A good pair of chaps is an important part of a cowboys gear. Protecting the rider from snags, branches, brush and a number of other objects. A full time cowboy would never saddle up with out their chaps.

by Dustin Williams

Leather is a great material that has been used for Centuries. It has always played an important role in western wear. Leather western wear items include cowboy hats and cowboy boots. Today we are going to focus on leather chaps and their history in western wear.

Leather chaps have been around for a long time. Starting from the 1600s there have been plenty of reports about the use of leather chaps, and they have continued to be revamped. If there has been any livestock handling the leather chaps have been around to help out.

In the nineteenth century leather chaps were mostly stepped into garments, meaning they were attached to a belt that a person stepped in to. Mexican’s called these leather protectors Armitas. Armitas were made out of calfskin, deer, or even goats.

Texas cowboys evolved their own style of chaps from the Armitas. They were one of the first to use full leather britches. The only problem with this shotgun style was that they did not have a seat and were often referred to as closed legs.

In the 1880s chap makers went to work to solve this problem. One way that fixed the stiffness was to make the chaps come in pieces now instead of one piece. They then curved the waistband to allow more movement for the cowboy.

The next chaps that were used were chaps that were used a lot during the popular Wild West Shows. Batwing Chaps, as they were referred as, allowed more movement for riders because they provided a wider cut then other chaps. They also were more elaborately decorated so riders could be recognized during Rodeos or Wild West Shows.

In the hot summers full length leather chaps were uncomfortable for some cowboys. A new western wear item became popular around the 1940s called Chinks. Cowboys had been cutting off the bottoms of their chaps to get rid of the restrictive nature of the full length chaps, and in the 1940s they finally started producing them that way. Chinks usually only went a few inches past the cowboys knee.

Leather chaps have continued to evolve since then. They are still used today to help with herding, yard work, outdoor work, feeding, fencing and branding for many cowboys and ranchers today. Leather is a great material to use with western wear items, and leather chaps are no exception.

Even if you are not a ‘real’ cowboy you can still wear the ‘real’ cowboy clothing. For many people there is nothing more down to earth than a good days ride in the saddle.  And wearing the proper western cowboy clothing is a necessity.

by Jeffrey Jackson

Cowboy western wear attire started out of a necessity to protect cowboys from their environment. Now western wear attire not only fits a practical purpose, but a designer purpose as well. Here are the most popular western wear items currently on the market.

1.) Jeans: Denim jeans are very popular right now. Jeans that are close-fitted work great for cowboys. They are sturdy, but comfortable, and protect your thighs and knees if you are a rider.

2. Chaps: Chaps are still a popular item. Chaps protect cowboys legs while they are riding horses. They are especially handy when riders have to ride through harsh conditions, such as working with livestock.

3.) Cowboy Hat: Cowboy hats are legendary and easily recognizable. They now come in a variety of sizes, styles, colors, and materials. With choices like this you are bound to find one that fits your style.

4.) Gloves: When working with a horse or livestock, gloves are a very good choice. Choose gloves that are flexible and made out of soft material to allow you a firm grip. Leather gloves are the best choice.

5.) Cowboy Boots: Cowboy boots help riders a lot, but they are a popular western wear choice for anyone. Even the Beatles were seen wearing them! Cowboy boots, like cowboy hats, come in a variety of sizes and styles.

6. Bandanna: In the past cowboys used a cotton bandanna around their necks. It provided cowboys with a neckerchief that protected them from the sun and dust storms, and also was handy for wiping of sweaty faces. Today bandannas are normally only used as an accessory to a cowboy outfit.

All of these items have had a history with cowboys back in older days, but they continue to be a popular choice for western wear attire. Western stores are a wonderful place to look around and shop for these items. It is fun to shop for practical pieces of clothing and fashion items as well.