My suede riding chaps were broken at the belt last week. Is it worth replacing,or should I just buy new ones?

Question

My suede riding chaps were broken at the belt last week. Is it worth replacing,or should I just buy new ones?

Answer 1

yeah I have the dublin suede chaps too, had mine for about 10 years! ha and they're still in good nik. I don't wear them everyday anymore though since I changed jobs. Is it worth fixing or replacing? Well I love my chaps and wouldn't consider buying new unless they were totally unrepairable but I guess it does come down to cost in the end. Just get some quotes and look around.

Answer 2

That depends, is it going to be worth it to fix them? Sued half chaps aren't as expensive as others, so it may be worth it just to buy a new pair. I was able to get two pairs for 60$ at lammles (they only had one type since they have a very limited english riding supply) but they were 10 bucks cheaper than at the english riding store! So look around and try and find good deals. When you do get your new ones, be sure you take good care of them and don't treat them too ruff- my pair has lasted three years and their still good! If they come with a zip-up bag then keep them in their when your not using them.

Also, take them off when you are doing work around the barn like mucking out stalls etc. Just use them for riding and they will last you a while, as long as you buy a decent enough brand.

The ones that I got for 60$ are of the brand 'Dublin'=]

Answer 3

It can be easily fixed for far less than a new pair will cost you...just get them fixed and it won't even noticeable to anyone else.

Answer 4

It would be cheaper to have it fixed.  The belt can be reinforced and repaired at minimal cost.

Answer 5

fix it

Answer 6

The only way to really tell is to look at the prices. How much is it going to cost to have them fixed? If it's extremely expensive, look into prices of a new pair. You may have to sacrifice time to break in the new ones, but if it's cheaper, it's worth it.

Answer 7

well worth fixing, they will last forever.  I take my chaps etc to the local shoe repair shop, he does an excellent job.  

Answer 8

I would check with Cassidys Casuals they make awesome riding clothes that are worn by some of the best in several breeds including AQHA and APHA. Email them or check out their site. www.cassidyscasuals.com tell them that TJ sent you :)

Answer 9

I would take the chaps to a leather shop and get an estimate on cost of repair.

Then consider what the chaps would be worth to replace.  If they are brand name such as Hobby Horse, and fit you properly, you are probably better off repairing them.  If they are no-name chaps, you can buy suede ones for under $50 on eBay, so you might consider buying another pair.  But be aware that buying items such as chaps on eBay is tricky.  I managed fine with my Hobby Horse ones because I knew exactly what size I wanted, but with other no-name brands it gets tricky.  One brand's medium is another brand's large.  And you don't know what quality zipper and what the weight of the suede is like, so you are taking chances even when you ask lots of good questions.

So in my opinion its probably worth getting the chaps repaired if they were decent ones to start with.  A break at the belt is likely fairly economical to repair.