Ladies bib shorts recommendation

[Julia9054]

Having had my legs out for the first time this year, the pad in my Specialized bib shorts seems to have gone a bit flat and the edge seams rubbing a bit.
They are 2 - 3 years old so time for a new pair.
What brands do women on here recommend? Some seem to cost silly money. Is it worth it?

 

[vickster]

I use waist shorts but my preferred brands are Gore bike, Pearl Izumi, Sportful. These are the ones that fit me (forget Castelli, Ale etc). I buy my shorts in the sales and don’t think I’ve ever spent more than £50

Sport pursuit often have good sales on women’s bike clothing (need to sign up to see and you won’t receive the goods immediately)

 

[rivers]

I've been happy with DHB classic women's bib shorts. Good value for money. Might try some of the aeron this year.

 

[Julia9054]

I've been happy with DHB classic women's bib shorts. Good value for money. Might try some of the aeron this year.

How do you find the sizing? A lot of DHB stuff looks great but when I look at the size charts, I am confused. I usually take a size 8 or 10 in normal clothes and a size small in most brands of cycling gear. When I look at the sizing for DHB, based on measurements, I should be ordering a size large/size 14. This doesn't seem right.

 

[AndreaJ]

I also use DHB shorts although I wear waist shorts rather than bibs and I've been happy with them.

 

[vickster]

How do you find the sizing? A lot of DHB stuff looks great but when I look at the size charts, I am confused. I usually take a size 8 or 10 in normal clothes and a size small in most brands of cycling gear. When I look at the sizing for DHB, based on measurements, I should be ordering a size large/size 14. This doesn't seem right.

I’d say their size 16s are more like a 12, won’t go anywhere near to fitting me. I’ve never bothered ordering again

 

[iluvmybike]

I swear by my Rapha classic bibshorts although they are expensive the fit is just great for me - I'm by no means a racing snake! And the Stolen goat stuff is really nice too though I prefer the fuller bib in the Raphas

 

[AndreaJ]

I am also size 10 in normal clothes and small in cycling gear mine both say size 10 in the label and fit fine, I think I ordered the small size.

 

[iluvmybike]

Ladies cycling kit always seems to be on the tight side for the size - I nearly always have to go up a size. Manufacturers seems to design them for skinny racing ladies not normal ones !

 

[Heltor Chasca]

9 posts in and not one interfering male forumite has chimed in!

An official record

(Although I might just have screwed that up. Sorry)

 

[Crackle]

How do you find the sizing? A lot of DHB stuff looks great but when I look at the size charts, I am confused. I usually take a size 8 or 10 in normal clothes and a size small in most brands of cycling gear. When I look at the sizing for DHB, based on measurements, I should be ordering a size large/size 14. This doesn't seem right.

Wiggle returns mean you can order two or more sizes and easily return the ones you don't want. In the mens sizes, they are reasonably realistic unlike Castelli or similar.

 

[Julia9054]

Wiggle returns mean you can order two or more sizes and easily return the ones you don't want. In the mens sizes, they are reasonably realistic unlike Castelli or similar.

Good to know. I have 2 DHB tops - the first - size small - was a good fit in the body but tight in the arms. Next time I bought a medium - which fits on the arms but is a bit big in the body! Getting the fit right is a bit more important for the bottom half!

 

[Julia9054]

Ladies cycling kit always seems to be on the tight side for the size - I nearly always have to go up a size. Manufacturers seems to design them for skinny racing ladies not normal ones !

I am skinny but with muscles!

 

[Crackle]

Good to know. I have 2 DHB tops - the first - size small - was a good fit in the body but tight in the arms. Next time I bought a medium - which fits on the arms but is a bit big in the body! Getting the fit right is a bit more important for the bottom half!

Unlike tops, you've got a bit more stretch in shorts!

 

[vickster]

Unlike tops, you've got a bit more stretch in shorts!

But too much stretch can be alarming for other road users if the material is thin (on cheap shorts) or worn!
White shorts are a complete no no on every level because of this!