Choosing the best cycling shorts can be a game changer. There’s nothing like saddle-related discomfort, chafing chamois pads or scratchy seams to ruin a bike ride. We’ve already taken a deep dive into what to look for when you’re shopping for cycling shorts, and how to make sure premium shorts are actually going to be worth the money. But you might also be wondering whether you should go for cycling bib shorts, or waist shorts.
For road cyclists looking to go the distance, bib shorts are often the better choice thanks to the secure fit and fuss-free comfort they provide. But there are some scenarios, such as commuting, indoor riding and bikepacking where the ease of bib-free waist shorts might make more sense. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences and answer the burning question: to bib, or not to bib?
What’s the difference between cycling bib shorts and waist shorts?
Bib shorts and waist shorts are both types of padded cycling shorts, featuring sewn (or glued)-in chamois pads and breathable fabrics to help keep your hindquarters comfy while you’re cycling. The key difference is that bib shorts don’t have a waist band, and instead have straps which go over your shoulders to keep the shorts in place. Whereas – you guessed it – waist shorts look more like a regular pair of pull on shorts, and feature a tighter waist band which keeps the shorts in place.
When it comes to deciding between cycling bib shorts vs waist shorts, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each style.
What are cycling bib shorts? Pros and cons of choosing bibs
Instead of a classic waist band, cycling bib shorts have straps which you wear over your shoulders. These bibs keep the shorts in place, without the need for a tight waist band – which is why many cyclists favour bib shorts over waist shorts.
Cycling bib shorts: the pros
- Keeps your shorts in place – no risk of ‘full moon’ incidents on your group ride
- Less movement means less chance of your chamois pad bunching or shifting
- No restrictive waist band
- Fewer hems to dig in
- Bib straps act like a base layer
- Keeps your lower back covered if your jersey rides up
- Most riders find bib shorts the most comfortable option
Cycling bib shorts: the cons
- Makes comfort breaks tricky, particularly if you’re wearing multiple layers (such as a cycling jacket)
- Straps can be uncomfortable for taller riders
- Some women cyclists find the straps restrictive across the bust
- Make you look a little bit like you’re doing fancy dress as a circus strongman from the 1900s if you stroll around without a jersey on.
Shop all men’s cycling bib shorts | Shop all women’s cycling bib shorts
What are cycling waist shorts? Pros and cons of choosing waist shorts
Cycling waist shorts (aka non-bib cycling shorts) look more like a classic pull-on pair of shorts. Road cycling waist shorts are usually close-fitting and made from high stretch, breathable fabric with an integrated chamois pad. However, some mountain bike/gravel cycling waist shorts are baggy and designed to be worn over a padded liner or padded cycling underpants – so check the product description carefully when you’re shopping around!
Cycling waist shorts: the pros
- More casual – looks like you’re wearing ‘normal’ shorts (ideal for commuting or spin classes)
- Road cycling waist shorts still have a chamois pad for comfort
- Comfort breaks made easy (no need to remove your upper body layers for a quick ‘wild wee’!)
- Taller riders or women with larger busts don’t have to deal with restrictive shoulder straps.
Cycling waist shorts: the cons
- Waist bands can be tight and dig in OR,
- Overly loose waist bands can cause the shorts to roll down
- May find the chamois pad moves around a little more
- Can be less comfortable for long days in the saddle compared to bib shorts.
Cycling bib shorts vs waist shorts: head-to-head
| Factor | Cycling Bib Shorts | Waist Shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Long-distance comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Chamois positioning | Excellent | May move around |
| Waistband digging in | Minimal | Possible |
| Ease of changing/comfort breaks | Less convenient | Easy and convenient |
| Casual look | No disguising you’re in bibs | Can look like regular gym/running shorts |
| Restrictive fit | Straps may dig in on taller rides/women with larger busts | Waist band may get uncomfortable |
| All-day riding | Best choice | Good but may not be as comfy as bibs |
Are cycling bib shorts more comfortable than waist shorts?
In general, a good pair of cycling bib shorts may be more comfortable than the waist short equivalent. This is because bib shorts do away with a waistband, so there’s less chance of anything digging in. The straps help to keep your shorts in place, so there’s less likelihood of the chamois pad moving around. And premium cycling bib shorts also make use of breathable, quick-wicking materials on the bib straps which can help with moisture management and keeping you at a comfortable temperature.
