Gaiters
Gaiters are garments worn over the shoe and lower pants leg, and used primarily as personal protective equipment; similar garments used primarily for display are spats. Originally, gaiters were made of leather or canvas. Today, gaiters for walking are commonly made of plasticized synthetic cloth such as polyester. Gaiters for use on horseback continue to be made of leather.
Military origins and terminology
After 1700 infantry in most European armies substituted long linen gaiters, or spatterdashes, as a protective leg cover for the woollen stockings previously worn. By the 1770s military gaiters were often shortened to mid-calf length for convenience in the field.[1]
In army parlance, a gaiter covers leg and bootlacing; a legging covers only the leg. In RAF parlance, gaiter includes legging. The American Army during World War I[2] and World War II had leggings, which were gaiters. Above the knee spatterdashes were cotton or canvas, as were many gaiters of varying lengths thereafter. Leather gaiters were rare in military useage, though sometimes a calf-length cotton gaiter had leather kneecaps added. Leggings, however, were very often made of leather, but also canvas.
On foot
Gaiters are a type of protective clothing for a person's ankles and legs below the knee. Gaiters are worn when walking, hiking, running (especially orienteering and rogaining) outdoors amongst dense underbrush or in snow, with or without snowshoes. Heavy gaiters are often worn when using crampons, to protect the leg and ankle from the spikes of the opposite foot. Gaiters strap over the hiking boot and around the person's leg to provide protection from branches and thorns and to prevent mud, snow, etc. from entering the top of the boot. Gaiters may also be worn as protection against snake bites.[3]
Gaiters fill the same function as puttees, a part of numerous military uniforms. Gaiters known as jambieres (derived from the French word jambe for legs, hence leggings) were part of the uniform of Zouave infantry regiments.
On horseback
During the 19th century gaiters for riding typically were known as riding gaiters, distinguishing them from the other gaiters that were in general use.[citation needed] Today, half chaps are a type of gaiter worn by equestrians. Most forms fit over the calf. These are intended to protect the rider's leg from wear by the stirrup leathers and other saddle parts.[citation needed] Modern styles usually have a zipper or hook and loop fasteners on the outside of the leg.
References
- ↑ Mollo, John. Military Fashion. pp. 31 & 52. ISBN 0-214-65349-8.
- ↑ Template:Citation.
- ↑ Nark, Jason (20 June 2018). "Venomous passion: Pennsylvania's snake hunters head to the hills". The Philadelphia Inquirer. http://www.philly.com/philly/news/rattlesnake-hunt-roundup-rural-pennsylvania-venomous-copperhead-20180620.html.