Carhartt Bib Guide

Guy in Bib with Rope
Finding Your Carhartt Bib Size

Choosing the correct Carhartt bib overall size can be a little confusing, but the most important thing to remember is that in most styles you will have to order a size or two up in the waist compared to your normal jean or pant size. That's because overalls A) often go over other clothing and B) must fit over your stomach (whereas pants can often sit below your stomach). So, if you wear a size 42 waist in Carhartt pants or jeans, you probably want to order a size 44 or 46 waist for Carhartt overalls. As for length, most people wear the same length in bibs as they do in their Carhartt jeans or pants. Please note that each bib is sized differently and will need to be measured a little different too. Coveralls, for instance, require you to take a chest measurement and choose between sizes small, regular or tall for the inseam.

And don't forget to consult the size charts that are available with each product when you are choosing a specific style.


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Carhartt Bib Linings Explained

Carhartt bib overalls are available in both lined and unlined options. The style you choose depends largely on where you will be wearing your bib overalls. If you're doing any type of work indoors – as long as it's not in a freezer – unlined bibs will probably do the trick. Unlined bibs are simply whatever fabric makes up the outer shell of the overall, whether it's denim or duck. If you're working outside in cooler temperatures though, lined bibs will probably be your best bet. There are two types of Carhartt lined bibs: mid-weight nylon quilt lining or arctic lining. The arctic lining is considered Carhartt's warmest option.

Click the images below to shop Carhartt bibs by lining type.


Shop by Lining Type
Unlined Quilt Lined Arctic Quilt Lined

A Closer Look at Carhartt Bib Materials

There are five distinct types of fabrics used for the outer shell of Carhartt bib overalls: sandstone duck, firm duck, unwashed denim, washed denim, & Extremes®. The sandstone and firm duck fabrics are Carhartt's most recognizable materials. While they are similar, sandstone duck has a softer, more washed feel, while firm duck looks more pressed and has a stiffer feel. The two denim materials follow that pattern, with the washed denim having a more broken-in look and feel, while the unwashed denim looks neatly pressed. As its name suggests, Carhartt's Extremes® fabric is made for the coldest, most extreme temperatures. It is made out of 1000-denier Cordura®, which is water and abrasion resistant and long-lasting. Click the swatches below to shop Carhartt bibs by material type.

Shop by Material Type
Sandstone Duck Material
Firm Duck Material
Unwashed Denim
Washed Denim
Force Extremes Material
Which Carhartt bib leg zipper is right for you?

Which leg zipper is right for you? Well that depends mostly on your preference. Carhartt bibs come with either zippers to the knee, zippers to the thigh (or waist) or no zippers at all. Zippers can improve the functionality of the item by making it easier to get on and off or by adding additional airflow. While there's no right answer, think about what jobs you'll be doing in your bibs and if you need the added functionality zippers provide.