The part that goes over the belly is not spandex like or anything. The top of the shorts has an adjustable elastic, but the button broke off the first time  I used it, so I had to tie a knot in the elastic to keep the shorts from falling off. 2nd time I used them the elastic came completely out of the shorts, and I had to safety pin the top to keep them from falling off. $14 is cheap, but they only lasted two wears. I don't want to wear them any more because I am afraid they will actually fall off in public, even with safety pins.