wanting opinions on Ultra suede verses real suede or leather. Also recommended places to have them made.
Ultra suede is pretty thin can bunch up if you are riding anything active (galloping, bucking etc) and it will wear through in mess time then leather …but it’s cooler, lighter weight and easier to work with, used to be cheaper then leather but haven’t ordered chaps in 20 years. Real suede is leather, usually split skin-rough on both sides, not too bad to work with, doesn’t bunch or wrinkle like the ultra suede. Guessing you are referring to " real leather" as the smooth side showing? Those are a little heavier weight, never wear out, usually pricier.
The big difference is what you will be using them for. Last pair I bought was after I switched to Hunters, navy smooth side out leather schooling chaps, double piping in contrasting colors, no fringe and you bet a silver loop, keeper and tip buckle, can’t throw all my Western days away:yes:. I still have them but…errr…they don’t fit so good any more and everybody is schooling in half chaps today. Otherwise, good leather chaps they are saleable which is a good reason to go for real leather.
If you are showing in Breed shows, Ultra Suede makes a lot of sense. You aren’t wearing them hours a day, color coordination between horse color, shirt, pants, hat, chaps, saddle blankets, what class you are riding…Reining being a different look then Western Pleasure. It’s an art. And depending on where you are, it’s hot at those summer shows.
Anyway, depends on what you will be doing when you wear them, little on how/cold it might be too.
For ordering, where are you located? Like custom boot, correct measurements are vital, and I would get them made to measure, not off the rack. If they don’t fit right they are awful. Is Hobby Horse still in business? on the high side but, mercy, were they ever nice.
1 Like
These are strictly for show. Breed and some open for Friesians. I was on hobby horses site but Chaps by Beth seemed more thorough on measurements and more expensive than hobby.
Ultrasuede chaps are easily machine washable. Have had all 3, I liked the real suede the best as far as looks, the ultrasuede for coolness, and the smooth leather for ease of care.
2 Likes
I prefer ultra suede, personally, although it will depend on your company. Working western riders wouldn’t wear ultra suede. We show pleasure, equitation and trail and I like being able to throw it in the wash easily and appreciate it’s light weight feel.
I have both ultra suede and suede and prefer the ultra suede because they are lighter and cooler, especially in the summer. It’s easy to clean them as well, although I don’t machine wash mine too often. Mine are by Hobby Horse and have lasted, I have one pair that is at least 12 years old. It all depends what you are showing in though.
I have had all 3, my favorites are my smooth leather ones. I had them custom made last year. What part of the country are you in?? I know several custom chap makers that do phenomenal work!!
I am in Iowa
I own a pair of UltraSuede chaps and they work for lower level pleasure. I just purchased a pair of smooth leather ones for this coming year. Customs I’m pretty proud of. You can get good customs for a decent price.
This store is located out of Iowa and do really good work. http://tackroomincorporated.com/
I have Hobby Horse ultrasuede chaps that I really like. They are light and comfortable and easier to put on that my old leather chaps. My favorite thing is that with the lightweight material they restrict my leg movements less. My trainer and I have both noticed that I am able to use my legs better when riding. They look really nice, but I still plan to invest in custom top grain leather chaps (smooth on inside and suede on outside) in the future as I move into higher level breed competition. The top grain leather lays smoother and looks nicer and is more durable in the long run than ultrasuede (but will definitely be HOT in the summer).
I had two pairs of custom chaps from Rod’s Western Palace. Great quality. They also do off the rack.
Here is an article on Hobby Horse’s website that talks about the different materials and considerations with show chaps: https://hobbyhorseinc.com/western-fashion-head-to-toe-6/
Lots to consider; there are good reasons for all the different materials for different riders.
I prefer real suede. I find that the ultra suede isn’t heavy enough to hang “right” and therefore doesn’t present as polished a picture. And smooth leather, while easier to care for, is VERY unforgiving on those of us who are…er…“well endowed” in the thigh region.
2 Likes
I know makers in NC, PA and KY…
Probably my favorite is Kara Frye…I believe she calls her business Custom Chaps by Kara. She is on fb. Love that she experiments with different animal skins for the uppers, gets into ostrich, shark, etc or will tool or paint anything into leather. Truly unique pieces. Her chaps start at 600 I believe.
I would suggest if you order from someone that can’t personally measure you that you go to a seamstress and have them do it.
We love Dave Thornbury Custom Chaps:
https://www.facebook.com/Dave-Thornbury-Custom-Chaps-366527955776/
So I was going to order the hobby horse since they stock them and are returnable but the sizes didn’t look right. I normally where. 12-14 pant and in breeches I wear a large but when I took my measurements my waist was much LARGER than the XL. Like 8" I measure just above my hip below the belt as it said to do. The length was correct. FYI I weigh 170 and 5’5" tall
I just looked at his sizing and the measurements looked correct for what I need. Hobby horse was way small via the measurements.
1 Like
i am familiar with this company. they are much more expensive than the others but will consider. They are only an hour from me and may go visit them
They may have some used ones for sale. I know the owner and she is great.
I have the Hobby Horse Ultra Suede chaps, and I love that they are machine washable. I have only had them for one show season, but they look good for being off the shelf (my problem is that I needed a bigger waist size, but not a bigger leg size, so mine are a bit baggy on my thighs). Last year I washed them after pretty much every show due to the extreme heat and humidity and sweating bullets under them. My only complaint is lord have mercy on you if you need to adjust the back strap that attaches the two leg pieces to each other. The decorative buttons do not go back together easily. I ended up having to cut small slits on either sides of the holes, put the decorative buttons completely together, and then slip them into the holes using the small slits to help. :eek::no:
