These shorts were exactly what I was looking for. I like to wear shorts under dresses and skirts to keep my legs from rubbing together, but I don't need the control top that most shorts like these are designed for. I am 5'5" and wear size 8 pants: The M size fits below my belly button and are snug without being tight. The fabric is loose and soft. The only improvement that would make these shorts perfect for me would me to make these shorts out of a material that does not stick to other fabrics. I generally have to wear a slip over the shorts under my skirts to keep them from riding up when I wear these shorts. (I still give them 5 stars because I have not yet found a material that would work for both purposes).