The best fishing bib and braces


by Aidan Bordiuk |
Updated on

As anglers, we can all agree that fishing isn’t the most glamorous sport and the best waterproofs or fishing bib and braces prevent us being covered in slime, mud and bait during our sessions. With time short for many of us, we can’t always plan our fishing to coincide with good weather, so quality clothing items are a must for the majority of anglers.

The best fishing bib and braces are much like a mechanic's overalls, they are the barrier to all the more unpleasant aspects that comes with catching fish. No longer do we have to ruin our best fishing clothing with stains or smells whilst we are out on the bank.

The best fishing bib and braces at a glance...

• Best In Class - Halkon Hunt Bib and Brace - View offer on Halkon Hunt

• Best Designed Fishing Bib and Brace - Maver MV-R Bib and Brace - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

• Best Budget Fishing Bib and Brace - Preston Drifish Bib and Brace - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait

• Best All-Round Carp Fishing Bib and Brace - Nash Scope Bib and Brace - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

Whether you sit on a seatbox or fish from the shore, they are considered an essential item by many, regardless of the season or the fish you’re targeting. Here is our guide to some of the best bib and braces available…

Best fishing bib and brace for comfort

A very popular item of clothing for anglers to wear when out fishing is the Preston DFX Bib & Brace, you would be hard pushed to go to any commercial and not see someone sporting this product. The reason is it’s a very comfortable and reliable bib & brace that will keep you warm and dry in the winter, plus cool and slime free in the summer. 

The DFX range incorporates a 20,000mm material that is waterproof and thanks to the taped and reinforced seams, will give you extra security and confidence, even in really wet weather. The zipped pockets also have a storm flap sown above to stop water seeping into the zips, which could damage your items. 

The ankles are oversized, allowing you to slip the bib & brace on without having to remove footwear, they can then be adjusted via the Velcro fastening to stop draughts getting in and them drooping onto the ground and getting damaged or trodden on. 

Sizes available: M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL

Pros

  • 20,000mm rating.
  • The fits are superb.

Cons

  • There aren't many, but perhaps a few more pockets would have been nice.

Best bib and brace for shore angling

The Vass 175 Bib and Brace is a fantastic choice for anglers looking for the added protection when fishing in really poor conditions, or simply don’t want to be covered in bait and slime. Utilising the Vass-Tex 176 material, the bib and brace is windproof and 100% waterproof, whilst also being breathable to prevent you sweating underneath.

The material is also quite flexible, making them very comfortable to wear. Some PVC-style clothing can be very difficult to wear for long periods, often riding up when you move but these won’t, making them great for any longer fishing session. All the seams have been quad-welded for added strength and the studded ankle hem prevents them dropping below your footwear which can cause damage. 

They are machine washable but are easily wiped clean between sessions and are ideal for anglers who fish in all weathers with all baits. They are available in three colours, Yellow, Navy and Green, with a fleece lined winter version if you require that added warmth when it gets cold. 

Sizes available: M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

Pros

  • Upto 60,000mm waterproof rating.
  • Wipe clean design.

Cons

  • Clips can be a bit tricky when you have cold hands.

Best all-round carp fishing bib and brace

The classic design of the Nash Scope Bib and Brace is ideal for those anglers who not only want protection when they are fishing but are bored of the usual colour scheme and want something different and stylish. The 'carpy' camo finish, unique to Nash, looks great and is sure to look good for years to come. 

The Scope Bib and Brace has an updated material, utilising Triplex armoured performance membrane. This serves many purposes, as well as being waterproof, the armoured material is also super tough, making them great for prolonged use and abuse on the bank. They also benefit the angler with their breathability properties, a 5000grm rating prevents any sweating and moisture build up inside the bib and brace, allowing year-round use. 

There are four pockets, the top two have a magnetic strip and storm flap to keep important items and gadgets safe, whilst the knee pockets have button/popper openings to allow for easy access whether your kneeling, lying or standing. 

Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL 3XL

Pros

  • Breathable design.
  • Tripplex membrane for extra confidence in wet weather.

