How tight should your chaps fit?

[Hacker]

I tried on a pair of large chaps this past weekend and couldn't get them closed to zip up on the legs. Went to a pair of XL and got them zipped up although they were snug. I could bend my knees and figured that the leather would stretch a bit over time so I ordered a pair of the XL size (didn't like the style I tried on & it was the only XL pair they had in stock). Did I do right or do you think I should have ordered 2XL? I don't have to take the ones I have coming if they get in and I don't feel comfortable in them.

[artz]

I have been told that its not good that you order chaps by what you wear in a pants size. You should take measurements and go off of that.
Leather may give just a tad, but you'll bust the zipper seams though. I think you should have gotten the next size up.
I struggled with sizes too, except I ordered mine on line. In fact, I am still waiting for them to show up anyday. Then I will know if it fits, and it should.

[Ruh Roh]

you should go up.

1) Leather's not really gonna stretch all that much. Tight shoes only stretch a millimeter. The cow is no longer alive

2) room for long underwear, may be necessary some days.

3) what if you gain weight? Sorry, Heaven forbid, but lets be real.

Maybe they havent shipped yet?? If it was just this last weekend, you can get them sooner.

I ordered mine online by a place that sized them by thigh measurement. Taken over jeans, plus a tiny bit for thermals. They fit just right when they got here.

[perry.806]

I bought mine in a store. Wouldn't order them online as I really feel they have to fit, otherwise I don't feel comfortable at all. Took me ages to find some that I really liked!

[perry.806]

I bought mine in a store. Wouldn't order them online as I really feel they have to fit, otherwise I don't feel comfortable at all. Took me ages to find some that I really liked!

[Saleenguy]

Just for visual referance, maybe all the gals on the forum could post pics of themselves in chaps....pants under the chaps are optional.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by Ruh Roh

You should go up.
Agree.

1) Leather's not really gonna stretch all that much. Tight shoes only stretch a millimeter. The cow is no longer alive
Agree.

2) room for long underwear, may be necessary some days.
Agree... and when I wear long underwear, I also go up a size in pants for comfort because I'm usually tucking a couple shirts, maybe thick ones, into them too...

3) what if you gain weight? Sorry, Heaven forbid, but lets be real.
Agree. I also took this into consideration... and you know what? Never mind...

If they are a good, heavy leather, they won't flap, and I didn't cut the bottoms of mine so the extra leather bunches up on my foot to make a nice tight seal. If you can, try the 2XL...

[Hacker]

Well, my XL chaps came in today and I went to try them on, totally expecting to have to order 2XL instead. To my surprise, they fit beautifully. They are a different style than what I tried on so it just goes to show you....DON'T GO BY THE GIVEN SIZE!

Now for the next question.....They are definitely too long. Do you just trim them with a pair of scissors? The sales clerk suggested that if I cut them to put a small dab of super glue on the edge of the seam just to be sure. Any other suggestions?

[angel2cdwings]

I just cut mine off with scissors, I didn't feel the need for anything else because leather dosen't fray.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by Hacker

They are definitely too long... Do you just trim them with a pair of scissors?

Glad to hear you don't have tp go to the hassle of exchanging them...

Be careful about what you feel is too long before you cut them... ride with them, sit with them, put your feet up on highway pegs if you have them... stretch out as long as you can and then leave them a little longer...

Mine are also long, but I've learned to appreaciate that the extra material bunches up on my boot and the weight serves to make a good seal in the cold. They can't drag with boots on, so I left them as is...

But if you do cut them, scissors and crazy glue to hold the stitching works fine...

[CTRider]

How tight should your leather chaps fit?

It depends on whether you're the Lord of the Dance, part of The Villiage People or looking for a date on Saturday night...

For riding purposes, tight enough to not flutter but loose enough to avoid a wedgie.