Choosing the Right Bib for You: Men's 2023
By Katherine Donnelly on
As you may have already heard, TREW Gear is known for bibs.
Our origins began with the idea for better bibs back in 2008, and here we are today still designing and selling some of the best frickin' bibs you'll ever put on.
Your TREW Bib Options
TREW Gear was originally built around the TREWth Bib Classic - our award-winning men’s ski and snowboard bib pants - and they’re still the best powder-riding snow bibs the world has ever seen.
But over the years, as materials, technology, and our own riding preferences have evolved, so has our lineup of bibs. We still love our OG TREWth Bib dearly, but we've added some complimentary brothers and cousins to our men's bib family so that everyone can find the perfect pair for them.
With a growing number of different bib options - including the LW Bib, the Capow Bib, the TREWth PRIMO, the TREWth Classic, and the Jefferson - we think that you'll easily find at least one pair (if not all of them) to your liking and well-suited to your preferred mode of snow-venturing.
^ CEO Chris testing out the new TREWth PRIMO in some backcountry powder.
Any of these bibs make great additions to your snow kit, but each model brings their own style, fit, and set of features to the party. Below is a detailed look at what each of these bib options tout and what you should consider when choosing the right bib for you!
First, let's quickly talk about 2L vs. 3L.
The Jefferson Bib was added to our lineup in 2021 and is a 2L (or 2-layer) option....but what does this really mean, and how does it compare to our other 3-layer bibs? Here's what you need to know:
While we could talk bibs for days, let's dive into the side-by-side comparison and show you just what makes these bib designs shine:
|
MATERIAL |
Shell Material |
3L7D 3L Fabric |
3L PNW Primo Fabric 100% Recycled |
3L PNW Classic Fabric |
3L Dermizax EV |
2L PNW Fabric |
|
Waterproof + Breathability Rating |
20,000mm Waterproof/30,000mm Breathable (20k/30k+) |
20,000mm Waterproof/Breathable (20k/20k) |
20,000mm Waterproof/Breathable (20k/20k) |
20,000mm Waterproof/15,000mm Breathable (20k/15k) |
||
|
Insulation |
None |
|||||
|
Fabric stretch |
Mechanical stretch for all-day comfort |
Mechanical stretch for all-day comfort |
Little to no stretch in the fabric |
Stretchy as can be |
Mechanical stretch for all-day comfort |
|
|
FIT + SIZING |
Fit |
Slim, straight, and long |
Modern freeride/relaxed; a wider (baggier) leg
|
A more streamlined, slim-legged fit |
Freeride fit; looser, more relaxed fit throughout |
|
|
Inseam options |
Short (30”) Regular (32.5”) Tall (35”) |
Short (30”) Regular (32”) Tall (34”) |
Short (30”) Regular (32”) Tall (34”) |
Short (30”) Regular (32.5”) Tall (35”) |
No options, just classic grading by size (see size chart for inseam lengths) |
|
|
Sizing tips |
Runs fairly true-to-size; best for straight body shapes. |
Runs slightly large. You may find these bibs to run larger than the same size in other brands. |
Runs fairly true-to-size. |
Runs fairly true-to-size. |
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|
We highly suggest referring to the size chart on the product page before choosing your size. |
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|
KEY FEATURES |
Strap back design |
Racer-back |
Racer-back |
Cross-back |
Cross-back |
|
|
Pockets |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Front zip(s) |
Center-front zipper for main opening with two-way sliders |
No full front zipper, but has a front fly zipper |
Center-front zipper for main opening with two-way sliders |
Center-front zipper for main opening with two-way sliders |
||
|
Side zip(s) |
Full-length 2-way side zip on left leg; large 2-way outseam zip on right leg with bottom opening |
¾-length, dual-direction zip side vents w/ top opening on both sides |
¾-length dual-direction zip w/ top opening on wearer's right side, large vent side zip on left side |
None |
||
|
Inner leg vents |
No inner leg vents |
No inner leg vents |
x |
x |
||
|
Beacon pocket |
x |
x |
x |
x |
||
|
RECCO® reflector |
x |
x |
x |
x |
||
|
Rubber-tipped cordage zipper pulls |
x |
x |
x |
x |
||
|
Gusseted crotch |
x |
x |
x |
x |
||
|
