buzzkiller Report post Posted October 21, 2011 First off, I have never made a pair of chaps but am doing a bit of research before jumping into it. Every pair I have seen has a belt made into them. Is there any reason they couldn't be designed to attach to the belt holding ones pants up? I assume there is a reason not to do it since I haven't seen it, I just don't know why. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pounder Report post Posted October 21, 2011 You could be on to a whole new design for chaps but I don't think the traditionalists would get it. First off, like you I have never made a pair of chaps YET but am studying patterns, designs, etc. Chaps were originally made as work and protection gear while working on the ranch and range. Of course got dirty and were made of heavy material so (and I'm guessing here) no one wanted to wear them inside the home or wanted to wear them after work. Kinda like a carpenter with his belt. Of course I am intrigued by the idea of fasting chaps to the belt a person is wearing as they could just as easily be removed. Obviously I have had to much coffee. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike59 Report post Posted October 21, 2011 Leg chaps, or, "Leggings", have been made for years that have a loop at the top of the out seam for looping over the wearer's belt. Made from leather, heavy canvas, nylon. Quail hunters have used them for years, with the leather, or heavy reinforced canvas popular in the south to protect from snake bites. I have recently seen some motorcycle leggin's made this way; step-in's, and full or half zippered. I'd say go for it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Darby Report post Posted October 30, 2011 What Mike59 said. Leggings have been around a long time. I can't imagine they would be easier than regular chaps. I made mine probably twenty years ago and they still look good and work well, despite a 55MPH crash. In addition to motorcycling I have wore them while hog hunting in South Texas and rabbit hunting in Ohio. They keep the cold off in winter and the heat down in summer. I was lucky enough to be working with a girl who made chaps and explained the measuring so they fit very well. They aren't hard to do they just take time, especially if you are hand sewing. Pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
