Motorcycle Chaps
Motorcycle Chaps
Leather motorcycle chaps are the layer you add over your jeans for the ride and take off when you get there. They block wind, keep engine heat and road debris off your legs, and give you the classic biker look. Chaps Fit makes men's and women's leather motorcycle chaps in plain black, studded, fringed and two-tone styles, from everyday riding chaps to touring chaps with pockets, in sizes 2XS to 8XL.
Shop Motorcycle Chaps by Rider
- Touring & Highway Chaps: cargo pockets, quilted knees and snap-on legs for long days on the bike.
- Women's Motorcycle Chaps: cut for a woman's hip and thigh, in black, red and pink leather.
- Big & Tall Chaps: plus-size charts, adjustable waists and front zips for larger and taller riders.
- Custom Chaps: made to your measurements when standard sizes don't fit.
Motorcycle Chap Styles
- Classic plain leather: no-nonsense black chaps that go with any bike and jacket. See the Royal King Leather Riding Motorcycle Chaps, the Dean Black Men's Leather Chaps, the Airin Black Men's Motorcycle Leather Chaps and the Rogue Rider Biker Leather Motorcycle Chaps.
- Studded: metal studs down the leg for a harder biker look. See the Premium Leather Studded Chaps.
- Two-tone: contrast panels that stand out at rallies. See the Two Tone Touring Leather Chaps.
- Fringed: classic cruiser style. See the Black Leather Fringe Style Big and Tall Chaps. Keep fringe clear of the drive chain or belt and the exhaust.
- Assless fashion styles: a sleeker cut for bike nights and events. See the Avan Black Men's Leather Assless Chaps.
- Women's styles: the Premium Women's Black Leather Chaps, the Alison Women Black Leather Chaps, the StyleLine Women's Chaps and the Premium Women Black Leather Studded Chaps.
What Motorcycle Chaps Protect, and What They Don't
It's worth knowing exactly what you're getting.
Motorcycle chaps protect against:
- Wind: leather blocks the wind that goes straight through denim.
- Engine and exhaust heat: on most cruisers, the exhaust runs past your right leg.
- Road debris: gravel, bugs, spray and grit thrown up by other vehicles.
- Abrasion on the front of your legs: leather resists scraping far better than jeans.
Motorcycle chaps don't:
- Cover your seat or the back of your legs. All chaps are open at the back by design.
- Include impact armor. There are no knee or hip protectors like those in armored riding pants.
- Replace certified crash protection. For maximum protection, look at CE-rated armored riding pants.
Chaps vs Riding Pants vs Jeans
| Jeans only | Leather chaps over jeans | Armored riding pants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | Poor | Good | Good |
| Front-of-leg abrasion | Poor | Good | Good to excellent |
| Seat and back of legs | Poor | Not covered | Covered |
| Impact armor | None | None | Knees and often hips |
| On and off at a stop | Not applicable | Under a minute, over boots | Usually means changing |
| Heat on warm days | Cool | Moderate (open back) | Warmest |
Many riders choose chaps because they add real protection and warmth while coming off in seconds when they arrive somewhere.
Choosing Chaps for Your Bike and Riding
- Cruisers: the classic setting for chaps. Your legs sit forward and relaxed, and the exhaust is close to your right leg. Any style in this collection works.
- Baggers and touring bikes: choose chaps with pockets and a secure fit for long days, from our touring chaps.
- Commuting: quick-on closures and plain black leather that goes with work clothes underneath.
- Rallies and bike nights: studs, fringe, two-tone and fashion cuts.
- Sport bikes: chaps aren't a good fit here. The tucked riding position pulls them out of place, and they have no armor. Sport riders are better served by armored leather or textile riding pants.
How Motorcycle Chaps Should Fit
- Thigh: snug, with no loose leather flapping at speed. Measure your thigh sitting down, because it widens on the seat.
- Length: with your feet on the pegs or floorboards, the hem should still cover the top of your boots.
- Belt: sits on your hips over your jeans. Back lacing lets you fine-tune the waist.
- Zippers: should run smoothly without pulling across your thigh when you're seated.
Caring for Leather Motorcycle Chaps
- After every ride: wipe off bugs and road grime with a damp cloth before they dry.
- After rain: let the chaps dry at room temperature, away from heaters and the hot engine.
- Every few months: condition the leather, especially the inner thighs that rub against the seat and tank.
- Zippers: keep them free of grit, and rub a little wax along the teeth if they start to stick.
- Storage: hang them by the belt in a cool, dry place, not in a sealed plastic bag.
