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Glossary: Chaps
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Chaps
- Chaps - Chaps are leather leg coverings worn by
cowboys and cowgirls for protection against weather, trees, brush, kicks, rope
burns, and other hazards.
There are two common styles of chaps: Shotgun and batwing. Both styles buckle
around the waist and are open in the back so a rider’s seat is not covered.
After that, there are several differences.
- Shotgun chaps get their name from their straight design, similar to a
shotgun barrel. They are the original style of chap for working cowboys.
Shotgun chaps run the full length of the leg, and are typically closed
around the leg from top to bottom. Modern shotgun chaps are usually made
with a zipper or other fasteners running from the top of the leg to the
bottom to make them easy to put on and take off. Older shotgun chaps - or
new ones designed on an older style - might be enclosed from top to bottom
requiring the rider to step into them like a pair of jeans.
- Batwing chaps are a style that came along after shotgun chaps. Batwings
also run the full length of the leg, but are typically only closed around
the leg from the top of the chap to just above the knee. Buckles, snaps, and
other fasteners are common. Batwing chaps are fuller cut than the shotgun
style, having a generous amount of leather that overlaps the leg.
Chaps are similar to, but different than, chinks.
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Above: Shotgun chaps |
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Above: Batwing chaps |
Pronouncing Chaps
"Chaps" is
pronounced with a soft "ch" which means it is pronounced "shaps."
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You can shop for chaps here.
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