Why bib shorts are usually the best choice for long distance cycling
For long distance cycling, bib shorts can often be the more comfortable choice. When you’re taking on a long day in the saddle, repetitive movements and a build up of sweat can cause more friction than normal. That means any minor irritation – like a waistband that slightly digs in – can be exacerbated. And by the time you’re 4 hours+ deep into the ride, you might find you start having a sense of humour failure. Bib shorts minimise seams and any pinch points to keep you as comfortable as possible.
It’s also worth noting that sometimes cycling brands fit their non-bib/waist shorts with a chamois that’s only really designed for shorter rides and commutes. At Stolen Goat, we know that some riders prefer non-bibs all the time – so our Ibex Everyday non-bib shorts (available for women and for men) come with the same ultra-comfy pad as our Ibex Everyday bib shorts. But if for some reason you’re not planning to shop Stolen Goat (don’t mind us, we’ll just cry over it later…) just make sure you check the product description carefully if you’re going to buy waist shorts to check the chamois pad suits your riding plans.
Good to know: some athletic wear brands refer to tight fitting gym shorts as ‘cycling shorts’ but this simply refers to the style, and often these shorts don’t actually have an integrated chamois pad. So if you’re shopping with a non-cycling specific brand, check the full product description to make sure you’re getting what you expect!
Bikepacking might be the exception
So in principle, if you’re going long – go for bibs. The only time you might favour non-bibs/waist shorts is if you’re bikepacking. The lack of bibs will make comfort breaks in the wild easier, and they’re a little easier to layer under baggier cargo cycling shorts if you want a more casual look. Just make sure you choose a pair with a great chamois pad!
- Read our in depth cycling shorts buying guide to find your perfect pair
- Find out why premium cycling shorts are worth the investment (and what to look for!)
Why the chamois pad is the most important factor for comfortable cycling shorts
Bib straps or no bib straps, don’t forget that the most important thing when it comes to finding the best cycling shorts to stay comfortable during endurance cycling is the chamois pad. A bad chamois pad will bunch up, hold onto moisture and generally cause you all manner of issues which may include chafing, numbness and saddle sores. Yikes! Meanwhile, a great chamois pad will make use of mixed density foams and strategic placement to ensure you’ve got optimal protection with minimal bulk.
Here at Stolen Goat, we exclusively use a range of premium chamois pads in all our bib shorts. Whether you go for our Ibex Every Day range or level up to our Endurance cycling bib shorts, you can ride with confidence.
When non-bib cycling shorts or waist shorts might be the better choice
There are a few scenarios where it can make more sense for comfort and convenience to go for non-bib cycling shorts or waist shorts.
Indoor riding and spin classes
If you’re training on the turbo, it’s likely you’re ticking off shorter rides compared to when you head outdoors. So the ease of slipping on a pair of waist shorts and not having bib straps can be the more convenient option. For gym-goers taking part in spin classes, choosing a pair of non-bib shorts means you can enjoy the comfort of the chamois pad, but your shorts look casual enough to pass as regular gym gear.
Commuting and casual rides
If you’re jumping on the bike to cruise into work (or somewhere more fun, like the local pub) you might not want to dress in full cycling gear. Non-bib shorts are far easier to layer under regular clothes (our sister site VeloVixen also offers superb padded cycling underwear for women for this very purpose).
Under cargo shorts for off road cycling
Most mountain biking and gravel cycling shorts are cargo-style shorts with a loose, casual fit and plenty of pockets. Great for style, but not so great for keeping your backside comfortable. Many riders choose to layer a pair of tighter non-bib cycling shorts underneath their cargos for extra comfort.
Bikepacking
Picture the scene: you’re out in the wilderness, a few hundred kilometres deep into an epic bikepacking adventure. You’ve got a week’s worth of gear strapped to various bits of your bike, and your pockets are fit to bursting with snacks, tools and spares. It’s at least another couple of hours riding until the next pitstop… and then nature calls. Now, you can get drop seat bib shorts to make comfort breaks in the wild easier. But nothing will beat non-bib shorts for speed and convenience.
