Over time, the design was adapted to fit to the wearer’s body itself, held together by a belt and leaving the groin area exposed for ease of movement. To protect their clothing while working, these cattle herders would have two pieces of leather attached to their horses’ saddles that draped over their legs.
Chaperreras were originally worn by cattle herders in Mexico, with the name coming from the local chaparral - low-growing, bristly brush that would damage trouser legs.