I usually wear a size 12, but I bought a size 14 because I find that Levis run a size to small.  I am 5' 4'' and 165 lb.  The jeans fit perfectly.  What's more is that they don't slide down when you move, bend, and it acts like a girdle, plus, you don't have the bulky zipper and button so your shirt slides down you waste smoothly! Call me old fashioned but I  Love the Gold  stitching better than white. The fading on the jeans is just like it is in the picture.  I also got the medium length and they are perfect.  Love these jeans so much that I ordered 2 pair and am ordering 2 more.  I like running around the house comfortably but looking nice and these jeans are it!