Saxon Equileather Half Chaps

I have only just received these today and have not ridden in them yet, but my first impressions so far are really good - only 2 concerns that are related to the zipper (though not due to quality). I am 5'4" 150lbs and at first could just barely get a medium on over thick winter breeches. I didn't have any help, so trying to pull the zipper downwards around my calf was extremely difficult. I was afraid I was going to half to put them right back into the box. However, I got them on and wore them around town for several hours. After getting home I unzipped and zipped them back up with very little difficulty, so it looks like they will break in without too much trouble. If they are tight, don't give up on the first try-on! The zipper actually seems pretty sturdy and didn't threaten to pop as I squeezed my calf into it. However I do have 2 concerns looking forward: The zipper zips downward from the top and the elastic that goes around the back of your heel snaps to keep it in place. Because the chaps are currently very tight on me, the zipper really wants to pop up and unzip itself. The elastic actually keeps in from unzipping more than half an inch, but I am afraid the zipper will eventually wear the elastic strap down. Maybe it won't be an issue after the chaps full break in. We'll see! The second concern is due to the zipper location. I have pretty short legs...I do like my half chaps to be tall and then wear in, but this is my first pair of chaps with the zipper directly on the back rather than on the side. These chaps come allll the way up to the back of my knee and the zipper fastening is very uncomfortable. I am hoping that I can just use some moleskin to pad it for awhile and then the chaps will wear down - but if it doesn't wear down far enough I will need to somehow attach a more permanent padding. If you have slightly longer legs than I do, you may not have any problems with this. These chaps are really nice looking. They don't look pleather-y or like you are trying to fake tall boots (I really hate that). They just look like really nice, professional half chaps. They feel really sturdy and look like leather even though they are synthetic. -The photos make them look a little more dull than they actually are- The moment I pulled them out of the box I really liked the feel of them. The inside does have a felt lining, so it is nice and soft, but I definitely will be going back to my lightweight canvas chaps for summer! For now, I am hoping these will keep me warm through the frigid foxhunting season. Overall, the quality and stiching all seems really good and as long as the zipper doesn't dig into my knee-pit forever (haha) I can see myself really loving these!

They were a little tight when they first arrived, especially around the ankle of the boot, and they were a bit high behind the back of my knee. I’m 5’2”. I decided to give them a chance to stretch/drop after breaking in because they look SO NICE with my boots. Within two wears they have stretched nicely and fit much more comfortably, and I imagine with a few more wears they will fit perfectly. The zipper in the back was a bit of a pain at first, but now that they’re stretching and fitting more comfortably, I can easily zip them without an issue.

These are very nice half chaps! the ‘leather’ is soft and flexible, my only complaint is that they don’t breathe, so my leg is always hot when I take them off. But it’s nothing unbearable. Shipping was very fast! They came in 3 days(: Edit- I’ve been using these for over a year and they’re still in perfect condition, all the snaps and zippers work! And I can clean them with a damp rag to look as good as new.

I have been wearing these every day for 3 months without any signs of wear, and that includes riding in them, mucking stalls, grooming and hosing off my boy, so they hold up great! I have had no problem with the snap coming undone by themselves either. The only reason I took one star away is because I was surprised to find that the inside was lined with fleece! So they can be very warm, if that had been in the description I might have looked elsewhere.

As someone with very short legs, I measured very carefully to make sure these would fit. They ended up being taller than expected and hitting the back of my knee when I bent my leg. A smaller size will not work since my calves are too large. They are beautiful, and a good quality, but if you have short legs, give yourself a little extra room in your measurements. I will be looking for a different brand.

So far, so good. Haven’t had the chance to use them much. They have elastic near the zipper which allows for a more “custom” feeling fit. Not sure how they will hold up in the long run, but as of right now I would buy them again. Nice to have a more economical option since I am just getting back into riding!

Too narrow. I have ordered the same size with other vendors. I forgot where I bought them..and now cant return them. Disappointed. I will order some more from another vendor.

Excellent product and looks, once you have mastered the trick to put them on. I turn the zipper parts towards the outside of the calf and once both parts are together I finish the "zipping" by returning the half chaps to a normal position. It becomes easier with time and use. My custom Daehner dressage boots are now collecting dust!