I'm looking at ordering some bib shorts but I don't know what to make of the sizing. I wear 36 inch jeans and large bike shorts and undies work fine for me, but I've got a beer gut so I'm probably closer to 40 inches or so around my belly button. I'm looking at the Aero Tech bibs and they say L is 36-38 and XL is 38-40. Anybody have an opinion on which I'd be better off with?

I'd order the smaller size. Aerotechdesigns stuff is true to US sizes, and shorts should be snug (not too tight though).

US made stuff stick to the large, the euro stuff like Capo Castelli ect get one size up.

Thanks guys! I'll give the large a try then.

Interesting. I would have gone with the XL.

Just remember: your jean size has almost nothing to do with your actual waist size. I wear size 32 or 34 jeans, depending on the brand and style. If I run a measuring tape around my waist, it says 36.5 inches.

Suggest you measure your waist with a measuring tape, then order accordingly. In my experience, most bibs will stretch enough to accommodate a stomach that's 2-3" larger than the waist without any problems. If your waist is near the upper end of the size range and you've got a big stomach, it probably makes sense to order the next larger size unless you prefer a very snug fit.

I'm nearly the same. I wear a 36 now. Was up near 40 last year. My belly button measurement is larger than my waist. I wear a large in Performance bibs. I think a medium may almost fit. I would go with 1 pair of larges and see how they fit before committing to more than 1 set.

Mark Shuman