The second generation of Dutch brand Iris’ cargo bib shorts feature updated leg grippers for a seamless feel, while maintaining the generous cargo capacity and great magnetic clip easy-pee closure from the previous version.
Founded by former road racing national champion Iris Slappendel, the brand has been championing women-first kit since 2017 and was among the first to create an easy-pee bib shorts design.
The back of the Escape bib shorts detaches using a double-popper magnetic clasp, so the bottom of the shorts can easily be pulled down for nature breaks before reattaching the poppers at the back. There are also two rows of poppers, so the fit can be fine-tuned for taller or shorter riders, like the rows of hooks on the back of a bra.
While I found this very easy to use, if you have limited shoulder flexibility, you may find the stretchy bib-strap alternative a better option.
One of the most impressive things about these shorts is the size range, from 2XS to 3XL, which is not something you see in most mainstream women's bib shorts.
The medium pair on test came up perfectly true to size, and while the fit of the thigh panels seemed a little too tight at first, this soon disappeared after the first wear-and-wash cycle.
How we tested | Women's bib shorts
Each pair of bib shorts was tested over multiple rides and laundry cycles in late spring and early summer, both on- and off-road. The key factors tested were comfort and functionality (not to forget style); the most crucial aspects of this cycling-wardrobe staple. The selection of bib shorts features standard and cargo bib options, reflecting the market demand for both options.
The fit of the shorts around the leg grippers has been the focus of this second-generation model, which I can only report to be a success. The raw leg seam gives a lovely smooth finish, yet stays in place perfectly, even with loaded pockets and when riding over bumpy gravel terrain.
The women’s-specific chamois comes courtesy of industry leader Elastic Interface, with a 7+ hour model designed for ultimate comfort over longer rides.
The multi-density design features a core of 12mm-thick fabric, flanked by thinner 3mm ventilation holes at the front and a very soft antibacterial cover.
I had no qualms whatsoever about the comfort of the chamois, even on longer rides.
Aesthetically these are some of the most pared-back shorts you can find, with only a tiny purple Iris eye logo on the rear and a little purple piping at the top of the cargo pockets.
At £172, they are by no means cheap, but with such great-quality construction they should last as a summer-cycling staple for many, many rides.
Iris Escape Bib Short 2.0 bottom line
Thoughtfully designed and subsequently improved, the luxurious Iris bib shorts tick all the boxes and more, making them a very worthwhile investment for your wardrobe.
Iris Escape Bib Short 2.0 specs
- Sizes XXS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
- Black or green colourways
- Recycled-material construction
- Raw leg seams
- Two cargo thigh pockets
- Easy-pee magnetic clip closure with height adjustment
