It is hard to buy a pair of chaps or chinks online without being able to try them on. This guide provides some basic information and visual guidelines for measuring prior to purchasing. It primarily addresses how to measure for Texas Style Bells or Arizona Bells that are step-in style and step-in style chinks. Maker’s patterns all vary and different makers use different measuring guidelines. If the maker provides guidelines for measuring it is important to follow his or her guidelines.

The very best method is to measure a pair you own that fits just like you want them to fit. If you do not have a pair to measure there are additional guidelines below for measuring yourself and the allowances you should add to get a proper fit.

Waist – Lay your chaps flat on a flat surface. The legs should be in the same position as they would be if you were wearing them. Measure from the end of the tongue on the buckle to the hole that you use when wearing. That will be your waist measurement.

Thigh – Laid out on a flat surface measure from the inside of the leather at the crotch to the inside of the leather on the out seam. Double this measurement and that will be the thigh measurement. For example if you measure twelve inches your thigh measurement will be twenty four inches. Allow about an additional inch for inside pockets. For example, if the chaps you are measuring have inside pockets and you are buying a pair with outside pockets or no pockets you can deduct one inch from the thigh measurement.

Inseam – Some styles of chaps do not really have an inseam measurement since the chaps taper at the bottom but basically your inseam measurement will be from the crotch of the chaps to the bottom of the inside leg.

Outseam or some refer to as the length of the chaps – Measure the outseam from the top of the yoke on the outside side of the chaps to the bottom of leg. This measurement will run along the same line down the chaps where the conchos sit next to where the legs are laced.

Knee - Laid out on a flat surface measure across the portion of the leg that is the smallest width where your knee bends. Double this measurement and that will be the knee measurement. For example if you measure ten inches your knee measurement will be twenty inches.

Waist – Follow the chap guidelines for the waist measurement.

Thigh –Follow the chap guidelines as above for the thigh measurement.

Outseam or some refer to as the length of the chinks – The outseam is measured from the top of the yoke on the outside of the chinks to the bottom of the fringe. Be sure and include the length of the fringe when purchasing a pair of chinks. This measurement will run along the same line down the chinks where the conchos sit next to where the legs are laced.

If this is your first pair of chaps or chinks or you do not own a pair that fit you right use this guide. It is best to have someone else measure you to get a more accurate measurement. Also keep the following in mind when measuring:

• A soft or cloth measuring tape will provide more accurate measurements.
• Tape should be pulled around snuggly but not too tight or loose.
• Take your measurements with the jeans and boots on that you will be wearing. Measurements will vary depending on the weight of your jeans and whether you wear your jeans tight or loose. Baggier jeans have more bulk and need to be considered to get an accurate measurement.

Waist – measure around your waist where the chaps will be worn. This is normally directly below the belt but if you plan on wearing them lower take that into consideration. There is usually quite a bit of adjustment in the waist with additional holes on the belt and adjustment at the front tie string. As a rule of thumb try to buy a pair that will give you an inch allowance in either direction just to be safe. See the following example:

• Measurement taken 34"
• To be safe buy a pair to fall within a waist range of 33" to 35"

Thigh – measure the circumference around the largest part of your upper thigh. If you carry stuff in your pockets include that in your measurement. Depending on whether or not you want them to fit skin tight or a little loose it is always a good idea to add a half inch allowance to ensure fit. Add an additional one inch to your thigh measurement to accommodate for inside pockets. See the following example:

• Measurement taken 23"
• Additional Allowance 1/2"
• Allowance for inside pockets 1"
• Total for Thigh 24 1/2"
• Buy a pair with a minimum thigh of 24 1/2"

Inseam – measure from your crotch on the inside of your leg to where the chaps will end on your inside leg. It is important to look at the style of chap you are considering buying. Some are cut higher on the inside so take that into consideration.

Outseam – measure on the outside leg from the top of where the chaps will sit on your waist to the floor. If you like your chaps to sit higher close to the waist you will need them longer or if like to wear them lower they can be shorter. Cutting and show chaps are always a little longer so take that into consideration.

Knee – measure around your knee. This measurement is more critical on a pair of step-in style because you need to be able to get in and out of them easily. There should be at least a two inch allowance to allow your knee to bend when sitting and also for ease of taking them on and off.

• Measurement taken 18"
• Additional Allowance 2"
• Total for Knee 20"
• Buy a pair with a minimum knee size of 20"

Waist – Follow the chap guidelines for measuring your waist.

Thigh – Follow the chap guidelines for measuring your thigh

Length – is a matter of preference on how long you want the chinks. Measure on the outside leg from the top of where the chinks will sit on your waist to how long you want them. Also think about where the chinks will sit on your hips. If you like your chinks to sit higher close to the waist you will need them longer or if like to wear them lower they can be shorter.