Some say these have a stretch weird feeling. Anyone who is familiar at all with Lycra, will tell you that is why these jeans expand a bit for COMFORT.  181s are perfect for large waisted gents who also have large legs, thereby need room for the jeans to hang straight creating a cleaner line, which is slimming. I have a pair of 181s and they are, by far, the most comfortable jeans I own. I wear them everyday and they can be worn without a belt if needed and still stay up.  The material is lighter than a 12 oz denim, which is really too heavy for summer months. I highly recommend 181s if you are built for the way these ar cut!