At 5'3" and 165lbs, i thought 3x would be too big - boy was i wrong! It was a fight to get them past my hips/stomach and the waistband was extremely uncomfortable.  I sent back and ordered 4x (how embarassing!) but fit much better. Waistband still is uncomfortable (I think this is manufacturing issue) but am keeping them, will just sew on a soft, cotton cover over the waistband.