• Leather

• Fit comes first
A well-chosen half chaps should fit the calf without compressing it, remain stable without twisting or slipping, and naturally follow the flexion of the ankle.
When trying them on, fully close the zip, adopt a riding position (heels down) and walk for a few minutes.

- If the zip pulls or creates ripples, the fit is too tight.
- If the material creases behind the calf or slides down, the half chaps are too wide or too tall.

• Height and width: key points
Excessive height can limit ankle mobility and create uncomfortable folds.
Too much width leads to lack of support, friction and premature wear.

Pro tip: new half chaps, especially leather ones, should be close-fitting. Leather half chaps naturally soften after a few uses and may drop slightly by about 0.5 to 1 cm, which is completely normal.
For this reason, a snug fit when new is recommended: half chaps that feel perfectly fitted from the start may become too loose after breaking in.

• Zip position and support
The zip should be positioned at the back, lying flat against the calf. Check that the top zip stopper is secure, as this is often the most stressed area.
The elastic panels should remain taut while retaining flexibility.

• Feeling in the saddle
A well-fitted half chap should not pinch behind the knee or put pressure on the Achilles tendon. The leg remains stable without any feeling of stiffness.