How Long Do Bib Shorts Last? 6 Signs It's Time for a New Pair

Bib shorts don't last forever, and riding in a worn-out pair is one of the most common causes of discomfort on the bike. A good pair, cared for well, lasts a long time. But how do you know when it's time to retire them?

How long do bib shorts last?

It depends on how often you ride, how you wash them and how good they were to start with. As a rough guide, a pair worn a couple of times a week and washed carefully will often last a few seasons. Ride every day on one pair and it'll wear out much faster. Instead of counting months, watch for the signs below.

6 signs it's time for a new pair

• The chamois has gone flat. Press it with your thumb. A good pad springs back. A worn one stays compressed, feels thin under the sit bones, or has hard, crunchy spots.
• You can see through the fabric. Stand in front of a mirror in good light and bend over. If the fabric looks shiny or see-through on the seat, it's done. Your riding partners will thank you.
• The leg grippers have stopped gripping. If the legs ride up, the elastic or silicone has worn out.
• The straps have stretched. Loose straps let the shorts sag, and the chamois moves with them.
• Seams are coming apart, or there are holes or pilling where you sit.
• They don't feel right anymore. New chafing, numbness or saddle sores on rides that used to be fine are often the shorts, not you. Our saddle sore guide covers the other causes.

How to make bib shorts last longer

• Wash cold, inside out, ideally in a mesh laundry bag.
• Skip fabric softener. It clogs the fabric and breaks down the chamois.
• Never use the dryer. Heat kills elastic and pad foam. Hang them to dry, out of direct sun.
• Close all Velcro in the same wash load, so it doesn't snag the fabric.
• Store them flat, not hanging by the straps. See how to store bib shorts.
• Rotate two or three pairs. Elastic recovers between rides, and each pair takes less wear.
• Watch your saddle. A rough or cracked saddle cover wears through fabric fast.

Our care instructions have the full routine.

Does a more expensive pair last longer?

Usually, yes. Higher-quality bibs use denser fabric, better elastic and a chamois made to hold its shape. They also tend to fit better, and a close fit means less rubbing, which means less wear. A cheap pair that wears out in one season isn't a bargain.

Time for a new pair?

• Prime LM3 bib shorts: Endurance 2.5 HD chamois built for rides up to 7 hours.
• Corbah 23 bib shorts: a very comfortable microfiber chamois and a supple leg gripper.
• Classics Midnight bib shorts: plain black, made to go with every Classics jersey.
• For women: Classics Midnight, the Some Her bibs, and the full women's range.

Not sure about your size? Check the size guide first. Shop all bib shorts.