Close to spandex but less restrictive, I ordered a large, I'm 28in around the waist, they were a tiny bit looser than expected but a medium might not have fit my legs as comfortably. They are shiny in the sun, I was looking for a little bit more of a matte legging but these will do for now. The length is perfect, I am 5'2 and ordered the ankle one so they stop where regular pants would, which was my goal.