Carhartt Bib Guide

Guy in Bib with Rope
Finding Your Carhartt Bib Size

"What size Carhartt bib overall do I wear?" is one of our most common customer questions. For best results, there are two key measurements you'll need to know – your current pant waist size and inseam. With those two numbers in hand, simply look at the size chart that accompanies the bib you are shopping for to find your fit. There is one major exception to that rule: If your belly typically hangs over your pants, you'll want to use a measuring tape and find the largest point around your stomach. That number will be your true waist measurement for bib overalls. In some cases that could be anywhere from 2-6" larger than your regular pant size.

When you start shopping, you'll notice that Carhartt bibs come in two unique sizing formats depending on the style – numeric or alpha. For numeric bibs, just choose your waist measurement – or stomach measurement if it's bigger – to find the right pair. For inseam, find a pair of pants that fit you well and measure from the crotch to the bottom hem of the pant. The inseam on numeric-sized bibs usually matches your regular pant inseam.

For alpha-sized bibs, consult the size chart to see what sizes corresponds with your waist/stomach measurement and inseam.

Finally, if any of the measurements you take fall outside the ranges noted on the size chart, we recommend you size up.


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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.