Cons

  • The camo pattern won't be for everyone.

Best bib and brace for sea fishing

Designed for the rigours of beach and boat fishing, the Century NG Team Bib and Brace has plenty of features included to keep you dry and comfortable when out fishing. Despite it being designed for saltwater angling, it makes a very good freshwater bib and brace too, manufactured with a 3-layer material with 100% nylon outer makes them fully waterproof, rated to 15,000mm with the polyester inner increasing the breathability.

These are also great if you're an active angler, the overall fit of the bib and brace means that you get no feeling of restriction when bending down, casting or walking. The top pockets are zipped and insulated with a fleece material to warm your hands on colder days and stop valuables coming to any harm. Tailored and reinforced knees are perfect for protecting you and the bib and brace from damage when kneeling down on shingle, piers and sand when baiting up.

The leg area is flared with a Velcro fastening, this helps accommodate wellies so the bib and brace can be worn over the top and then tightened back up if you're wearing trainers or boots.

Sizes available: M, L, XL, XXL

Pros

  • Windproof, waterproof and breathable.
  • Properly reinforced knees to protect you and the garment from damage.

Cons

  • The Velcro ankle fastenings could be a little bit wider and more robust.

Best fishing bib and brace for durability

For an off-the-shelf garment, the Drennan 25K Salopettes take some beating, they are really great quality and allow you to concentrate on your fishing rather than the weather. A 25,000mm HH waterproof material is better than the majority of other clothing from manufacturers currently on the market, couple that with the 10,000g breathability rating and you have a really superior bib and brace. 

Drennan have also chosen a material that features rip stop technology, to give the angler piece of mind that they won’t be damaged easily, even with prolonged usage. Waterproof zips, handwarmer pockets, adjustable straps and reinforced knee panels further add to the quality and it’s easy to see why they are as popular as they are!

Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL

Pros

  • 25,000mm rating.
  • Rip stop material.

Cons

  • More pockets would be nice.

Best in class fishing bib and brace

The Halkon Hunt range of bib and braces are made from a 3 layer GORE-TEX fabric and have built a great reputation, especially amongst the match fishing fraternity, for creating some really quality garments. As they are handmade, you can personalise them to suit your needs and customise the colour and design combinations to create something unique to you.

They are 100% waterproof and have been reinforced in certain areas such as the knee and seat area, to ensure they don’t wear easily and are even more resistant to water leaking in, especially when sat on a seatbox or chair. The straps are fully adjustable to ensure comfort when walking and sitting, helping to prevent the feeling of pulling or restricting your movement.

The bib n braces are also windproof and breathable to prevent you becoming uncomfortable when fishing, particularly important if you fish in matches or for longer periods. Pockets come as standard to keep items safe.

Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL+

Pros

  • GORE-TEX fabric provides the ultimate waterproof barrier.
  • Fully customisable.

Cons

  • Lead time can be quite long.

Best budget fishing bib and brace

Keeping dry on the bank needn’t cost the earth as the Preston Drifish Bib & Brace proves, it is great quality and will prevent most of the British weather from ruining your fishing. A zipped front is hidden behind a buttoned storm flap to help any water ingress through a vulnerable area. The Drifish Bib & Brace is also lightweight making it great to use all year round and benefits from several features like reinforced seams, knee and seat areas to ensure it will stand up to rigorous use, ideal if you are a busy angler or go several times a week. 

Adjustable braces and ankles allow you to tailor it to suit your preferences, and it is all finished in a stylish black with grey and blue highlights that will look good on the bank for years to come. 

Sizes available: M, L, XL, XXL

Pros

  • Great for beginners.
  • Fits really well.

Cons

  • Not the most waterproof on the market.

Best bib and brace for winter carp fishing

If you fish during the winter and want a bib and brace to keep you warm, then the Korda Salopettes are well worth a look. The salopettes themselves are made with a water-repellent fabric that is also quick drying, so not only will they keep the weather at bay, but if you like to sleep in a bib and brace, they should have dried when it’s time to hit the bag. The quick drying material will also prevent the chill factor from water on your clothing.

