Kit review: Fat Lad At The Back Bib Shorts
Reviewed by Emily
FEATURES
The bib shorts are made from a stretch lycra fabric (thick enough to give good coverage) with a women’s specific high density foam chamois pad. Unlike many other shorts there is a folded lycra hem rather than elastic at the bottom of the short, so it’s really soft on the skin. The bib is made from a mesh fabric, cut in a vest style. This version also has mesh cargo pockets on each leg, and one on the bum.
SIZE AND FIT
I am wearing the size 7 shorts, which the size chart says fit a hip measurement of 51” (my hips are 53.5” currently). I would say that these fit on the generous side - I have very generous thighs and these are supremely comfortable for me even though I am outside of the measurements on the chart. I also have a reasonably long torso and have no issues with the body being too short. Steph has also tried these on - she has 51” hip, and doesn't carry as much weight on her thighs. She found them too big, so I would consider sizing down if you have smaller thighs compared to your waist/hip measurement. As with all FLAB products you might struggle with the fit if you are really short (I am 5’4”).
PERFORMANCE
FLAB bib shorts have been my standard cycling shorts for years, and I have several pairs already, so have tested the comfort of the chamois really extensively. Yes, bib shorts are a pain if you need to go to the toilet, but for me the comfort factor of not having a waist band outweighs that inconvenience by a significant margin! I also find that my tops don’t tend to ride up as much with bib shorts and I don’t have my waist compressed by elastic. I especially like the leg pocket which are deep enough to securely hold a phone and always my go to place for carrying a tissue! FLAB are a company that truly puts size inclusion at the heart of their business, has excellent representation of all sizes and shapes of bodies on all their products and is definitely leading the way on plus size fit in cycling clothing.
RRP £84.99
