Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. Chaps & Pants
    1. How should my chaps fit?
    2. What does braided or not braided mean?
    3. What about the hem on my chaps or pants?
    4. Why do I need to give my measurements for chaps? Can't I just say I need a large?
    5. Which are better, overpants or chaps?
    6. Why do I need to measure to the floor?
    7. Are braided chaps for women only?
    8. How do I put on my chaps?
  2. Jackets
    1. Does the liner go down the sleeves?
    2. Do your jackets have armor?
    3. How do I know I have the best fit possible?
  3. Sizing
    1. How much longer is a long?
    2. Why do I have to measure to the floor?
    3. Is your sizing standard to other companies?
    4. How are your items supposed to fit?
  4. About Leather
    1. What does naked leather mean?
    2. What does drum dyed mean?
    3. What are the benefits of heavy leather?
    4. When do I need to treat my leathers and how often?
    5. What are range marks?
  5. Custom Orders
    1. How long does it take to make a custom order?
    2. Will you customize an item I have now?
    3. How much can I customize an item?
    4. Why do you have to send me a try on jacket? Can't you make it from the measurements that I give you?
    5. How much does it cost?
    6. Who do you recommend for custom work that you can't do?
  6. Shipping, Returns & Exchanges
    1. Why am I being charged for shipping?
    2. Do I have to pay return shipping?
    3. Do I need a return authorization number?
    4. What if I refuse my package?
    5. How should I package my return?
  7. Warranty & Repairs
    1. Who pays for shipping on Warranty/Repair work?
    2. Do all repairs need to be done at Fox Creek Leather?
    3. Can I replace my item with a different style or size under the lifetime guarantee?
    4. I need to wear my gear soon. Can you send me a replacement or loaner right away?
    5. My product is discontinued. What happens if it needs to be replaced under the lifetime guarantee?
    6. Fox Creek is installing my patches on a replacement vest/jacket. What happens if I am not happy with them?
    7. How soon will my gear be repaired and returned to me?
    8. Faded Leather
  8. Miscellaneous
    1. Do you have an affiliate program?
    2. Do you have a catalog you can send me?
    3. Do you have a layaway program?
    4. Do you offer military discounts?
    5. How do I pay with PayPal?
    6. Can I change my shipping address on a package that's in transit?
  9. Do you have a store?
    1. What are your hours and location?
    2. Are there hotels or camping nearby?
    3. How far away from me are you?
    4. Do you have your jackets, chaps, vests and other products there for me to try on?
    5. Will there be someone there to measure and help me?
  10. Collections

 

  1. Chaps & Pants
    1. How should my chaps fit?

      You should be able to comfortably tighten the belt, without having to put it on the first or last hole, or by letting out the lacing in the back no more than a few inches. At your thighs your chaps should be snug, but not to the degree that they cause discomfort. Wearing your riding boots, your chaps should nick the floor on the inside of your boot. Remember that your chaps will conform to your body over time; a fit that is a bit snug initially is preferable to one that is too loose.

    2. What does braided and not braided mean?

      Our braided chaps have a thin line of braided piping that goes around the waist (yoke) of the chaps. Our plain (unbraided) chaps do not have the braided piping.

    3. What about the hem on my chaps or pants?

      Leather does not need to be hemmed as it will not fray like fabric does.

    4. Why do I need to give my measurements for chaps? Can't I just say I need a large?

      To ensure that you get the best possible fit on the first try. We have found that people who do not give measurements and guess at their size are often unsatisfied with the fit of their chaps.

    5. Which are better, overpants or chaps?

      Overpants offer greater protection in a crash and from wind and water. However, chaps are lighter and easier to wear. Many people find that they get all the protection that they want with chaps while others want to be a little warmer.

    6. Why do I need to measure to the floor?

      See: Sizing: Why do I need to measure to the floor?

    7. Are braided chaps for women only?

      No, they are for men and women.

    8. How do I put on my chaps?

      We recommend reading this article from our blog: A must read for any new chaps wearer.

  2. Jackets
    1. Does the liner go down the sleeves?

      If a jacket is described as having a "full sleeve" liner, it does in fact extend down the sleeves. All of our jackets have a nylon shell lining the interior of the sleeve regardless of liner type.

    2. Do your jackets have armor?

      Most of our men's jackets have provisional pockets that give you the option of using armor. We sell Forcefield elbow, shoulder and back armor inserts.

    3. How do I know I have the best fit possible?

      We recommend reading this article from our blog: How Your Motorcycle Jacket Is Supposed To Fit.

