Rodeo / Show Chaps
Rodeo Chaps
Rodeo chaps are made to be seen. Wide wings, long flowing fringe and bold color show every move of an eight-second ride from the back row of the stands. Chaps Fit rodeo chaps come in leather two-tones, metallic fringe, hand-tooled yokes and colors from classic black and white to neon green and hot pink, for bull riders, bronc riders and rodeo queens, in sizes 2XS to 8XL.
What Makes a Rodeo Chap Different
Rodeo chaps grew out of the working batwing chap. They keep the wide, open leg and snap closure, but they're built for the arena:
- Cut above the knee: roughstock chaps usually fasten high, above the knee, with a Cheyenne leg that curves away at the back. That leaves the lower leg free to swing and spur.
- Long fringe: often longer and fuller than on working chaps, sometimes in a contrasting or metallic color.
- Overlays and inlays: contrasting leather shapes (stars, flags, flames, names) stitched onto or set into the leg.
- Decorative yokes: tooled leather, conchos and contrast piping at the waist.
The result is lighter to move in than a heavy working chap, and far easier to spot from across the arena.
Why Rodeo Chaps Have So Much Fringe
On a bucking animal, fringe moves with every kick, spur and change of direction, which makes a rider's leg action easy to follow. It's also about identity: fringe color, length and pattern are how many contestants make their chaps recognizably their own. Chaps also protect your legs from rope, the bull rope's tail, the chute and the animal's hide as you slide into position.
Which Rodeo Events Use Chaps?
| Event | Chaps? | Typical style |
|---|---|---|
| Bull riding | Almost always | Batwing rodeo chaps with long fringe, fastened above the knee |
| Saddle bronc | Usually | Batwing rodeo chaps, cut to let the legs spur freely |
| Bareback bronc | Usually | Batwing rodeo chaps |
| Rodeo queen and pageant | Often, for grand entries and appearances | Colorful, heavily decorated chaps that match the outfit |
| Roping and ranch events | Sometimes | Chinks or plain batwings |
| Barrel racing | Rarely | Riders usually compete in jeans |
Rodeo Chaps at Chaps Fit
- Bull and bronc riding chaps: the White Bull Riding Chaps with Green and Black Fringe, the Fury Rodeo Bull Riding Chaps, the Gray Rodeo Leather Chaps with Black Fringe and the Firestorm Red Rodeo Chaps.
- Metallic and statement fringe: the White & Blue Rodeo Chaps with Metallic Fringe, the Luxury Rodeo Chaps in Black Leather with Gold & White Fringe and the Neon Blaze Rodeo Chaps in Green & Hot Pink.
- Patriotic: the American Flag Purple and Black Rodeo Chaps, a popular choice for patriotic-themed rodeo performances.
- Hand-tooled yokes: the Premium Hand-Tooled White Rodeo Chaps and the Red Premium Rodeo Chaps with Tooled Leather Yoke.
- For rodeo queens and women contestants: the Rodeo Rose Chaps with Metallic Pink Fringe. See also women's leather chaps.
- Classic brown: the Classic Brown Leather Rodeo Chaps have a traditional look for riders who prefer plain leather.
Rodeo Chaps vs Horse Show Chaps
These are different garments, even though both are sometimes called "show chaps":
- Rodeo chaps are wide batwings with long fringe, overlays and bold color, made for roughstock events and rodeo queen appearances.
- Horse show chaps, for western pleasure, horsemanship, equitation and reining, are fitted shotgun chaps that zip closed and show a clean leg line. See Shotgun Chaps.
Personalized and Custom Rodeo Chaps
Many contestants want chaps that are unmistakably theirs, with their name or initials, their colors, a sponsor logo or a signature overlay. Personalized work, and sizing outside our standard chart, is available through our custom chaps. Rodeo and show chaps take longer to make than standard styles, so check our Shipping Policy and order well before your season or pageant date.
How Rodeo Chaps Should Fit
- Thigh: snug where the chaps fasten above the knee, so they stay in place on a bucking animal.
- Waist: the belt sits firmly on your hips over your jeans and doesn't slide down when you're in motion.
- Length: the leather reaches your boot when you stand. The wings and fringe will swing freely below the fastenings.
- Movement check: in the chaps, lift your knee high and swing your legs as if spurring. Nothing should bind or pull at the waist.
Rodeo Safety: What Chaps Do and Don't Do
Rodeo chaps protect your legs from rope, chute rails, the animal's hide and abrasion when you fall. They don't protect you from a bull's horns, hooves or weight. For roughstock events, a protective vest is standard equipment, and many riders also wear a helmet and mouthguard. Follow your association's safety rules and wear chaps as part of complete protective gear.
Caring for Rodeo Chaps
- Fringe: after each ride, shake it out and gently comb it with your fingers. Store the chaps hanging by the belt so the fringe falls straight and doesn't tangle.
- Metallic fringe and overlays: wipe them with a soft, dry cloth, and keep leather conditioner off metallic finishes.
- White and light leather: clean off arena dirt right away. Wipe gently with a damp cloth and let the chaps air-dry before storing them.
- Tooled yokes: brush dust out of the tooling with a soft brush, and condition lightly.
- Between rodeos: keep them in a breathable garment bag, not plastic, and away from direct sun, which fades bright colors.
