This invention relates to chaps, such as riding chaps and, in particular, to protective chaps intended to be worn by farriers and those conducting similar work, and frequently referred to as "aprons", and the object of the invention is to provide wearers of chaps with improved support and/or comfort, particularly in the lumbar or sacroiliac region. Accordingly, the invention provides chaps (10) having an integral belt region (51), extending around the front of a wearer. The belt region (51) has extension pieces (53, 54), at either end, for the attachment of a linking belt portion (57) which is intended to pass around the back of the wearer and thus complete the belt (50). The linking belt portion (57) bears an enlargement (60) providing a lumbar support and/or a posture aid for the wearer. The attachment of the linking belt portion (57) to the extension pieces (53, 54) is preferably accomplished by way of fitments which allow for quick release/engagement and/or adjustment of the belt (50) as a whole. In some embodiments of the invention, the enlargement (60) comprises an area of the linking belt portion (57) that is widened to create an enlarged support pad of suitable shape. In other embodiments, at least one further pad of the same or a different material is overlain upon and stitched or otherwise secured to the first-mentioned pad, in order to thicken the pad and provide further stiffening and support.
