Summer calls for shorts… bib shorts in fact, which are made specifically for cycling.
Bib shorts should offer comfort in the saddle with a padded chamois, a flexible waistband which doesn’t inhibit breathing, a secure fit, and be made of a sweat-wicking material which also keeps the sun out.
Some people prefer shorts without straps, as this avoids the need for a comfort break feature, but the lack of straps can cause issues with the shorts not staying securely in place. As such, all the shorts in our guide have bib straps.
The market is abundant with women’s bib shorts so to help you make your decision, the review team at Cyclist has tried and tested many bib shorts and put together this list of the current best bib shorts available now.
Need a quick answer? We’d recommend the Universal Colours Mono bibs or the Rapha cargo bibs.
Best women’s bib shorts 2023
- 7mesh WK3 Cargo Bib Shorts: £200
- Assos Dyora RS Spring Fall Bib Shorts S9: £200
- Assos UMA GTV Bib Shorts C2: £210
- Le Col Sport Cargo Bib Shorts: £170
- Maap Women’s Pro Bib Shorts 2.0: £260
- Pactimo Women’s Summit Classic Bib Shorts: £100
- Pas Normal Escapism Bib Shorts: £225
- Rapha Women’s Cargo Bib Shorts: £240
- Universal Colours Mono women’s Bib Shorts: £125
Keep reading for full details of these bib shorts plus in-depth buying advice.
Why should you trust us?
We’re cyclists who know and love cycling kit. We hit the road, the trails, we commute by bike and we enjoy chilled leisure rides too. And that’s how we test products: out riding.
We have reviewed the good, the bad and the ugly so we know what works and what should get the boot when it comes to cycling clothing.
Whether it’s the more premium end of the market or the more purse-friendly options, we’ve cast a critical eye over each and every pair of bib tights we reviewed.
With all this in mind, Cyclist has sorted through the market’s current offering and put together the best of the best, with something for every budget, arranged in alphabetical order.
Best women’s bib shorts 2023 reviewed
7mesh WK3 cargo bib shorts
The 7mesh WK3 cargo bib shorts are a reasonably priced, high-quality pair of shorts with a good comfort break feature.
The shorts have four pockets, two on the legs and two on the lower back, which have ample space for taking even the largest of smartphones.
The WK3 cargo bibs feature square, side-positioned straps in a drop-tail layout which the brand calls Pull2P. The brand says it allows for an easy comfort break without the need to remove any other clothing.
The shorts also have a 7mesh women’s performance space chamois which uses increased foam density for added comfort. The chamois is comfortable and breathable.
Overall, these are great pair of well-designed shorts which feel good against skin. The only question is how flattering the shorts are in the ‘port’ colour but the brand also offers these in black and other colourways too.
- Read our 7mesh WK3 cargo bib shorts review
- Buy now from 7mesh (£200)
Assos Dyora RS Spring Fall Bib Shorts S9
If you are after a high-quality pair of shorts with phenomenal saddle comfort and don’t mind the defined chamois, then the Assos Dyora RS Spring Fall Bib Shorts S9 are worth a try.
The standout feature is the phenomenal saddle comfort. Assos’ three-layer 3D waffle foam offers some serious squishiness, and its ‘goldenGate’ tech essentially means the chamois doesn’t move around.
Add in the brands A-Lock engineering, whereby the bib straps are attached lower down to the chamois which also prevent movement, and you have a very comfortable and secure pair of bib shorts.
They also have a wide elastane band with silicone leg grippers woven into them which keep the shorts nicely in place.
As is standard with Assos garments, the branding is subtle, meaning you get high performance wear without making a big deal about it.
However, despite all the silky smoothness and longer length, the Assos Dyora RS Spring Fall Bib Shorts S9 aren’t the most flattering.
The defined high waisted pant line look draws the eye into the area and highlights an already stand-out chamois. Something which may not be to everyone’s taste.
The bib shorts also do not have a comfort break feature which makes them less convenient than others on the market.
Assos UMA GTV Bib Shorts C2
These bib shorts are high-performance like the Dyora above, however they have a rare nature calls feature which isn’t about stretchy material, hence their inclusion in this guide.
The shorts feature two magnetic closures at the rear which Assos calls ‘bisiclick’. The bib straps can be detached without removing what the rider is wearing on top.
Assos says the bib shorts are engineered for endurance riding, with the same 3D chamois as the Dyora, but are also made from OSSIDA, a 40-gauge, circular-knit fabric which provides compression and breathability, given these shorts a racy feel.
They also have a mesh panel across the stomach area which the brand says is to improve comfort for riders adopting an aggressive riding position as well as breathing heavily during hard efforts.
Our tester found these bib shorts flattering, comfy and ideal for long rides.
- Read our full Assos UMA GTV bib shorts review
Le Col Women’s Sport Cargo bib shorts
Le Col says the Women’s Sport Cargo bib shorts are designed for everyday riding, aiming to provide easy-access storage without the need for a jersey. The pockets are made from a ‘durable yet lightweight’ mesh, while the main body comprises 80% polyamide and 20% elastane.
The Sport Cargo bib shorts feel lightweight thanks to the breathable mesh upper and straps. The main material is thin enough to help keep body temperature down but not so much as to feel cold or flimsy.
These are a training fit so are not very compressive and the grippers hold the leg fabric securely in place.
The pockets are wonderfully deep and secure, and the chamois performs well on both longer and shorter rides. These shorts do not feature a comfort break option.
- Read our Le Col Women’s Sport Cargo bib shorts review
- Buy now from Le Col (£170)
Maap Women’s Pro Bib 2.0 bib shorts
The Maap Women’s Pro Bib 2.0 are a great pair of bib shorts designed for hot weather, and offering a compressive fit
The shorts are made with a four-way 3D aero structure and stretch compression fabric which Maap says enhances blood flow and recovery during efforts.
