Quote Originally Posted by MauiRockHopper View Post

I read that bibs prevent the "spill over" effect from a traditional waistband cutting. But I wonder what you do about a bra if you wear suspender type bibs, if the straps chafe or cut in. And then having to use the bathroom, it seems humbug just like a one piece bathingsuit.
Bibs are much better at the waistband in terms of comfort and appearance. There's no squishing flesh. No exposed backsides if your jersey is too short. They are quite comfortable. The straps should not be uncomfortably tight, though they may not be 100% comfy when you stand completely upright. A lot of them stretch over time, so even that shouldn't be much of a worry.

The order of clothing with bibs is: sports bra, base layer (if desired), bibs, jersey. So, if you do have to stop for a bathroom break, you just remove your jersey enough to get the straps down. The material is different than a bathing suit and not as tight (bathing suits have to be tighter to be sure everything stays covered, right?). It's easy enough to get them off and on. Plus, a lot of them are pretty wide suspenders out at the sides. Some women's bibs have a T strap thing. I don't know how hard it is to get in and out of those. Some have suspenders you can unclip (and then you don't have to remove the jersey). I don't have large breasts, but the suspenders have never bothered me. I've heard some people say that they have nipple chafing (even guys), but I haven't encountered bib straps that come in that far. The straps are soft and when you're in the riding position, they shouldn't be taut over your breasts anyway. Plus, you have your sports bra on. I have never had any problems with the straps. I forget they're even there. The best part about bibs is feeling free of an uncomfortable waistband.

As far as looking silly, who cares?