There're a lot of reviews indicating that you need to go 1-2 sizes larger for Castelli bibs and jerseys. However, I went by their sizing guide and it indicated that I needed a Medium, which is what I got (and the size I normally get for my cycling gear). When the bibs arrived and I pulled them out of the packaging, they certainly looked too small. They were significantly smaller than any of the other bibs I owned. Once I put my two legs in (yep, very tight and almost fell over), I was convinced that they were too small (i.e., I wasnt sure I would be able to pull the shoulder straps over my shoulders). After some heaving and tugging I got the bibs on. The initial feel was that these bibs were too small, but after moving around a bit and then after taking them on a 3 hour ride, I didn't feel any over-compression or tight spots. In fact, I felt no uncomfortable tension anywhere and the chamois was comfortable too (probably the most comfortable chamois I own right now). My conclusion (YMMV) is that these bibs are supposed to fit like second skin, so I am guessing that if it isn't tight, then it's not fitting correctly. If you are used to putting on looser-fitting clothes, even other cycling gear, then these bibs will feel entirely too small. But, from my experience, the proof of fit was determined only after taking them out for a ride. I guess that if you cant even breathe or blood flow is constricted, then they arent the right size.
Now, these are racing bibs for athletic-framed people, so I think you do need to be a bit thin and lean in order to have these bibs fit correctly. I am just shy of 5' 10" and weigh 163lbs. I have a 32" waist. I am thin-ish, but no one would describe me as "lanky." My thighs are reasonably muscular/thick but the stretchy material of the bib's legs was still comfortable. My only complaint is that the shoulder straps are quite thin (width-wise), so I was afraid that they would cut into my shoulders (especially since they are tight), but they did not, so not really a "complaint.". I experienced no discomfort on a reasonably long and high-effort ride. As of now, they are my favorite pair...most of my other bibs are not name-brand bibs, but they are still comfortable and in use. Are Castelli's worth double or triple the price of other no-name bibs? Maybe not, but the materials and workmanship are all top-notch, so it is good to have a set of high-quality bibs in my rotation. If I was to change anything to make them fit better, I would make the shoulder straps a bit wider so they are not bunching up and maybe make the torso of the bibs come in a slightly longer length. If my feelings change about them in the future I'll try to update my review. I'll be going on some longer rides soon...
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