For obvious reasons, women’s needs for cycling outfits might differ from men’s. They might need a little more padding and something waist-less. They might also need softer pads and maybe a shoulder suspender design.

Why waistless? Because women’s needs keep changing on different days of the month. Hence, suspender shorts won’t get in the way of fun. Instead, they will offer much-needed abdominal freedom even during their menses.

Let’s get to the details!

What Are Bib Shorts?

Bib shorts are cycling shorts that have shoulder suspenders instead of a waistband. Every serious cyclist is taking them out for unassailable benefits. They no longer have to deal with waistband marks or back sunburns, to mention. You might wonder why bib shorts have suspenders. This design provides support, comfort, and abdominal breathability. Their thick and soft pads shield your pelvis during brutal mountain rides.

Pros of Bib Bike Shorts

• Cycling bib shorts allow enough breathability, giving freedom to the belly or abdomen
   

• Bib shorts fit to the point without riding up or down. In that way, they reduce friction and serve ultimate comfort
   

• Nothing like sunburns. As you ride in a bib, you’ll realize that your midsection and back are covered. Hence, you won’t have to worry about exposed parts of your body or UV effects on them.
   

Cons of Women’s Bib Cycle Shorts

• Most bib shorts come thickly padded, making them a default outfit for winter. However, they could be better for summer. The thicker a pad, the less breathability it allows and the more discomfort.
   

• Taking them off and wearing them is neither easy nor fast. The task of undressing becomes a hassle when you need to use the restroom.
   

• The straps may ride down your shoulders or feel constricting for some cyclists
   

What Are Cycling Shorts?

On the other hand, women’s biker shorts have a waistband that supports them from the waist. The shorts are worn like normal pants and mostly fit like a glove. Unlike when choosing bib shorts, cycling shorts are easy to estimate in size. Women’s bib shorts may be true to size, especially for cyclists with unique torso sizes.

Brands aren’t immediately giving up on cycling shorts. Instead, they are improving their designs. So you have high-waist shorts to reduce back sunburns and prevent riding down.

Pros of Women’s Cycle Shorts

• Women’s cycle shorts are not thickly padded, making them an excellent choice for summer
   

• Easy to take off, hence, convenient for using the restroom
   

Cons of Women’s Cycle Shorts

• The waistband may be tight, hence forming itchy marks on the waist
   

• Cycling shorts aren’t best for comfort during periods. They tend to stay tight on the waist which tones down comfort and abdominal freedom
   

• Bike shorts lack thick padding, which takes comfort a notch lower when it comes to brutal rides
   

• They expose your waist and midsection to sunburns
   

Which is Better?

If you look around, you’ll realize that bib shorts are making a bolder, better statement now than ever. Unlike yesteryears, the fabric used to design bibs is more refined. However, brands have sustained yesteryear tailoring technology of bibs. They still have straps or suspenders that experienced cyclists can’t afford.

The bib shorts design is so refined that it is slowly but surely pushing away leg grippers. So brands are beginning to redefine their stance on cycling overalls. No serious cyclist wants to deal with waist-line sunburns or shorts riding down.

Bib shorts also come with side pockets, which means some good storage for snacks during rides. As jerseys also come with pockets, bib pockets are way easier to reach without twisting your hand.

Team your cycling bib with a cycling jersey and a base layer. This is especially important for cold-weather rides.

How to Wear Bib Cycle Shorts

Wearing women’s cycling bibs is way more comfortable without underwear. Yes, you read that right! Underwear will add a layer to trap moisture and increase friction. Its seams may also start riding into you. Besides, the chamois design is perfect for wearing directly to the skin. So get yourself a chamois cream and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

No serious cyclist can trade the massive benefits of cycling bibs. So, let yourself loose and use chamois cream with no underwear. This gives you the comfort it takes to meander through the mountains for hours.

Use this link to get more bib shorts sizes, various colors, and designs.