Got these for my boyfriend for Christmas, he loves them.  He is athletic and is a 32" waist but since these were 'slim' cut I got him a 33" to give him a little more room in the thighs.  He says they are comfortable and he likes the look of them.  I will order another pair in the Fume wash for him.  They fit great over his boots but also look good with sneakers.  Unless you have slim legs for your build you would be fine ordering your true waist size, but if you have muscular legs you should probably order an inch up unless you want a close fitting jean.