Pearl Izumi PRO Bib Shorts

Kate Agathon

Long time rider, first time cycling bib-wearer here.

The Pearl Izumi PRO Bib Shorts (MSRP $210) are so well constructed, it feels like you’re wearing nothing.

Pearl Izumi PRO Bib Shorts review

They have a glove-like fit, and both the chamois and the straps stay in place, even in the most grueling of rides.

I was very surprised how smoothly they both fit and looked on my body; even in the area where the center connecting chest strap clipped. Nothing was bunched up or too loose (I have notoriously narrow shoulders), or awkwardly gaped.

In essence, the Pearl Izumi Women’s PRO bib shorts are one heck of an introduction to bib shorts for a first time bib short-wearer.

Pro Bib Short – Women’s $210.00

Initial resistance to bibs

My boyfriend (who has sworn by cycling bibs for years) finally convinced me to try them when I was complaining about chafing and readjusting my cycling shorts while trying to keep up with a quicker-paced friend on a recent ride.

For years, I’ve resisted wearing bib shorts due to cost, practicality (how do females pee quickly?), and concerns about possible chafing (sports bra, heart monitor, straps, baselayer, jersey, etc. ) with so much layering going on in one area.

However, after that ride, I was finally willing to try some bib shorts.

After wearing the Pearl Izumi Women’s PRO bib shorts for some rides, nearly all of my concerns were put to rest.

• Cost. Yes, bibs are more expensive (the Pearl Izumi PRO short retails for $175, as opposed to the Pearl Izumi PRO bib shorts at $210), but it’s worth the investment to have a couple of pairs of bib shorts, rather than multiple pairs of shorts taking up space in my closet. When you compare the PRO bibs to others, you can see the difference in quality and understand why the price is a bit higher.

• Comfort. Seamless laser-cut raw edge leg hem construction and silicone leg grippers hold hems in place without constriction, making my chafing concerns non-existent.

  Also, the chamois had just the right amount of padding and never shifted (the latter being a new experience for me).

• Overall fit. Constructed from Pearl Izumi’s most luxurious Italian PRO transfer fabric, the bib shorts fit remarkably well and are true to size.

The super fine fabric with minimal seaming, supportive Women’s PRO 1:1 Escape chamois, and wide, laser-cut bib straps didn’t require adjusting during my rides.

Finally, they looked great on; especially my backside (or so my boyfriend told me). I also appreciated the strategically placed BioViz reflective accents.

Despite the cross-over strap design for more convenient bathroom breaks, I’m still trying to get used to them and refining my technique to pee quickly and get back on the saddle. I don’t think I ever realized how many cycling jerseys I have that aren’t full zip!

In summary, the Pearl Izumi PRO bib shorts were a great introduction to bib shorts for me. They looked, fit, and performed well; more than I ever could have expected.