Internal boot gaiters with gripper elastic |
x |
x |
x |
x |
||
|
Full coverage front and back bib |
Lower rise that comes to about mid-chest |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
Belt loops |
None |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
Reinforced cuffs and kick patches |
Vectran® liquid crystal polymer |
SuperFabric |
SuperFabric |
SuperFabric |
SuperFabric cuff reinforcement only; no kick patches |
|
|
Water-resistant zippers on all exposed openings |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
Adjustable shoulder straps with no-slip gripper |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
Price |
$519 |
$499 |
$439 |
$479 |
$299 |
|
|
The highlights |
Glacier Bibs, the TREW way. Ultralight and designed specifically for those looking to move fast up and down mountains. |
The best of all worlds. 100% recycled, increased durability, and more stretch in the fabric compared to PNW 3L Classic. |
Everything you need and nothing you don’t. Durable, waterproof, good looking, and the bib that started it all back in 2008. |
Your best friend in the backcountry. Lighterweight, breathable, and still ready to keep you dry no matter where the skintrack brings you. |
Ready for the worst, hoping for the best. Simple, clean, and rugged - The Jefferson has everything you need to take on the mountains without breaking the bank. |
|
|
Recommended use(s) |
This is a touring bib, through and through. |
Bomber in-bounds, but backcountry ready. These bibs can do it all. |
A true hybrid, with a deep love for the backcountry slogs. |
Most at home in the resort! |
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Actual garment measurements/specs (size Medium):
|
Weight |
25.1 oz. |
31.5 oz |
30.7 oz |
28.5 oz. |
31 oz. |
|
Upper bib circ. |
42” |
42.5” |
42.5” |
41” |
41” |
|
Seat circ. |
43” |
46.5” |
45.5” |
44” |
45” |
|
Knee width |
19.5” |
22.25” |
22.5” |
21” |
21” |
|
Leg/cuff opening |
22” |
22” |
22” |
21.75” |
22” |
Men's Bib-Picking Hot Tips from TREW:
The LW Bib, the Capow Bib, and the TREWth Bib Primo have more stretch. We suggest taking this factor into account when choosing your size, as you might be a size up in the TREWth Classic over the Primo or Capow because of the stretch - or lack there of.
If you're new to TREW, size down. All of our bibs are designed and sized with layering in mind, and because of this you may find that our gear fits larger than the same size from another brand. In most cases, we have found that people purchasing their first pair of bibs from TREW will order too big and have to exchange for a smaller size. And if you are in between sizes, size down - and whenever possible, take your measurements and use our sizing guide (found on each product page) before making an order. Or better yet get in touch with us at trewsizing@trewgear.com - we love helping you pick out the right jacket and size!
*Nearly all of our gear is intended to offer a relaxed fit. If you prefer a slim fit, then we strongly urge you to choose one of the stretchier bib options (the Capow is our top pick for a slimmer silhouette) + size down.
Our most popular Men's Bib is the TREWth - and for good reason! The TREWth Bib is a great hybrid option, checking all of the boxes for both resort laps and backcountry tours. If you are going to have just one pair of bibs, this is a great choice - as seen in Best Ski Pants & Bibs for Men by Renoun.
Looking for a bit more guidance?
No worries, we're here for you. Get Fitted + Kitted easily by taking our online quiz, and we'll get back to you with your personal product and size recommendation within 2 business days.
We also offer easy returns and exchanges, so if you order the wrong size or want to change styles it's no big deal to swap out. See our Returns + Exchanges page here for more info.
- Tags: GETTING KITTED
1 comment
Good afternoon. I am 5”11 205 all weight in my belly since I took a desk job. Lol I do resort ski and I am looking at the cosmic jacket xL and SnapBack Xl. Does this size sound right to you will use together on the hill and of course separate when needed . Also which bibs and size would you suggest? And if a certain color says pre order how long does that take? Thanks a bunch
CW