Bib shorts use shoulder straps (like suspenders) instead of an elastic waistband to hold everything in place. This design eliminates waistband pressure, which means no digging into your stomach and no restriction on breathing—especially noticeable when you're leaning forward on the bike.
The biggest advantage is that the chamois (the padded insert) stays locked exactly where it needs to be. With waist shorts, the chamois can shift during aggressive pedaling or when you move around on the saddle, leading to chafing and hot spots on longer rides. Bib shorts prevent that movement entirely.
They're the go-to choice for road cycling, racing, and any ride over two hours. The tradeoff is convenience: you'll need to remove your upper layers for bathroom breaks. But for longer rides where comfort matters most, most cyclists find that tradeoff well worth it.