  3. Sizing
    1. How much longer is a long?

      For jackets it is 2" longer in the sleeves and the body. For vests, it is 2" longer in length. For chaps, it is 2" longer.

    2. Why do I need to measure to the floor?

      When you sit your chaps/pants ride up. It's important to make sure that your chaps are long enough when sitting down that wind doesn't blow up your leg. If they are too short you can not do anything to lengthen them, but if they are too long you can alter them by cutting them to the length that you want. Only alter the length once you are sure that they fit you everywhere else. Please note that once your chaps/pants have been altered, they may not be returned for exchange or refund.

    3. Is your sizing standard to other companies'?

      No, most companies size their garments differently. That is why we often ask for measurements.

    4. How are your items supposed to fit?

      The main thing to remember is your comfort. We recommend reading these articles from our blog: How Your Motorcycle Jacket Is Supposed To Fit and How Your Leather Vest Is Supposed To Fit. You can contact us with any questions you have as well.

  4. About Leather
    1. What does naked leather mean?

      The grain of the hide is unaltered and has only been dyed. Only the highest quality hides can be used to make naked leather. Lesser hides are corrected by sanding to remove imperfections. More Information »

    2. What does drum dyed mean?

      It means the leather was immersed in a drum of dye and tumbled. This method provided the most even and permanent dying that will not bleed. More Information »

    3. What are the benefits of heavy leather?

      Heavy leather provides more protection. Our men's jackets and chaps are typically 1.4-1.6 mm thick.

    4. When do I need to treat my leathers and how often?

      It depends on your exposure to the elements how often you need to treat your leather. All of our leather comes treated from the factory and does not need to be treated right away. We do recommend that you treat your leather at least every 6 months. Always be sure to clean and dry before treating. Read our Leather Care Guide for more detailed information.

    5. What are range marks?

      Leather is a natural material and as such it is subject to minor blemishes and imperfections. These are referred to as range marks. They are actually healed scars and scratches that the animal incurred while alive. These are not defects but authenticate that the material is real leather and make each piece truly one of a kind.

  5. Custom Orders
    1. How long does it take to make a custom order?

      It depends on the item and the time of year. It will also depend on how many items are in front of yours. It may take up to 8-10 weeks.

    2. Will you customize an item I have now?

      No. We only make special orders from scratch.

    3. How much can I customize an item?

      We are limited as to what we can do. Click here for more info.

    4. Why do you have to send me a try on jacket? Can't you make it from the measurements that I give you?

      Because over time we have found that this is the best method for ensuring that you get the proper fit.

    5. How much does it cost?

      The price varies and depends on what you want done. It will always be based on the regular price of the item as sale prices do not apply to custom orders. Please see our Custom Order page for more information.

    6. Who do you recommend for custom work that you can't do?

      Nanci at Ace High Leathers in California does a wonderful job and has done a lot of great custom leather goods for our customers in the past. Her phone number is 530-905-0505.

  6. Shipping, Returns & Exchanges
    1. Why am I being charged for shipping?

      Most of our finished stock products are delivered in the USA for free. However, many component items such as leather and hardware require additional shipping fees. Also, due to the steep discounts on Clearance items they are not eligible for Free Shipping.

    2. Do I have to pay return shipping?

      Yes, you will be responsible for return shipping.

    3. Do I need a return authorization number?

      No. Just fill out the returns & exchanges form found on our website.

    4. What if I refuse my package?

      Refused packages will incur the appropriate service charge.

    5. How should I package my return?

      The best option is to re-use the packaging your item arrived in. Otherwise be sure to use a package large enough and heavy enough for the item to arrive at our shop undamaged. Items arriving at our shop that we cannot sell as new will be refused for refund/exchange.

  7. Warranty & Repairs

    Please be sure to include the best phone number to reach you and the name the item was ordered under when returning any product for warranty/repair work. Products may be either Repaired or Replaced at our sole discretion.

    1. Who pays for shipping on Warranty/Repair work?

      The customer is responsible for shipping both ways.

    2. Do all repairs need to be done at Fox Creek Leather?

      Some repairs can be done at local leather or shoe shops. If you need a simple repair done locally, please submit a quote to us at customerservice@foxcreekleather.com. We will contact you within 1 business day to let you know how much we will reimburse for your covered repair.

    3. Can I replace my item with a different style or size under the lifetime guarantee?

      No. If we determine the item should be replaced, we will send you an identical size and style.

