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Leather chaps are open-leg overpants that a rider wears over pants or jeans. They add a leather layer over pants or jeans and are not rated protective gear, and they are a familiar part of cruiser and touring kit. The from Leather Collection are a cowhide pair built around adjustable lacing, snap cuffs and a thigh stretch panel. This guide goes through how they are made, how they fit and how to look after them.
Key Takeaways
- The Nomad chaps use natural cowhide 1.1 to 1.3 mm thick, hand-stitched, with a fixed 3/4-length liner.
- Front pronged buckle, adjustable rear lacing and four snap cuffs let the fit be tuned over pants or jeans.
- Standard sizes are offered, as well as made-to-measure sizing and an extended hem that can be set to length.
- Chaps are an overlayer. The product details checked for this guide list no protection standard, so they should not be treated as a rated suit.
What Leather Chaps Do for a Rider
Chaps are worn over pants, so the leather adds an outer layer over the clothes underneath. The legs stay open at the back, which makes chaps quick to put on and take off over everyday clothes. That convenience is why they are common among cruiser, touring and casual riders.
They are not a substitute for a certified one-piece or two-piece suit. Motorcycle protective clothing is classified under EN 17092, and a garment is only rated if its label or product details say so. For a rider who wants a leather layer over jeans, chaps are a practical option. For track or high-speed use, a suit is the appropriate choice.
How the Nomad Chaps Are Built
The product details for the Nomad chaps describe natural cowhide leather 1.1 to 1.3 mm thick, hand-stitched with polyester thread. A fixed liner runs to 3/4 length to reduce friction against the skin. An inner thigh stretch panel adds movement when sitting on a bike, and a YKK zipper with a silver brass finish sits on the side.
The bottom hem is extended so the length can be tailored. The silhouette is unisex and designed for layering over pants or jeans. As with any cowhide, the surface develops character and patina with use.
Fit and Adjustment
Three closures set the fit. A front pronged buckle secures the waist, adjustable rear lacing tunes the circumference of the waist and thighs, and four snap cuffs close the lower leg so the chaps stay in place over boots. Because the lacing is adjustable, riders between standard sizes can fine-tune the fit.
The chaps are available in standard sizes or made to measure. A made-to-measure pair suits riders with a longer inseam or a different thigh-to-waist proportion. Measuring over the pants that will actually be worn underneath gives the most accurate result.
Styling and Care
Black cowhide chaps pair with a leather jacket, boots and gloves, and they also work over everyday jeans for a casual look. A rider who prefers a different cut can compare the or the from the same range.
Follow the maker's care instructions for these chaps: the product page recommends a soft dry cloth for wiping and a leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months, and the right product depends on the leather's finish. Brown cowhide is an alternative to black, for example the .
Who Wears Leather Chaps
Touring riders use chaps as a quick overlayer for cold or windy stretches, and cruiser riders wear them as part of a classic look. Riders who want more coverage than jeans but do not want a full leather suit often choose chaps. The range lists further styles, and are the alternative for riders who want full leg coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are leather chaps worn over or instead of pants?
Chaps are worn over pants or jeans. They have an open back and leave the seat uncovered, so a garment underneath is required. The Nomad chaps are described as a layering piece for exactly this use, with a fixed 3/4 liner and an inner thigh stretch panel for movement while seated on a motorcycle.
Do the Nomad chaps carry a protection rating?
The product details reviewed for this guide do not list a protection standard. Motorcycle protective garments are classified under EN 17092, and impact protectors under EN 1621, but a rating applies only where the label or documentation states it. Treat the chaps as a leather overlayer and check any listing before assuming protection.
How are leather chaps adjusted to fit?
The Nomad chaps use a front pronged buckle, adjustable rear lacing and four snap cuffs. The lacing changes the waist and thigh fit, and the snap cuffs close the lower leg over a boot. Made-to-measure sizing and an extended hem for length adjustment are also described in the product details.
How should leather chaps be cleaned?
Follow the maker's care instructions: the product page recommends a soft dry cloth for wiping and a leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months, and the right product depends on the leather's finish and construction.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
