window).  You can choose to have fringe or scallops.  You can choose from a variety of yokes including tooling and stone settings.  There are variety of types and styles of silver for your buckle, loop, and tip as well as conchos.  And the latest fashion statement--"studs".

Step 2: Fringe or Scallops?