My waist is size 32...I always buy 501s in size 34 waist as I did with these and they were too tight in the thighs. I believe a 36 would be too big in the waist. Ive purchased 501s before in size 34 waist from a Levis store and I had no problems. Im not sure if these were just the wrong cut or I need to look outside of the 501 model