I've worn this brand & style of thongs for 2 years and they remain my favorites for active wear ( like other ones for pretty wear&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Nanette-Nanette-Lepore-Women-s-3-Pack-Microfiber-Lace-Thong-Panties-with-Ruched-Detail-Onyx-Pink-Shadow-Black-Large/dp/B075VBCB6K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Nanette Nanette Lepore Women's 3 Pack Microfiber Lace Thong Panties with Ruched Detail Onyx, Pink Shadow, Black Large</a>).

I've compared three brands in a similar style and these are my go-to pair. Here's the line-up comparing apples to apples:

1.) Balance Tech (These panties!)
Waist measures 12.75" across; 9.25" waist to crotch but shrinks to 8.25" after multiple washings; just under 2" hip thickness
*KEY DIFFERENCES when compared to other styles:
- No shrinking seams like the Kalons so it lays flat without cutting into the skin.
- No long crotch like the Umbros - shrinks to a perfect length for me.
- Comes in neutral colors so you can wear them with anything.

2.) Umbro thongs&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Umbro-Women-s-Seamless-Thong-Panties-3-Pack-Pink-Glo-Green-Gecko-Assorted-Large/dp/B01EIMEYN4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Umbro Women's Seamless Thong Panties 3-Pack - Pink Glo/Green Gecko Assorted - Large</a>
Note that I sized up to a large in this style to get similar waist measurement!
Waist measures 12.75" across; 9..75" waist to crotch and doesn't shrink much if at all with washing; just under 2" hip thickness
*KEY DIFFERENCES when compared to other styles:
- Baggy in the front fabric area which gets more prominent with time.
- Significantly longer in the waist to crotch measurement and doesn't ever shrink up.
- Stripe around the entire waistline may show through clothing.

3.) Kalon nylon thongs&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Kalon-6-Pack-Women-s-Nylon-Spandex-Thong-Underwear-Medium-Sporty-Tri-Blend/dp/B01GK9JLQ8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Kalon 6 Pack Women's Nylon Spandex Thong Underwear (Medium, Sporty Tri-Blend)</a>
Waist measures 13" across; 8" waist to crotch as it tightens at the seams with multiple washings; 2" hip thickness
*KEY DIFFERENCES when compared to other styles:
- Medium size fits a larger waist line but shorter crotch coverage.
- The seams shrink while the fabric doesn't shrink as much, causing a curling look and fit to the panties.
- Compared to the other 2 brands, these have a narrower portion of fabric between the cheeks.

For determining your size, I'm 5'8", 150 lbs, and measure 38/31/41.

Overall, it's a big thumbs up for Balance Tech panties and I will keep buying this brand int he future! Please click helpful if it is!