everyone (reviews) talked me into getting ones that were too big.  Liked them so much I got 2 more pairs in the right size.  My actual (not vanity size) waist measures at 36.25"  and the Mediums fit snugly and look super good. The XL flair out like a billowy dress, but are the same length, which causes the chewing gum to show.  The girls all love them, except my one bitchy eX who takes every chance to crap on me, who said they make me look gay.  Whatev, they look great and I use them constantly on the SUP as real board shorts.  The one white pair had a bit of bad stitching that failed, but it didn't affect the shorts.