Material
The main thing to consider when buying an adult bib is what it’s made out of. The material will impact the price more than anything else and will also dictate how effective it is, how easy it is to clean, and how long it will last.
- Terrycloth: Terrycloth is a type of cotton fabric that is highly absorbent. It’s the same material used to make towels and is also used to make many bibs. It’s cheap and effective, but it also wears out pretty quickly and won’t last very long. What’s more, just like those old towels you have at the back of the closet, the more you use it and wash it, the less effective it will be.
- Vinyl: Vinyl bibs have the benefit of being wiped clean. They are often combined with other materials and may have a compartment at the bottom to catch crumbs and drips. They can be washed relatively easily, but you should avoid washing at high temperatures as they may melt.
- Synthetic Fabrics: Some bibs are made from a blend of synthetic fabrics. They are designed to last but are generally not as absorbent as cotton mixtures.
You should choose whether you want a washable bib or a disposable one. The former can be worn, washed, and re-worn, while the latter is designed for single use. Both have their benefits and it’s just a matter of preference.
You’ll probably save money if you opt for a washable one and you’ll also create less waste, but disposable ones are much easier to use, as they can be ripped off and discarded after eating.
Crumb Catchers
A crumb catcher is a pocket sewn into the bottom of the bib that’s designed to catch crumbs and other food. Many bibs are waterproof, which means the food will slide right off, and if there’s no pocket at the bottom it will end up on the wearer’s clothes or the floor. A crumb catcher is essential on bibs that are not oversized or made from absorbent materials.
Size
Most adult bibs are between 18 and 30 inches, a standard size range that covers users big and small. If you’re buying a bib for someone who makes a lot of mess at dinner time, choose one that covers most of their torso, limiting the risk of any stray food getting onto their clothes.
Color and Style
They are available in many different colors, from plain options that are pretty clinical and boring, to multi-colored designs, and more. It doesn’t make much of a difference in terms of practicality, but if you’re buying for someone else, ask them to choose their own. They may be more inclined to wear it if it’s colorful or features a design they like.
Fasteners
How does the bib fasten around the user’s neck? Some of them click together with magnetic strips, others use a simple fastening loop, and some require you to tie a knot. If the wearer is unwilling and struggles a lot, or you’re buying it for yourself and have dexterity issues, look for snap locks and simple loops.
The Best Adult Bibs and Crumb Catchers
To help you find the right bib for you or your loved one, we have highlighted a few of the best options below. All of these are readily available from Amazon and other marketplaces and provide a mix of great features and affordability.
- Celley Adult Bibs: These adult bibs have very positive ratings from many reviewers and are an affordable purchase, costing around $20 for a pack of three. All have crumb catchers and simple button closures. They feature three different color patterns and are targeted at women, although there’s no reason why floral-print-loving men can’t use them as well!
- Royal Care Reusable: A 6-pack of reusable terrycloth bibs from Royal Care is available for less than $20. As noted above, it’s not the most durable material, but it’s very absorbent and you get 6 to a pack, so they will last you through many mealtimes.
- Mikako Adult Waterproof Bibs: A pack of three bibs that feature a tuxedo design. It’s a fun little novelty but it’s also an effective bib made from PVC. You can wipe it clean, it’s waterproof, and it has a crumb catcher at the bottom.
- HEAD2TOE: A massive adult bib that covers against all spills and contains an impressive 6 pieces per $20 pack.
- CloseoutZone Disposable Bibs: A cheap and cheerful option, these large bibs come 100 to a pack and cost less than $25. That’s just $0.25 per mealtime—not bad when you consider how much cleaning it will save you!
Medokare Adult Bib: A three-pack of adult bibs that feature three different tartan designs and is available for around $20. It’s stain-resistant, washable, and reusable, and for a few dollars extra, you can get bibs with built-in crumb catchers.