Ariat Classic chaps: review

Our reviewer found that these chaps are best used for smart occasions, and measuring is paramount for a good fit

These chaps are smart. I tested them with the Ariat Performance Pro short laced boot and were a good, supportive alternative to a full boot as they are cut to cover the lacing on the boot and really do give a close impression of a full boot. The combination is smart enough for hunting or performing. The Classic chaps I tested have kept their shape despite a great deal of work, hunting for a season and several endurance rides. The smooth leather on the outside calf has not wrinkled and polishes up easily. The zip is robust and is easy to use. The leather covering over the zip is fastened down with strong Velcro, and sits tight against the calf. They were comfortable in cold and wet weather and in hot sweaty conditions, and kept dry for hours in rain. However, on one endurance ride they did chaff under the knee over my normal exercising jodhpurs. A short while later, I had no problem on a long endurance ride when I wore well fitting high quality jodhpurs, a sign I suspect that the smart leather outer calf does not fit as snugly around the top as does a that of a chap made of fully pliable material, and they cannot be relied on to compensate for anything other that perfectly fitting jodhpurs. As to the negatives – I have found that the suede on the inner side of the chaps is difficult to clean and the financial outlay probably means that these should only be used where looks are at a premium, and not used as an every day boot.

One final point is that these provide very individualistic measurements, including insert ankle lifts where necessary, and require very careful, preferably professional, measuring. I would not advise measuring at home. I did so and had to send the first pair back.