Authentic chaps

[Slow Poke]

So I am thinking about a pair of chaps for costume contest and I am curious if anyone had pictures of what original chaps looked like?

Or patterns?

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Are you thinking authentic?  Shotgun, batwing, or whoolies?   Or more modern like shorter chinks?  I think @Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L is on the road right now, but he wears batwing style.  There's some good books out there, but I'm not sure what is online.  In years past I've seen links to bunches of old timey photos, might not be too hard to find.

 

edit: I just typed old west chaps into Google then hit the images button.  Lots of pics.  Note: the black and white pics are old, the color ones are not. 

Edited August 1 by Abilene, SASS # 27489

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

4 minutes ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

Are you thinking authentic?  Shotgun, batwing, or whoolies?   Or more modern like shorter chinks?  I think @Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L is on the road right now, but he wears batwing style.  There's some good books out there, but I'm not sure what is online.  In years past I've seen links to bunches of old timey photos, might not be too hard to find.

 

edit: I just typed old west chaps into Google then hit the images button.  Lots of pics.  Note: the black and white pics are old, the color ones are not. 

I'm at home and not traveling.  Actually I have both Shotgun and Batwings.

 

Shotgun

 

Batwings

 

The Shotgun types are an older style and batwings are a newer style.  If getting Shotguns make sure you get side fasteners up to at least your knees for easier getting into them.

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

Here are some period shotgun chaps photos - all the photos I can find of Woolies are staged photos

Edited August 1 by Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

Woolies were worn in colder climates, naturally. A very good book on cowboy gear is:  "I See By Your Outfit" by Tom Lindmier & Steve Mount.

Horace

[Slow Poke]

I was actually more thinking bat wing they seem like they would allow better movement.

[T-Square]

Is there a "best maker of Chaps"  ? I'm also wanting a pair, but probably an exceptional pair, will all the bells and whistles, I mean all the nicer things - snaps where snaps are best, lining where the should be lined, loops and belts where they should be . I'm thinking a "heirloom" pair. If they a cheap or ill-fitting, they probably would just hang in the closet. I'm sure there are leather makers who make good, but who makes exceptional shotgun chaps?

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

Check out Docs Old West. They are usually at EOT and Land Run but I’m sure they make other big matches if you want to talk with them in person.

[T-Square]

cleaning up the thread

 

Edited September 9 by T-Square

[Equanimous Phil]

On 8/9/2025 at 3:44 AM, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

Check out Docs Old West.

 

+1 for Doc's Old West, I am very happy with mine! I ordered shotguns in a worn-out look. They also made the cuffs I wear:

[Dantankerous]

Do you want chaps for a specific time period?

 

Figger batwings for mid 1890s and beyond. Pair them with Bisleys and an 1892 and yore set. (Just not for CC with that 1892.)

 

I have shotguns and just got batwings (Doc's Old West... and they are GORGEOUS! Doc does EXCELLENT work). I got the batwings NOT because of movement ability but due to temperature issues in hot weather. I can attest that my heavy leather shotguns are warm in cold weather. I make them work in summer, but I wanted something a bit breezier and batwings fit that bill. 

 

Good luck and happy shopping. 

 

Doc's will probably be at Land Run. 

 

 

[Dantankerous]

On 8/13/2025 at 3:52 AM, Equanimous Phil said:

 

+1 for Doc's Old West, I am very happy with mine! I ordered shotguns in a worn-out look. They also made the cuffs I wear:

 

Phil, Hell of a GREAT look there! You're nailing it!

[Dutch Coroner]

Here’s a couple of pictures of what Ruby Red Rider made for me. So not only are they authentic “looking” they are one of a kind.  

 

That is Cowtown Scout and me at Land Run last year where he was recognized as the 2024 Classic Cowboy of the Year.

 

 

[Slow Poke]

Had a set of batwings made. I really enjoy them.

Edited September 5 by Slow Poke

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Slow Poke, I'm guessing you do NOT shoot black powder.   Or else you're real careful.  

[Slow Poke]

48 minutes ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

Slow Poke, I'm guessing you do NOT shoot black powder.   Or else you're real careful.  

Not on a consistent basis. 

Yet!

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

Give him some time it will get a patina 😎

Edited September 6 by Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Yeah, he will panic the first time he spills ketchup or coffee on it, but that will pass.  And years from now when he looks at that picture he will be amazed that they were ever that clean.   Or I could be completely wrong.  Slow Poke, are those Elk?  Might hold its color real well.

Whiskey Kid sprays his BP guns after every stage and the stuff all drips down on his chinks - they are totally streaked, but he doesn't care. 

[Rip Snorter]

Well, like well used Lederhosen, they might even shine!  

[Slow Poke]

On 9/5/2025 at 8:40 PM, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

Yeah, he will panic the first time he spills ketchup or coffee on it, but that will pass.  And years from now when he looks at that picture he will be amazed that they were ever that clean.   Or I could be completely wrong.  Slow Poke, are those Elk?  Might hold its color real well.

Whiskey Kid sprays his BP guns after every stage and the stuff all drips down on his chinks - they are totally streaked, but he doesn't care. 

The are elk hide.

[Lawdog Dago Dom]

[Rip Snorter]

Search Nudie the Tailor.  Some pretty amazing outfits back in time!

[Mezcal Charlie]

Main point I’d make is no zippers or snaps