Pee-friendly cargo bib shorts: An overview of 13 pairs of cycling shorts with a ‘bio-break’ feature

Many cycling shorts require you to remove all layers of clothing over the straps before you can go for a wee. Anyone who enjoys spending hours in the saddle will eventually find themselves squatting half-naked by the side of the road. Men who can wee standing up are exempt from this. Fortunately, more and more manufacturers are tackling this challenge, and there are now various solutions ranging from fastenings to simply pulling the shorts down. However, anyone looking for cycling shorts with extra storage space on the thighs often has to choose: either pockets or the convenience of going for a wee. There are, however, some cycling shorts that manage to combine both.

At a glance

From padless (everve) to ultra-cycling-tested (Albion), from mass-produced items (Castelli, Pearl Izumi) to small-batch production (Kostüme, Petrichor Projects), from period-friendly technology in the pad (Wilma) to a choice of two variants (7mesh): The range of pee-friendly cargo bib shorts is now broad enough to offer something for almost every riding style and budget. Those who commute daily or go on short rides will be well served by the more affordable options such as Castelli or Petrichor Projects. For multi-day bikepacking adventures, it’s worth looking at models with more pockets and sturdier construction, such as 7mesh, Rapha or Albion.

Speed or endurance: 7mesh

The Canadian brand 7mesh offers two cargo variants with side-mounted straps that can be pulled down without having to take off your jersey or jacket (known as ‘Pull2P’ at 7mesh) – a design principle also used by other brands. What really sets 7mesh apart is the quality of its workmanship: seamless, raw-cut leg hems without any obtrusive silicone elastic.

The WK3 Cargo is the Endurance version, featuring four pockets – two on the legs and two on the lower back – and a thicker chamois for long days in the saddle.

• ​Price: 200 euros >> available here
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Colours: Black, Midnight Blue, Peat
• Upholstery: Elastic Interface Women’s Performance Space Chamois, high-density foam

The RK2 Cargo is the lighter, more aerodynamic racing version featuring Cold Black technology and a thinner chamois, but with only two large leg pockets instead of four.

• Price: 280 euros >> available here
• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Colours: Black
• Upholstery: Elastic Interface, designed to be thinner and lighter than the WK3

From the ultracycling brand: Albion

Albion has the ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts Developed with feedback from winners of some of the world’s toughest ultracycling races – and you can tell from the features. Three cargo pockets (two mesh pockets on the legs plus a side-slip pocket on the back) offer plenty of space for multi-day adventures. The women’s-specific harness system uses highly elastic material to make toilet breaks a breeze, without having to take off any layers.

• Price: £185 (approx. 215 euros) >> available here
• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Colours: Graphite, Black
• Upholstery: Elastic Interface

The classic: Castelli

Castelli is one of the bigger brands in this round-up. A cross-strap drop-tail on the Unlimited Cargo Bib Shorts Ensures hassle-free toilet breaks; according to the manufacturer, the trousers are designed for rides in temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius. Two side pockets with security flaps prevent the contents from falling out on rough terrain.

• Price: 130 euros >> available here
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Colours: Black, Gunmetal Grey, Dark Olive Green
• Upholstery: Kiss Air² Donna, women’s-specific, dual-density

Without padding: everve

The ezero pro Cargo from everve takes a radically different approach: it does away with the seat pad entirely. Instead, the comfort is provided by the matching ezero saddle, whilst the shorts themselves consist solely of a seamless, two-layer fabric seat panel. Anyone who already uses an ezero saddle or is interested in one will find this a well-designed complete system: a pee-friendly strap design without fastenings, one pocket on each thigh plus a back pocket for bulkier items. Weighing 131 grams in size M, it is the lightest option in the test.

• Price: 160 euros
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Colours: Black
• Upholstery: none

I keep realising just how comfortable I am on my bike, even without a pad. Some of that uncomfortable pressure simply disappears without a pad. – Sandra Schuberth, TOUR editor

Founded by a former professional cyclist: IRIS

The Dutch brand IRIS was founded in 2017 by former Dutch road champion Iris Slappendel and was one of the first labels to feature a genuine ‘Easy Pee’ design. The Escape Bib Short 2.0 is the latest generation of the best-selling cargo shorts: Two mesh cargo pockets on the legs provide storage space, whilst a double magnetic fastening at the back opens the shorts for toilet breaks without having to take off your jersey or jacket. In the 2.0 version, the silicone leg grippers have also been integrated directly into the fabric, for a smoother fit without the ‘sausage leg’ effect.

• Price: 199 euros
• Sizes: XXS–XXXL
• Colours: Black, Forest Pine
• Upholstery: Elastic Interface Endurance Joy HD, women’s model

Available with three different clasp options: Jelenew

Jelenew offers the Comfort Break function in three different versions – which is handy if you know exactly which system suits you best.

The SwiftEase Quick Release Bib Shorts feature a high-waisted pull-down design: the straps stay in place at the top, whilst the back panel can be easily stretched down and snaps back into place (as with 7mesh, Albion and others), without the need for any clips or fastenings. When purchasing, you can also choose between two chamois options – the brand’s own TMF or the well-known Elastic Interface.

• ​Price: 169 euros
• Sizes: XXS–4XL
• Colours: Grey Violet, Dark Grey, Olive, Greyish Green, etc.
• Upholstery: either TMF or Elastic Interface

The Magclasp QuickRelease Bib Shorts take a different approach: here, YKK magnetic fastenings at the shoulder seams ensure quick opening and closing. It also features three mesh side pockets, COOLMAX fabric on the straps to prevent sweat marks, and an Elastic Interface EXPLORER WOMEN chamois designed for rides of 8+ hours.

