I just wanted a comfortable pair of swim shorts that I could wear with bikini tops I already own, and these are perfect. They are very comfortable, not too tight, but tight enough to hold you in. I didn't adjust the side strings at all, and the sides hit at a flattering point. There is another string inside you can pull to adjust the waist, but i find the waitstand to be just right as is, comfortable without being at all tight. I bought a size large as i wanted them to be a little loose. I'm 5'9" 150, pear shaped.