These shorts are ideal for those who like aggressive riding and feeling fast. They feature a comfortable 3D chamois which moulds to the body shape and doesn’t protrude massively.
The leg length is also good, with the shorts coming up just above the knee and the bib straps feel secure and well-made, with not an ounce of flimsiness.
Noticeably, the bib shorts are made with a textured material that gives them a different look to others on the market. They boast minimal sheen when compared with the likes of the Universal Colours Mono women’s bib shorts.
Of note is that these bibs do not have a comfort break feature.
- Read our Maap Women’s Pro Bib 2.0 bib shorts review
- Buy now from Maap (£260)
Pactimo Women’s Summit Classic Bib Shorts
These are a great pair of lightweight shorts with a useful comfort break feature and very comfortable chamois, making them ideal for long distance training.
Made from flat-sheen, double-knit fabric, the shorts have a super soft, sleek feel to them and feel great against the skin.
The chamois is Pactimo’s Endurance Anatomic Gem 2, a combination foam insert, which the brand claims is supportive and comfortable.
Most importantly, the Summit Classic Bib Shorts come with Pactimo’s Clip&Pit system which, frankly, is brilliant.
Simply unclip the chest strap and pull down the shorts for a comfort break.
The bib shorts offer a gentle level of compression, on the lower end compared with other bib shorts in this list, and have raw edge cut straps and leg openings, which makes them feel less secure, but that is a preference.
At £180 they are at the premium end of the market.
- Read our full Pactimo Summit Classic bib shorts review
- Buy now from Pactimo (£100)
Pas Normal Women’s Escapism Cargo Bib Shorts
The Pas Normal Escapism bib shorts are a compressive set of adventure cargo bibs, with a comfortable cut and reliable pockets.
The main body of the bib shorts features four-way stretch material and has a PFC-free DWR-coating for water resistance. Pas Normal rates the bib shorts as high breathability, with mid-tier insulation, water and wind protection and says the ideal riding temperature range is between 5 and 15°C.
The material is highly stretchy and uses smooth flatlock seams, while the leg grippers and chamois provide the necessary comfort on long rides.
These shorts aren’t the cheapest out there but match the likes of the Rapha Cargo bib shorts for price.
The Escapism bib shorts would be a good option for riders ready to invest in a highly practical, comfort-oriented set of cargo bibs.
These shorts do not have a comfort break feature.
- Read our Pas Normal Women’s Escapism Cargo Bib Shorts review
- Buy now from Pas Normal (£225)
Rapha Women’s Cargo Bib Shorts
The Rapha Women’s Cargo bib shorts are a practical, well-thought-out pair of bibs which are ideal for anyone who wants a bit of extra storage while riding.
The Cargo bibshorts have been designed with multi-day adventures in mind, and are claimed to excel in extreme conditions. The chamois is lightweight and perforated, for comfort over long distances in hot weather, and the main body features quick-drying fabrics, including water-resistant Shadow panels, ensuring the shorts stand up to bad weather and can be washed and dried overnight.
The high density chamois works well on long rides, while the compressive leg and breathable upper contribute to all-round riding comfort.
But it is the cargo mesh pockets which steal the show with their security and design, and the only missing element is a comfort break feature in the main body of the bib shorts.
The Cargo bib shorts would suit both relaxed adventure riders and roadies alike, providing on-the-go storage that’s easy to reach – as long as price isn’t an issue. These bib shorts are a versatile choice that will cover you for many different rides.
- Read our Rapha Women’s Cargo Bib Shorts review
- Buy now from Rapha (£240)
Universal Colours Mono women’s Bib Shorts
Made from pre and post-consumer recycled fabrics, the Universal Colours Mono women’s bib shorts offer comfort, compression and strong sustainability credentials.
The bib shorts are made for riding long distances, offering a neat comfort break solution, and a 13mm thick chamois made from perforated foam which gives a good level of breathability and shock absorption.
The shorts have 50+ UPF sun protection and subtle reflective logos.
These are an excellent pair of shoes which are well priced, offering great value, high performance tech and are particularly good for tall riders as thanks to the decent short length.
- Read our full Universal Colours mono women’s bib shorts review
- Buy now from Universal Colours (£125)
What are the key features to look for in a pair of bib shorts?
Comfort break feature
A key consideration for women cyclists is whether or not a comfort break feature is a must. This means that the shorts have a design which allows riders to pee without removing most of the outfit.
From clips, to magnetic clasps, to extra stretchy elastic, to zips, it’s good to see more and more brands implementing comfort break solutions for women and there is now a healthy number of options on the market.
That said, not everyone will need to answer nature’s call mid-ride, so consider whether this feature is essential for you or not – if you’re sticking to shorter rides in the winter, you may not deem this important.
Secure fit
A good pair of bib shorts will fit well – which means the cuffs will sit in a comfortable (and flattering) position on your thigh, and be snug enough to grip without friction, yet not so tight that they affect circulation or produce the dreaded ‘sausage legs’ effect.
Some riders find that silicone grippers irritate their skin (especially in warmer weather), and will prefer elastic or the inherent gripping properties of Lycra itself.
Chamois
The chamois should fit your anatomy closely, as creases or badly placed seams will cause chafing and lead to saddle sores, and stay securely in position throughout your ride. Designers recommend wearing the smallest size you can get into, as a tight fit will stop the pad moving, especially as the fabric deteriorates over time.
Pockets or no pockets
Cargo bib shorts have opened up a whole new world of pockets or no pockets. This is completely personal choice, with pockets typically being aimed more at gravel and bikepacking riders.
Interested in more cycling clothing? Read our guide on the best cycling sports bras or check out the best sustainable cycling clothing brands.
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