I normally wear 6 but put on a few pounds the last few months, but because these are stretch, I thought the 6 would be fine. Well, they are sized quite generously (I could have used a size 4). Also, the waist is not tapered as it appears in the photo. These sit right at or slightly below the waist and I feel the waist is really designed to hug the top of the hip. I wish the waist were smaller so I wouldn't be having to pull these pants up all the time. They are nice and soft for a new pair of jeans. I usually buy Gloria's at Costco so I'm use to paying about 1/2 what these cost, but I still think these are a good buy for a generally nice, and comfortable, pair of jeans. I'd purchase them again, just in a smaller size.