Your bib shorts are the single most important piece of cycling kit you'll ever buy. Get them right and long rides feel effortless. Get them wrong and every kilometre becomes a battle. Here's everything you need to know to choose bib shorts that genuinely work for you.

Why Bib Shorts? Why Not Regular Cycling Shorts?

Bib shorts stay in place. That's it — that's the main advantage. The shoulder straps eliminate the waistband that digs in during long rides, prevents the shorts from dropping, and creates a cleaner, more comfortable fit. Once you've ridden in bibs, it's very hard to go back.

Finding the Right Size

Sizing for bib shorts is critical and differs from regular clothing sizes. Here's what to measure:

• Waist circumference (at the narrowest point)
• Hip circumference (at the widest point)
• Inseam length (inner thigh to ankle)
• Thigh circumference (at the widest point)

Cross-reference these with the brand's size chart. At Velor, our bibs are available from XS to XXL (and XXS in women's sizes), with detailed measurements on each product page. When in doubt between two sizes, consider your riding style: if you prefer a closer, more aerodynamic fit, go smaller; if you prioritise comfort above all, go one size up.

Understanding Chamois Pad Quality

The chamois (the padded insert) makes or breaks your bib shorts. Key things to assess:

• Density: Denser foam for endurance rides, softer foam for shorter efforts.
• Shape: Anatomical cuts that match your sit bones and riding position.
• Antibacterial treatment: Essential for hygiene on long rides.
• Seamless construction: Reduces friction and pressure points.

All Velor bib shorts include a high-quality chamois designed for hours in the saddle, not just short café rides.

Standard Bib Shorts vs Cargo Bib Shorts

Standard bib shorts are the classic choice — minimal, aerodynamic, ideal for road riding and racing. Cargo bib shorts add side pockets for phone, food, and tools, making them perfect for gravel adventures and longer unsupported rides.

A Word on FLOW

For women riding long distances, the FLOW deserves its own mention. It's our cargo bib short built for ultra-endurance, with detachable straps so you can adjust the fit mid-ride or layer differently as conditions change. Nathalie Baillon, who rides gravel and ultra-endurance across the Rhône-Alpes, tested early versions on real terrain before it ever reached production. It holds up at hour eight the same way it does at hour one.

FLOW Cargo Bib Shorts with Detachable Strap— €189

Men's Bib Shorts:

• Men's Bib Shorts Night — €159
• Men's Bib Shorts Sea — €159
• Men's Bib Shorts Sand — €159
• Men's Cargo Bib Shorts — €179
• Men's Bib Tights — €189

Women's Bib Shorts:

• Women's Bib Shorts Night — €159
• Women's Bib Shorts Sand — €159
• Women's Bib Shorts Sea — €159
• Women's Cargo Bib Shorts — €179
• Women's Bib Tights — €189

Fabric and Sustainability

Velor bib shorts are made from recycled polyester and polyamide. The compression panels provide targeted muscle support, the gripper at the leg hem keeps the shorts in place without digging in, and the recycled fabrics are virtually indistinguishable in performance from virgin synthetics — with a fraction of the environmental impact.

Why Our Bib Shorts Are Our Best Seller

Ask anyone who's worn ours twice why they came back, and it's rarely the price or the colour. It's the feel. The chamois holds up at hour six the same way it does at hour one. The compression panels stay where they're meant to stay instead of rolling or pinching. The fabric breathes, to the point you stop noticing it's there. That's quality you can't see in a product photo, but you feel it on the first ride. It's what brings riders back for a second pair, then a third.

Care Tips for Longer Life

• Wash after every ride — bacteria from sweat degrade chamois foam over time.
• Use a gentle cycle (30°C) and a microplastic washing bag.
• Avoid fabric softener — it clogs moisture-wicking fibres.
• Air dry rather than tumble drying to preserve elasticity.