Determine the correct chap size
A well-fitting chap is the most important thing when riding. Once they are properly fitted to the calf, they sit like a second skin. In order to find out your chap size, you need two measurements: the length and the width of your calf in cm. With this information, you can then determine the size in the corresponding size chart (always located at the respective chap).
Before you measure your calf, the following must be considered
1. The timing
Measure your calf at the time you want to wear the chaps in the future. In other words, If you prefer to ride in the evening, then measure your calf in the evening. If you ride early in the morning, then measure your calf in the morning. This has the following reason: the calf is slimmer in the morning than in the evening for most people.
Measure your size when you wear your breeches and knee socks (if you also wear the latter for riding).
How to measure the length
If you have followed points 1 and 2, you can now determine your calf length. hold the measuring tape to the most pronounced area of your ankle and run it upwards along the side of the leg to the height of the knee and the lower edge of the knee disc. Bend the knee a little bit, making it easier to find the right spot.
of the hollow of the knee and the lower edge of the kneecap.
How to measure the width
Place the measuring tape at the widest area of your calf and run it around your calf. Bend your knee as if you were sitting on the horse.
What you should keep in mind before you choose your size
1. Jumper or dressage rider?What you ride and how the chaps are supposed to sit later is very important. Do you ride classic dressage? Then your leg is more stretched in the saddle than on a show jumper. Note this with the length of the chaps. Each chap adjusts to the riders leg over time. This means the more stretched the leg is in the saddle, you can rather take a length that is slightly longer than what you have measured.
2. The choice of leatherLeather stretches over time. This is also called “ the adjustment of the chap“. Depending on the type of leather (soft leather such as the chap Valerius, oiled leather such as the chap Remus or hard leather such as the chap Aurora), the effect is sometimes more or less pronounced. Generally, you can say that the harder the leather, the lesser the amount the leather stretches.
Trying on and wearing (new) chaps
Even when a chap fits, it will sink down a little and light wrinkles will form in the ankle area during wear. That's perfectly normal. However, if the size of the chap is big right from the start, the chap might literally “slip” downwards, too many folds might form, it could turn and the upper edge of the chap can disturb when riding. The great thing about a leather chap is that it adapts to every contour of the leg. The tighter a chap sits at the beginning of wearing, the less it slips later. Note: Leather expands. Don't be surprised if you need help with the first few times of attaching the chap. A good chap has to sit tight!
But also with chaps keep in mind: Every rider has a different comfort zone and every chap is different. So give it a try!