I searched and didn't find an answer.

Do you order the the bibs by waist or chest size?

I wear 36 waist/48-50 chest

looking at a lot of the manufacturers most of the sizes allow for a 4-6 in difference between measurements

Thanks

I go by waist.

waist

Torso height is more important than chest size for bibs. If in doubt, don't trust the size charts (which are often terrible). Buy from a shop where you can try them on first.

I find that size charts are far more accurate than most people's assessment of their actual measurements.

I'm long in the torso, never been an issue. I use waist, and have never had a problem ordering online using that measure.

Waist. Most of the bib contact area runs at the waist. If you think about it, torso won't matter so much in the position you assume on the bike. I like my straps a bit snug standing b/c they are generally just right when on the bike.

Google the bibs too before you pull the trigger. Some makes (PI) run a bit large. Others, mostly the "euro" cut run smaller. I'm typically a 31 in jeans (I know jean sizing is way off from true waist) and I wear the medium aka 32-34 waist in volar bibs (those are euro cut as far as I know).