Choosing the Best Women's Cycling Shorts: Bib vs Waistline
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Time to read 4 min
When it comes to cycling gear, there’s nothing quite like a pair of bib shorts. They have, for better or worse, become synonymous with the aesthetic of the sport ever since ASSOS dropped the first ‘modern’ pair of bibs back in 1976. And by modern we mean: lycra, black, one-size-fits-all shorts with built-in chamois designed for the male anatomy.
To be fair, these modern bibs were a mega upgrade from the heavy wool shorts preceding them that needed suspenders just to keep them up. So, it’s no surprise that the lighter, skin-tight bib shorts took off in popularity, becoming the de facto choice for road cyclists.
Today, bibs are still the preferred choice for most road cyclists. But it's worth asking whether or not they're still worth the hype? Especially as female cyclists, there are unique considerations to think of in terms of comfort and fit, performance and functionality when it comes to our cycling shorts.
No stress. We've got you. Our goal is to help you understand the key differences between the two main styles of cycling shorts available: bibs and waistline shorts. In this guide, we break down the key factors to consider when choosing between the two styles. By the end, hopefully you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each so that you can make the right choice for your specific cycling adventures.
So, let’s break down the Ultimate Pros and Cons of Bib vs. Waistline Shorts.
Bibs: Pros vs. Cons
Pros
Today, suspenders aren’t really necessary to keep your shorts in place. Fits and fabrics have come a looooong way from the wool shorts of yore. That said, cyclists still overwhelmingly choose bibs because of the straps thinking that they help make the shorts more stable, and therefore keep the chamois in place better. Very debatable. Like we said, there is absolutely no reason a well-made pair of cycling shorts today would need suspenders or straps to help keep the chamois in place.
That said, the main reason as we see it to opt for bib shorts is the lack of constriction around your waistline. Obviously, when you’re cycling, the bent-over riding position means that your tummy will need a forgiving fabric. There is no denying that a bib short usually means no waistband, and therefore less pressure on your midsection. For that reason, they can be quite a bit more comfortable for female cyclists concerned with their midsection. Especially post-menopausal, or pregnant women. Pregnant women especially opt to ride in bibs as they are more forgiving for their growing bellies throughout pregnancy.
Cons
The major downfall of bib shorts is that they’re not easy to take off. Think about it, you’re in the middle of a ride and have to pee. So you rush to the nearest public restroom, and now you have to fully remove your jersey just to peel off your bib straps before you can pull your shorts down to relieve yourself. Not easy. Not fun. You just hope and pray there's a hook in the washroom stall to hang your jersey. For some riders, this is a deal breaker. Others, no biggie.
There are bibs nowadays that cyclists can pull down to pee without removing straps. That said, the straps often don't play nicely with your chest. And these bibs can be very expensive. So if frequent pit-stops and quick accessibility is a concern of yours, enter: waistline shorts.
Bibs are more forgiving around your tummy.
Comfier choice for pre/postpartum and menopausal female cyclists.
But, bibs are not ideal for quick pee-breaks, unless you have a free-to-pee style.
Best Women's Cycling Bibs
Waistline Shorts: Pros vs. Cons
Pros
Waistline shorts are an awesome, accessible alternative to bibs for quick pit-stops. Especially for long-distance cyclists, like bikepackers. With waistline shorts, you can literally pop a squat en route, a la nature.
Also, for anyone who doesn’t like dealing with straps - the hassle of pulling them on and off - waistline shorts allow you to feel like a normal humanbeing riding a bike, instead of a hardcore cyclist in stealth mode to victory. Incidentally, that's why we offer the only cycling short in the market with hidden stitch lines around the chamois so that you can wear your shorts from the bike to the cafe without feeling like you stick out like a sore thumb.
Cons
Back to the point about bibs not constricting your waistline, this is the main drawback of waistline shorts for some female cyclists. For some of us riders, that extra slight bit of fabric around our tummies just doesn’t feel as good when in a riding position. That’s why you want to make sure that whatever waistline shorts you buy, they are made high-waisted. This is a feature we are super proud of offering in our range of Cycling Shorts.
Waistline shorts make quick pee breaks easier.
They look more like normal shorts, so you can wear them from the bike to the shop.
But, waistline shorts might mean more constriction around your tummy.
Best Women's Waistline Cycling Shorts
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between bib and waistline shorts will depend on your personal preferences, riding style, and comfort needs. There is literally no right or wrong answer. The style of short you wear can depend from ride-to-ride, too.
So, consider what your specific needs are. Then, remember that quality matters. Take the time to select cycling shorts made with moisture-wicking fabrics, a great female-specific chamois, and superb fit. Your bum will thank you.
