I would have rated these higher but they got a big run in them up the backside the first time I put them on.  Besides that, the fabric is fairly thick but not enough to wear alone as a short--save for underwear.  The hot pants are high-waisted (to the bellybutton).  I find myself folding the waist down a little to hide the waistband in my pants.  The good thing is that they don't ride up at all--the longer leg stays put....and ta da (!) no visible panty lines!  And these are WAY more comfortable than evil thongs. One drawback--pantyliners don't stick very well to the fabric.