Bib shorts are Lycra cycling shorts held in place with straps that loop over your shoulders. To some, though, they can seem like an intimidating mess of straps, zippers, and buckles that look uncomfortable.

However, with new designs and high-tech features, women’s bib shorts are more accessible and versatile than ever before and, alongside the best women’s road bike saddles, bib shorts can make cycling a far more comfortable experience.

Why bib shorts over waist shorts?

The age-old decision between cycling shorts and bib shorts continually plagues many female cyclists who just want a comfortable ride. Cycling shorts are easy to figure out, unlike bibs that sometimes seem difficult to use.

However, despite more complicated designs, most women decide they are simply more comfortable once they’ve given them a try. Here are some advantages bibs have over shorts:

• Bibs don’t have an elasticated waistband that can restrict breathing
• Bibs prevent discomfort by reducing pressure around the waist
• Bib straps hold the shorts in place and prevent the chamois from moving around
• Bib straps stop the rear end from sagging

On the other hand, bibs can be troublesome when a bathroom break is needed.

Typically, you need to remove your jersey (and potentially your helmet and other outer layers) to use the loo with a traditional bib short design. This is tricky and chilly in the winter months.

However, with the introduction of some innovative designs to help women ‘go on the go’, natural breaks aren’t an issue anymore.

Bib short features

Bib straps (and other ways bib shorts stay up)

Bib straps should securely hold the shorts in place without causing uncomfortable pressure on your shoulders. With many new strap designs recently hitting the market, there are plenty of options to choose from to suit your body shape and personal preferences.

The more common strap designs include:

• Classic straps – two parallel straps that run independently over the shoulders
• Halter tops – straps that connect at the back behind your neck
• Built-in baselayer – usually with a chest zipper. These remove the straps almost entirely, making the bibs more like a lightweight bodysuit
• Buckle systems – some shorts have buckle hooks on the straps that easily release for quick bathroom breaks

Chamois

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A comfortable chamois, or seat pad, is without a doubt the most important feature of any cycling shorts or bib shorts.

Fancy straps and high-tech elements won’t make a difference if your chamois is uncomfortable and your ride is miserable. It’s best to try on different brands and different chamois to find the best fit for your body.

It is a good idea too to choose a chamois that is women’s-specific, rather than a men’s or unisex design because it will be designed with women’s anatomy in mind and therefore be better fitting and more comfortable.

A seamless chamois or one with minimal stitching is an ideal choice when shopping for bib shorts. Scratchy seams can rub and pinch sensitive areas and lead to a really uncomfortable ride.

Also, make sure the chamois is made from soft material and the fit of the shorts is correct. Too much material will cause bunching and chafing; too little material won’t offer up enough padding.

Beyond different designs, many chamois now also come complete with features such as anti-bacterial and anti-chafing materials. These features also contribute to comfort in different ways and can be much-appreciated additions.

Hems

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Leg hems are another key feature to consider when shopping for bib shorts.

If the hems are too tight, you could get the ‘sausage leg’ look, which is not only uncomfortable but extremely unflattering. However, leg bands that are too loose will cause the shorts to ride up and you’ll find yourself constantly tugging them down while riding.

Another characteristic to consider is whether bibs have elastic or laser-cut leg hems. Elastic hems are better at keeping bibs in place and preventing the shorts from riding up. They also keep knee and leg warmers snugly in place for cooler rides. Unfortunately, elastic cuffs can often feel tight and uncomfortable against the skin.

On the other hand, laser-cut hems are more flattering since they don’t have seams or elastic to constrict and contort your legs. These tend to be on pricier bib shorts and you might appreciate the less restrictive feel, especially on long rides.

In either case, look for rubberised material on the underside of the hem. This will keep the bibs in place and play nicely with leg warmers. Although watch out for overly aggressive silicone grippers that can lead to skin irritation.

Common questions about bib shorts

What about bathroom breaks in bib shorts?

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The number one reason some women don’t wear bib shorts is because of the inconvenience when it comes to mid-ride bathroom breaks.

Not only is this process time-consuming. It also leaves you exposed to the elements on cold days – not to mention out in the open for passing drivers and other cyclists to see.

However, many of the newest women’s bib designs are making nature breaks easier and more modest with innovative strap designs and buckle systems.

These new designs allow riders to pull the shorts down without removing their jersey. Quicker comfort breaks mean more time riding and less time searching for ‘the facilities’ – something we can all appreciate.

How should bib shorts fit?

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When you’re choosing a pair of bib shorts it’s worth remembering that they are meant to hug close to the body.

Often tighter is better because excess fabric can lead to chafing. A snug fit will also mean the seat pad will stay in the right place when you’re riding. However, it is a balancing act. You don’t want the shorts to feel overly restrictive.

Bib straps might feel tight over your shoulders when you try the shorts on, even if you’ve picked your normal size. This is because bib shorts are tailored to be worn on a bike.

So one of the best tips for trying bib shorts on is to assume the position you would while riding by leaning forward and bending your arms. This will give you the best idea of how they’ll fit when out riding.

Should I wear underwear under my bib shorts?

The short answer to this question is, no. But don’t worry it’s a mistake that many of us have made because, frankly, putting on a pair of shorts with no underwear on can feel pretty strange at first.

Chamois pads are designed to work best when they sit directly against the skin, and underwear can negate the benefits of a chamois. Your undies can create strange pressure points, unwanted friction and, in worst cases, lead to saddle sores.

What is chamois cream and should I use it?

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Chamois cream is an antibacterial viscose cream that helps eliminate friction between your skin and chamois seat pad.

The idea is to stop any rubbing or friction as well as prevent bacterial build-up, helping to prevent saddle sores or abscesses.

Chamois cream is not essential but, as you may have gathered, it can help prevent some pretty unwanted complications.

The best way to apply chamois cream is either to yourself at any pressure points between your skin and saddle or directly to the pad at the needed points.

Make sure you wash your shorts after every wash to prevent build up but, considering you’ll be using your shorts for exercise and likely without underwear, this is imperative anyway.

How much money should I spend on bib shorts?

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Like most things in life, when it comes to how much to spend on bib shorts you get what you pay for.

Many cyclists consider bib shorts to be the most essential bit of clothing for cycling because they do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to staying comfy on the bike, so investing your cash in shorts is a wise idea.

This is particularly the case if you’re cycling long distances or bikepacking, but less important if you’re on a budget or using your shorts for commuting or shorter distances. Once you start to spend over £75 / $95 / €85, the returns on investment get more marginal.

But this is often because over this price you’re paying for the prestige of big-name brands, more technical fabrics and more specific functions, such as waterproofing, aerodynamics or extra warmth for riding in cooler weather.

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