Women’s Leather Chaps
Women's Leather Chaps
Women's leather chaps from Chaps Fit are cut for a woman's hip and thigh, not scaled down from a men's pattern. Choose from classic black biker chaps, lace-up and fringed designs, studded and concho styles, and white western chaps for the arena. Every style comes in sizes 2XS to 8XL.
How Women's Chaps Are Cut Differently
A men's chap pattern is fairly straight from belt to knee. A woman's build usually has a bigger difference between waist and hips, and the thigh carries more of its width higher up. So women's chaps are cut with:
- A lower-sitting belt that rests on the hips rather than the natural waist
- More room at the upper thigh, tapering toward the knee, so the leather doesn't pull tight when you sit
- A contoured front that follows the hip line rather than cutting straight across
Wearing men's chaps isn't wrong, but women often find them gapping at the waist while pulling across the hips and thighs.
Why Your Jeans Size Isn't Your Chap Size
Many women order chaps by their jeans size and end up with a pair that's too small. Jeans are sized by the waistband. Chaps are held up by a belt that sits over your jeans, lower on your hips, which is a wider measurement.
Before you order, measure:
- Around your hips at the point where the chap belt will sit, over the jeans you'll ride in
- Around the fullest part of one thigh, over the same jeans
- Your inseam, wearing your riding boots
Then compare all three with the size guide on the product page. If your hip and thigh measurements fall in different sizes, go by the larger one. A belt can be tightened, but leather can't be let out.
Riding vs Riding Passenger
Where you sit on the bike changes the chaps you need:
- Riding (as the operator): your legs reach forward to the pegs or floorboards, so the main concern is length. The hem needs to cover your boot when your knee is bent.
- Riding passenger: passenger pegs are usually higher, so your knees bend more sharply. That draws the chaps up your leg and tightens them across the thigh. Passengers often need a little more thigh room and more length than they would as riders.
- For both: the inner thigh presses against the bike and the rider. A smooth inner leg without studs or conchos is more comfortable, and it won't scratch the bike's paint or the rider's jacket.
Women's Chap Styles at Chaps Fit
Classic Biker Chaps
Plain black leather, a belted waist and full-length legs, made to go with whatever else you wear on the road. Start with the Women's Genuine Black Leather Chaps or the Women's Vintage Black Leather Chaps.
Lace-Up and Adjustable Chaps
Lacing isn't only decoration. Laces at the thigh or across the back of the belt let you tighten or loosen the fit, which helps if your weight changes or you switch between thin and heavy jeans. See the Horza lace-up thigh chaps and Women's Leather Chaps with Belted Waist Lace Styles.
Fringed Chaps
Fringe moves as you walk and ride, and it works as well at a festival as on a bike. The Rumy fringed chaps and the Dual Belt and Fringe chaps are the two options. On a motorcycle, check that the fringe stays clear of the chain, belt drive and exhaust when you're seated.
Studded, Concho and Statement Chaps
For chaps that are meant to be noticed, choose the Concho Studded chaps, the Red Rose Black Leather Chaps, or the Premium Studded Black Chaps, which have a scalloped edge and rear lacing.
Western and Rodeo Chaps
For the arena, parades and western events, the Ice Maiden white western chaps are made to stand out. More styles are in Western Chaps, and you can finish the outfit with gauntlet gloves in a matching or contrasting color.
Sizes from Petite to Plus
Chaps Fit women's chaps run from 2XS to 8XL, a wider range than many chap makers offer. That covers petite riders who usually get lost in standard sizes, and plus-size riders who are often left with men's patterns. If you're petite with a short inseam, or you have full hips and a long leg, custom chaps can be made to your own measurements.