Why non-bib shorts / cycling waist shorts can be the favoured choice for women cyclists
Comfort break ease aside, many women also prefer non-bib cycling shorts because it can be tricky to find bib shorts with straps that are comfortable across the bust. So if you’ve struggled to find your perfect pair of bibs, maybe give our women’s non-bib shorts a try? We’ve also worked with women in the SG and VeloVixen community to fine tune the fit of all our women’s cycling clothing (no ‘shrink it and pink it’ mentality here!) so if you’ve not tried our bib shorts, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Cycling bib shorts vs waist shorts: the verdict
Ultimately the best type of cycling shorts will come down to a combination of your personal preference, and the type of riding you do most often. The only rule you need to follow is to wear what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident!
Still on the fence? Here’s a quick-fire look at how to choose.
Choose bib shorts if you…
- Mainly ride longer distances on the road
- Dislike the feeling of a tight waistband
- Want the added layer of the bibs for temperature management
- Struggle with saddle sores – bib shorts can offer the most secure chamois positioning
- Prioritise comfort over convenient removal.
Choose waist shorts / non-bib cycling shorts if you…
- Mainly stick to shorter rides (such as commuting or leisure rides)
- Prefer easy changing and comfort breaks without having to remove other layers
- Don’t like the feeling of bib straps or find it tricky to find bib shorts that fit you properly
- Want an easy layering option for under cargo shorts for casual/gravel/MTB riding
The bottom line (pun very much intended): For most cyclists regularly riding for more than a couple of hours, a well-fitting pair of bib shorts with a good quality chamois pad will be the best all-round choice. But at Stolen Goat, we’ve made our non-bibs as comfortable as possible so every preference is catered for!
Find your perfect cycling shorts
- Shop women’s cycling shorts and tights
- Shop men’s cycling shorts and tights
- Read our full cycling shorts buying guide for more tips and advice
- Find out what the non-negotiable features are when investing in premium cycling shorts
FAQs / Quick-fire recap
What’s the difference between cycling bib shorts and waist shorts?
Bib shorts have straps which go over your shoulders to keep your shorts in place, doing away with a tight waistband. Cycling waist shorts are more like a ‘regular’ pair of pull-on shorts, with a tighter waist band.
Will bib shorts make me overheat in hot weather?
The right pair of cycling bib shorts shouldn’t cause you to overheat when cycling in hot weather. The best bib shorts feature bib straps made from breathable, quick-wicking, fast-drying material which can actually help to keep you cooler.
Are bib shorts more comfortable than waist shorts for long distance cycling?
Bib shorts can be more comfortable for endurance cycling because there’s no waistband to dig in, the shorts aren’t going to ride up (or roll down) and the bib straps can help to keep the chamois in place more effectively. Waist shorts sometimes have chamois pads designed for shorter rides, too (though ours have the same top notch pad as our Ibex bib shorts).
What type of cycling shorts should I wear for bikepacking?
Long-distance cycling shorts like our Endurance bib shorts (for women and for men) will offer the best all around comfort, but waist shorts or non-bib shorts can make comfort breaks more convenient, so it’ll come down to your daily riding volume and whether you’ll have easy access to facilities en route.
How to find the best cycling shorts?
Take a look at our cycling shorts buying guide, packed full of tips to help you find the best cycling shorts – from features to fit.
How much should I spend on cycling shorts?
Really, it depends on your budget, how often you ride and how much time you’re spending in the saddle. Premium options are likely to offer better comfort and to last longer, meanwhile low budget options might end up being more costly overall because you’ll need to replace them more often. We break down the non-negotiable features to look for in cycling bib shorts in this blog post, so you can ensure you get the best value for money.
How often do I need to replace my cycling shorts?
Again, it depends! If you ride regularly you’ll naturally wear your gear out faster. However, premium quality cycling gear should last you at least a couple of seasons – at Stolen Goat, creating cycling kit that lasts is one of our core values so we use only the best fabrics and offer a lifetime guarantee and crash replacement service. Lower quality bib shorts will wear out faster, with tell-tale signs including a compressed chamois pad that no longer offers the support you need, and bits of foam starting to shed from the pad (alongside your shorts going see-through!)