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Unlike many people may think, cowboy chaps are not meant to be a type of fashion sense. Even though they are apart of the cowboy image, they are intended to provide an extra layer of protection for the cowboys legs.
Many cowboys are exposed to harsh working environments when working with cattle or livestock. Chaps provide leg protection when the person is walking through brush or riding their horse. When riding, chaps allow the rider to move forward through thorns, cacti, and other types of potentially harmful environments. Nowadays, chaps are more often worn when riding horses or bulls during rodeo shows or for pleasure. Wearing the chaps can help the rider stay on the horse or bull longer by allowing him to better grip his legs to the animals side.
There are several different types of chaps made for every riding type, but the two most common are shotgun and batwing chaps. Shotgun chaps are made from a single piece of leather that fits securely around the leg. The edge of each leg is fringed and the bottoms contain a slit to allow comfortable covering over a boot. These types of chaps are fitted so that they do not flap around in wind, allowing body heat to be trapped in colder conditions. These chaps are often used in northwestern climates where cowboys are exposed to the cold environments when working on ranches.
Batwing chaps are also used by cowboys working on ranches; however, they are more commonly seen in the southern regions. These chaps are made from leather with 2 or 3 straps on the thigh area and a wide cut flare at the bottom. These chaps are meant for active riders, such as bull riders, for better traction and mounting of the horse or bull. Air is easily moved through these chaps, making this a perfect fit in hotter climates.

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