If you're shopping for plus size snow pants, you've probably wondered whether bibs would be better. For plus size bodies the answer is often yes, but not always. Here's how plus size ski pants and snow bibs compare, who each one suits, and the styles we make in 1X to 6X, including 4X, 5X and 6X.
Plus size ski pants vs bibs: the short answer
- Choose bibs if you get cold easily, sit a lot (chairlifts, sleds, the bleachers at a hockey game), or are tired of waistbands that roll or slide down. The front and back panel and the suspenders keep everything in place and close the gap at your waist.
- Choose snow pants if you want something quicker on and off, wear them with a long coat that already covers your waist, or want more color choices.
Why so many plus size shoppers choose bibs
Most people start out searching for plus size snow pants and end up in bibs. A waistband has to sit somewhere, and on many plus size bodies it either digs in or slides down when you bend, sit or reach. Bibs don't depend on the waistband. The suspenders carry the weight, the higher front and back keep snow out when you fall or kneel, and your core stays warmer because there is no gap between your jacket and your pants.
The trade off: bibs take a moment longer to get on and off, and bathroom breaks take a little planning. A front zip, like the ones on our Overland and soft shell bibs, makes that easier.
When plus size snow pants are the better pick
Snow pants make sense for shorter outings, for wearing under a long parka, and for anyone who simply prefers the feel of pants. Our insulated plus size snow pants have an adjustable waist so you can tune the fit, and they come in more colors than any of our bibs.
Plus size snow bibs and ski pants we make
The Vertex plus size snow bibs
Our best seller. The Vertex is insulated, with a waterproof breathable 320D nylon shell and critical taped seams, adjustable suspenders, side rib knit panels for a relaxed fit and internal leg snow cuffs that keep snow out of your boots. It comes in 1X to 6X in Regular, Short and Tall inseams and a Wide Calf fit, in ten colors.
The Overland high front plus size snow bibs
Our warmest bibs. The Overland has heavier insulation and a high neckline that zips up the front, with stretchy side gussets, two front zippered pockets, a D ring for a lift pass and adjustable suspenders. It comes in 1X to 6X in Regular, Short and Tall inseams.
The plus size soft shell snow bibs
For moving more than standing still. The soft shell bibs use a four way stretch, waterproof breathable WPB 8K shell with a DWR finish and a fleece lined interior instead of insulation, so they move with you on the trail or the hill. They come in 1X to 6X in Regular and Short, in Vanilla and Black.
The insulated plus size snow pants
Our insulated plus size snow pants are waterproof and lightly insulated, with an adjustable waist, zippered side pockets, a small knee pocket, zippered leg vents, internal leg gaiters and articulated knees. They come in 1X to 6X in Regular, Short and Tall inseams, in eight colors.
See every style side by side on our plus size snow pants page, or only the bibs on our plus size snow bibs and overalls page.
Pick the right plus size inseam
- Short: 29 to 30 inches. Shop petite plus size snow pants and bibs.
- Regular: 31 to 32 inches.
- Tall: 34 to 35 inches, on select styles and colors.
- Wide Calf: the Vertex bibs come in a Wide Calf fit, cut wider through the calf, with the regular inseam, in Black.
The hem should land on top of your boot, not on the floor behind your heel. If you're between lengths, choose the shorter one for walking and the longer one for skiing in ski boots.
Plus size snow pants and bibs sizing
In our snow pants, 1X fits a 16/18, 2X a 20/22, 3X a 24, 4X a 26/28, 5X a 30/32 and 6X a 34, and each size steps up 4 inches in the waist and hips. Measure your waist and hips over the base layer you'll wear and check the size chart on each product page before you order. For more on fit, read finding the right fit in plus size snow pants.
Plus size ski pants and bibs questions
Are bibs warmer than snow pants?
Usually, yes. The bib front and back cover your core, and there's no gap at the waist for snow or cold air to get in.
Can I wear bibs if I'm not skiing?
Absolutely. Bibs are great for sledding, shoveling, snowmobiling and any day you'll be sitting or kneeling in the snow.
What should I wear under plus size snow pants or bibs?
A thermal base layer. Ours comes as a top and bottom set in 1X to 6X.
Do you make big and tall bibs for men?
Yes, in 2XL to 7XL with short, regular and tall inseams. See our big and tall snow pants and bibs.
Heading out? Match your bibs with a plus size ski jacket or a plus size winter coat.