• ​Price: 179 euros
• Sizes: XXS–4XL
• Colours: Black, Dark Grey, Brown
• Upholstery: Elastic Interface® EXPLORER WOMEN

If you’d prefer not to wear straps at all, Jelenew also offers strapless cargo cycling shorts – such as the Seamless Non-Bib Cycling Shorts, which feature a high, supportive waistband instead of a bib design, side pockets for storage and the same high-quality Elastic Interface chamois as the bib versions. Handy for shorter rides or for anyone who wants to avoid the classic ‘toilet break’ dilemma altogether by simply pulling them down.

Available by pre-order only: costumes

The British boutique label Kostüme, based in Bristol, produces strictly limited editions via a pre-order model – the current run of cargo bibs comprises just 350 pieces worldwide, in a print that changes with the seasons. Those who wait will receive an exclusive Italian chamois with four layers of memory foam and a long-lasting aloe infusion, made from OEKO-TEX-certified ECONYL recycled nylon with UV protection. The strap design allows for toilet breaks without having to undo the fastening. Two cargo leg pockets with laser-welded openings complete the package. As the kit is shipped from the UK, customs and import duties are likely to be added to the price for orders to the EU, depending on the order value.

• Price: £210 (approx. 245 euros)
• Sizes: XXS–XXL
• Colours: varies per batch/edit
• Upholstery: Italian 4-layer chamois with memory foam and aloe infusion

Designed by women, for women: Pearl Izumi

The Expedition Pro Bib Shorts by Pearl Izumi According to the manufacturer, these were designed by women to address the typical problem areas of traditional bib shorts. A central bib clip allows you to adjust the position of the bibs to sit either between the breasts or to the side, whilst the drop-tail design makes toilet breaks a breeze. Two cargo pockets on the thighs plus two small back pockets provide storage space, whilst the PI Dry coating ensures lasting protection against splashes and light rain.

• Price: 265 euros >> available here
• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Colours: Black
• Upholstery: Women's Levitate™ PRO Chamois, Triple-Density

Founded by a woman: Petrichor Projects

Petrichor Projects is the debut collection from British fashion designer and mountain biker Claire Goodman – a small, independent label with big ambitions. Rather than offering a range of bags, the brand focuses on a single, well-designed cargo pocket on the right leg. The highlight is the magnetic bib strap fastening: it comes undone for a toilet break, whilst a locator loop helps with reattaching it. The Elastic Interface chamois, featuring high-density 120 kg/m² padding and an antibacterial top layer, is designed to provide over seven hours of comfort.

• Price: £149 (approx. 175 euros)
• Sizes: XXS–XXXL
• Colours: Black
• Upholstery: Elastic Interface, high-density, 120 kg/m²

For long-distance rides: Rapha Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts III

The Rapha Women's Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts III You might already know this from our practical test on the TOUR Transalp – over 525 kilometres. According to the manufacturer, these are the brand’s lightest cargo bib shorts to date: a seamless endurance chamois with two densities, four pockets (two cargo pockets on the legs, one zipped pocket and one slip pocket at the back), and a ‘pee-friendly’ design featuring the side straps. Tested by Jana Kesenheimer, amongst others, during her victory at the 2025 Transcontinental Race.

• Price: 300 euros >> available here
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Colours: Black/White, Dark Olive/White, Dark Forest/White
• Upholstery: Seamless Endurance seat pad, two densities

The same colours for everyone: Universal Colours

The Mono Cargo Bib Shorts from Universal Colours are available in four colours – Off-White, Navy Blue, Black and Heavy Bark Brown – all with the same fit and features. And unlike many other brands, the women’s version comes in exactly the same colours as the men’s style, so there’s no need to feel envious. The ‘Nature Calls’ pee-friendly design features wide, stretchy shoulder straps. Storage is provided by two large side pockets and a central back pocket, along with 50+ UPF sun protection and leg cuffs with silicone grips for a secure fit.

• Price: 170 euros
• Sizes: XXS–XXL
• Colours: Off-White, Navy Blue, Black, Heavy Bark Brown
• Upholstery: Elastic Interface Paris HP Women’s Hybrid-Cell Pad with bio-based foam topper

With eye-catching colour names: Velocio

Velocio’s first cargo bib shorts, the Utility Bib Short, are now available in four colours – in addition to black, they come in Smoked Paprika, Climbing Ivy and Plum Truffle. They feature a mesh-free front panel for hot days, a large back panel pocket plus two well-positioned thigh pockets, as well as wide, non-constricting leg grippers. The FlyFree system works entirely without clips or zips. As the shorts are cut slightly higher at the back than other models, pulling them down can sometimes be a little tricky.

• Price: 253.95 euros
• Sizes: XXS–3XL
• Colours: Black, Smoked Paprika, Climbing Ivy, Plum Truffle
• Upholstery: Velocio Signature Chamois, developed in collaboration with Elastic Interface

Menstrual technology in a pad: Wilma

The French brand Wilma, based in Lyon, combines Raphaëlle Bib Shorts the Cargo principle, with one unique feature not mentioned anywhere else in this overview: a seat cushion with integrated period protection technology called Bloody Queen. According to the manufacturer, the five-layer pad absorbs the equivalent of two tampons and remains leak-proof for up to six hours; it is made from biodegradable yarn. It also features two side cargo pockets and detachable straps, which can be unfastened using a flat but strong magnetic fastening for a toilet break without having to take off the top.

• Price: 200 euros >> available here
• Sizes: XS–3XL
• Colours: Black, Khaki, Navy, Pink
• Upholstery: Bloody Queen pad with menstrual technology, made in Italy

What an exciting pair of trousers! I know there are women – or people who menstruate – for whom other period products don’t work. – Sandra Schuberth, TOUR editor