The Best Motorcycle Chaps (Review) in 2021

Q: How do I choose the correct size?

For your comfort and safety, your motorcycle chaps should fit correctly. Most products have a handy size guide included in the description so have a good look at this. You will need to take some measurements. If you are asked for your thigh circumference, measure your thigh all the way around at the thickest part using a measuring tape and do this whilst you are wearing your regular jeans. Measure just below the groin and keep the tape horizontal. Typical sizes vary from 22 inches to 26 inches. You may also need to measure your waist and inside leg. It can be useful to have someone to help you and a fabric measuring tape will be easier to use. Then use your measurements and the size chart provided to select the appropriate size for you. When you get your chaps, try moving around in them to make sure that they fit. As a general rule, you should be able to fit your hand snugly between your thigh and the chaps but you should not be able to move it around. The chaps belt should fasten in one of the middle holes and you can use the laces at the back to adjust this. Remember that chaps will stretch at the locations where your body puts pressure on them. This gives them a lived-in feel as they mold to the contours of your body. If they are too long, you can trim them using scissors.

Q: How should I clean my motorcycle chaps?

If you want your motorcycle chaps to last for a few years, you will need to clean them at some stage. Set aside about an hour to do the job properly and it will need to be done a couple of times a year. Here’s how you can keep your chaps looking and feeling their best.

• Water and saddle soap. The first option is to hang them up on a clothes hanger and place that on a hook. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent such as a dishwashing detergent. Using a soft cloth, wipe the chaps down. For stubborn dirt, you can use Saddle Soap which is specifically designed for leather. This contains both a detergent and a softening agent which can be foot oil, lanolin or glycerin. You will need to keep rinsing the cloth because it can get quite dirty.
• In the shower. Another option is to wear your chaps and stand in your shower. You can use both hands to wash them down with a mild soap and then wash them off with water from the shower head. The disadvantage of this method is that they do get very wet and will take a quite a long time to dry.
• Thoroughly dry. It is important that you hang up your chaps in a well-ventilated place to thoroughly dry after you have washed them. Do not be tempted to use a hair dryer or to put them in an electric drier. This will seriously damage the leather and it will crack and shrink.
• Condition the leather. Once the chaps are completely dry, you can start to condition the leather. You cannot condition leather that has not been thoroughly washed and dried because you will just be rubbing dirt into the chaps. It is possible to buy special motorcycle chaps leather lotion or conditioner that will be perfect for the job. Rub it into a small section at a time using a soft, clean cloth. Take your time over the seams and stitching because these can get dry and brittle after washing and can even rot. The better quality leather conditioners are made from natural ingredients and they nourish the leather so that it remains soft and supple. You can also use your fingers to rub the cream in well, the heat from your hands will help it to be absorbed by the leather.
• Absorbing the conditioner. After conditioning, place the chaps back on a hanger and leave them for an hour for the leather to have a chance to absorb the conditioner. If the chaps were very dry, this can take longer.
• Weatherproofing. It is possible to apply a water proofing product after conditioning. You will need to work it into the leather making sure that you cover all of the seams and stitching. Then you simply wipe off the excess using a dry cloth. The chaps need to be dried off in a well-ventilated area over night.
• Day-to-day care. As well as the bi-annual clean, you may want to do some spot cleaning of your chaps. This can be done with unscented baby wipes as they will clean and condition the chaps at the same time.

Q: How do I put on my chaps?

If you have never put a pair of motorcycle chaps on, you may be wondering how to do it. Here’s what you need to do.

• Practice. Have a practice run at putting the chaps on when you don’t actually need to go out on your motorcycle! You will have more time to make the necessary adjustments to make sure that they fit you correctly.
• Floor drag is fine. Don’t worry about dragging the chaps on the floor as you are putting them on, this is inevitable and shows that you are putting them on correctly.
• Unzip and unsnap. Fully open the zippers and the snap closures of both legs of the motorcycle chaps.
• Hold the chaps correctly. Do this by grasping the top of the chaps at the point between the lacing and the back rear of the right leg using your right hand. At this stage, the inside of the right chap leg should be facing you.
• Pass between your legs. Then you should use your left hand to get the male part of the zipper in between your legs. You pass it from the front to the back where you catch it with your right hand. Then you grab the female part of the zipper using your left hand.
• Position the right leg. You will need to move the zippers to the front of your thigh but they must be located below the thickest part of your thigh. Then you can zip up the right leg.
• Position the left leg. You do this by passing the zipper towards the outside rear of your leg but don’t pull the chaps up. Instead, pass the belt and the left leg straight across behind you and to your left leg. Stop just above the knee and then pass the female part of the zipper from front to back. It should pass between your legs and catch it with your left hand. Move the zippers to the front of your thigh and zip up the left leg.
• Pull the chaps up. Now you just have to adjust the buckle and lace to get a good fit.