I’ve always assumed fringing on chaps started out as a style thing like fringed jackets and shirts. Possibly influenced from Native American styles or simply to show off a bit/more expensive to make/requires more material etc. but I don’t doubt that several uses have been found for it after the fact. Fringing on fabric/woven garments has been done for a long time as an alternative to hemming that would reduce the chances of fraying you get with a raw edge. But I’ve seen fringed leather on sporrans (the leather pouch someone wears with a kilt) without ever thinking of any uses other than decorative tassels. I’m not a cowboy 🤠 but I am Scottish 😅 so please pardon my frame of reference.

Thank You for info about Chaps.

I would love to visit with you about more styles and more functions.

Good history. Thank you.

I know a guy from Texas who was wearing a pair of Bullhide shotgun chaps when he was struck by a Western Diamondback while opening a cattle gate. Those chaps saved him from a nasty bite.

I wear armitas when it's not winter or when I know I'll be on and off the horse a lot moving around. People choose armitas for several reasons, but the main two are tradition and comfort. As for the fringe on the belt specifically, I think its purely decorative. But the most important feature of armitas is the belt itself, not the fringe on it. A wider front belt, as opposed to the string or thin latigo strap on other chaps, helps distribute the weight and pressure more evenly on the wearer and allows for a more comfortable fit

Was wondering if you could possibly do a video on how to soften up a brand new pair of STIFF chaps...... i just got 2 new pairs of chaps. 1 is rough out & the other has the smooth side showing. My rough out, is pretty much ready to just be water proofed but my other chaps, with the smooth side out, dam near can stand up by them selves. Both pairs are brand new

I love the hat, what color is the felt?

What shape is your brim

Ive been riding for a while now and was gifted chaps and a hat, how do I store my chaps. They are shotgun chaps with straps in the back.

Would you generally recommend roughout or smooth chaps? I am planning on making myself a pair for working around the farm, training horses, and the occasional cowboy mounted shooting competition.

Came here because of Yellowstone