Internally, Korda have opted to insulate the salopettes section with a heavy polar fleece material, this is incredibly comfortable and it retains heat really well too, great for wearing when the weather is really cold, regardless of the duration of your session. The chest and back section is unusually high to further insulate the wearer. Finished in an olive green, they look great too. 

Zipped pockets located on the chest and sides give you plenty of options for storing valuables, whilst adjustable ankles make them easy to slip on or off whilst wearing trainers or wellies, great if the weather takes a turn or you don’t want to wear them barrowing to your peg. 

Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL

Pros

  • Very warm thanks to the fleece lining.
  • Quick drying material.

Cons

  • Not the best for summer use.

Best designed fishing bib and brace

The fully waterproof, Maver MV-R Bib & Brace offers both functionality and performance, to help to keep you dry whilst looking stylish doing it. The MV-R features an elasticated waist, adjustable shoulder straps and Velcro ankle straps to allow you to wear the bib & brace however is most comfortable to you. With the extra room the garment has, it allows you to wear layers of clothes underneath making it great for winter and summer use.

The leg length can also be adjusted which is great, as often sizes that fit an angler’s waist don’t always have the right leg length. The knees are also reinforced to prevent premature wearing in this high traffic area. All the pockets are zipped and include large rubber grips, making them easy to operate with cold or wet hands. 

Sizes available: M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL

Pros

  • Very stylish.
  • Adjustable leg length.

Cons

  • Not available in a small size.

What to look for in a fishing bib and brace

As mentioned, the primary purpose of a bib and brace is to keep you dry and free from mess, but there are a few key features to look out for that can make them so much better. We are all guilty of not using a towel to wipe our hands, so reinforced knees and leg areas are great, not only will they reduce wear when rubbing your hands clean on them, it also reduces premature wear when you’re kneeling or seated.

Adjustable areas such as straps and ankle hems are ideal as they can help you tailor the bib and brace to fit exactly how is comfortable to you, an elasticated waist will also accommodate extra clothingunderneath if it’s cold. Zipped, external pockets are also useful as it saves scrambling around underneath trying to locate your valuables.

If you do go fishing in the cold weather it is highly recommended to wear a pair that are fleece lined to offer you added protection and insulation from the low temperatures. The difference they can make to your winter angling can be the reason you decide to go or stay at home.

Glossary

Bib and Brace: A garment incorporating trousers and an upper part that are supported with over-the-shoulder straps.

Taped seams: A taped seam is where waterproof tape is added to the internal side of any stitching to decrease the chance of water penetrating the sowing holes.

Hydrostatic head: Hydrostatic head (HH) is a way of measuring how waterproof a piece of fabric is.

MM rating: Measured in millimetres (mm), this is a measure of how waterproof a fabric is. In the case of a 10,000mm fabric, if you put a cylinder with inner dimensions of 1" x 1" over a piece of said fabric, you could fill it with water to a height of 10,000 mm (10m) before water would begin to leak through. The higher the rating, the more waterproof it is.

Gore-Tex: Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane and registered trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates. Invented in 1969, Gore-Tex can repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through and is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use.

Frequently asked questions on fishing bib and braces

What is a fishing bib and brace?

A fishing bib and brace is an all-in-one garment consisting of trousers and and an upper front chest part that is supported with straps that go over the shoulder.

Why do anglers where bib and braces for fishing?

Bib and braces are generally worn by anglers to protect them from the elements as well as keeping the general grime and slime at bay that fishing often exposes them too. They can be easily slipped into and worn over clothing which makes them great for using during the session, before being taken off when they are finished fishing.

Can I wear a bib and brace for fishing all year?

Yes, most bib and braces are designed for year round use. Often they are made of quite thin material that is designed to be waterproof and breathable, which is great for summer with extra room given to allow the angler to add layers of clothing underneath in the winter without feeling restricted. Some fishing bib and braces are fleece lined and more designed for winter use so pay attention to that before deciding on one.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.

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