Sizing Ladies Bib Tights

[Liza]

Hi ladies and gents.

I need some advice when it comes to buying a pair of Bib Tights.

http://www.wiggle.co...d&id=5360051050

My dilemma is that I am only 5'4” and not the skinniest “gall” on the block making me a 14, and the specification information on the website leaves me confused.


Which leave me wondering, which is the most important to consider when buying a pair of bibs, height or hip measurement. I will be going to a store to fit some put wanted some opinions on this, oh yeah and when tights are too long, do I just fold them in??

 

[carlgorse]

I recently bought some that looked 2 small in the leg and im 6ft 3 and to be honnest some a quite strecthy so i think it's probs best to go to your nearest LBS and try some one

 

[Fran143]

I can't remember what Wiggles return service is like but if I'm in doubt I'd buy 2 sizes and send a pair back. Good price for them though....not be long til we can get back into shorties.

 

[Danny]

I'd also advise you to find a local bike shop that has a good selection of women's cycling gear and try it on. Better still find one that has female members of staff who wear cycling gear themselves who can give you some advice on how to get the best fit.

If there's one near you, Edinburgh Cycles have a good range of women's cycling gear and are also helpful at answering questions if you are buying mail order.

If anything I always find men's tights a bit short so you may not have a problem with length. If you do, you could always try a pair of 3/4 lengths.

 

[Fiona N]

This is a tricky one as if you go for a smaller size to get (notionally) shorter legs and body, you could end up stretching the fabric too much so that, say, windproofness is compromised. Conversely, if you go larger, those zipped ankles are going to be a real bind if they're a few inches too long. So I have to agree with other posters, the only reliable way is trying them on - whether you buy a couple of different size pairs online or go to a bike shop.

It's worth noting that different brands have hugely different 'height/width ratios' - I'm 5'6" and find some makes like Gore and Giordana are just fine lengthwise whereas other makes seem to feel I'm 6" too short for a size 14, although I've rarely seen 6' female cyclists out in winter longs even in Germany and Holland

The other thing to consider if you can't find longs which are short enough (sorry!) is 3/4 tights. I have a couple of pairs from those makes which are way too long normally but in 3/4 it doesn't matter as it just means they come well down my shins and meet up with my windstopper overshoes and there are no annoying zips at the hem.