    4. I need my gear this weekend. Can you send me a replacement or loaner today?

      We cannot send replacements until we receive an item to evaluate whether it should be repaired or replaced, and we do not loan gear. Some repairs take longer than others - allow 3-4 weeks plus shipping time to receive your repaired gear. If you know you will be needing the repaired item on a specific date, please call (1-276-773-3131 or 800-766-4165) before sending it to us.

    5. My product is discontinued. What happens if it needs to be replaced under the lifetime guarantee?

      If your product style has been discontinued and is determined to need replacement under the lifetime guarantee, we will give you a store credit for the original purchase price. This store credit may be used on any future purchase(s) at Fox Creek Leather.

    6. Who is responsible for reinstalling patches on my replaced/repaired item?

      Fox Creek Leather's Lifetime Guarantee ONLY covers the leather apparel purchased at Fox Creek Leather. Any patches/pins or other adornment added by the customer is not covered under the warranty. Fox Creek Leather sometimes installs patches at customer's request and expense, but that is not our primary sewing function. While we do everything in our power to follow your explicit instructions, we do NOT guarantee the results.

    7. How soon will my gear be repaired and returned to me?

      Once we receive your item in our Independence, Virginia facility, it will be placed in the production line. While repairs are important to us, they do not take precedence over current orders. If you need a rush put on your item, please call 1-276-773-3131 or 800-766-4165. We will evaluate if a RUSH can be placed on your repair and a RUSH fee of $50-150 must be paid before the work is accelerated. The fee is determined by the complexity of the repair.

    8. Faded Leather

      A minimal amount of fading is normal and expected as you wear your leather garment. If you would like your garment redyed, we recommend Mitchell Frieber who can be reached at 908-722-2345. Fox Creek Leather does not cover the costs of redying your leather garment. To prevent fading, please read our article on Leather Care. Oftentimes a simple, quick treatment with Montana Pitch Blend Leather Oil restores the leather and redying isn't necessary.

  8. Miscellaneous
    1. Do you have an affiliate program?

      Yes, please click here for information about our program.

    2. Do you have a catalog you can send me?

      No, our Web site is our catalog. If you want to see a larger image or have any questions about our products, please contact us.

    3. Do you have a layaway program?

      We do have a layaway program. For more information, click here.

    4. Do you offer military discounts?

      Not only do we offer free shipping to military addresses, we offer a discount on regularly priced items for members of our military. We offer $25 off the regular price of a jacket and $10 off the regular price of a vest or chaps. Only one discount/promotion per order.

    5. How do I pay with PayPal?

      You will be redirected to login to your PayPal account to verify the payment before submitting your order. When you submit your order, we will receive a payment confirmation automatically and all stock items should ship within 1-2 business days.

      Please note that PayPal Express Checkout is not available if your order total is $0.

    6. Can I change my shipping address on a package that's in transit?

      If the package was shipped via USPS then we have no way of changing the shipping address once the package is shipped. However, we can change the address while the package is still in transit with UPS. There will be a charge of up to $14 to make this correction.

  9. Come visit us at our store!
    1. What are your hours and location?

      Our store is located at 2029 Elk Creek Parkway in Independence, VA. Our hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm EST. For more information, please contact us.

    2. Are there hotels or camping nearby?

      Yes, right here in Independence is Grayson Inn & Suites (877-467-7144) and there are also several hotels about 15 miles away in Galax, VA, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and about 30 miles away in Wytheville, VA. Just 10 miles to the south of us is Sparta, NC, also close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can also find hotels.

      We are in a rural area with several State & National Parks nearby. Just 6 miles from us is Fulton Road Bed & Breakfast. Their number is 276-773-2627 and email fultonroadinn@embarqmail.com. There is a biker rest stop called Bear Claw Holler that is 39 miles away. You can call 276-388-3461 or email bearclawholler@yahoo.com.

    3. How far away from me are you?

      There is a map on our Contact Us page. Click the map and you can enter your location and get directions to our facilites.

    4. Do you have your jackets, chaps, vests and other products there for me to try on?

      We do have a huge inventory of items here. We try to keep stock in the things that we offer online. Occasionally we do sell out of a product or if it's something that we normally dropship we may not have it here. You can call us to verify before coming.

    5. Will there be someone there to measure and help me?

      Yes, we always have knowledgeable staff on hand ready and willing to help you in any way we can.

  10. Collections

    Fox Creek Leather ships some products on the Honor System to save customers the purchase price of an exchange. If we do not receive the original items within 30 days, or items that we have shipped in good faith without payment or for orders that have been shipped and then the money reversed, revoked, or declined, we will charge the balance to the credit card used in the original transaction and pursue collection to the fullest extent of the law.