I held these up to a pair of the Hugo Boss Traditional briefs in the same size and these definitely have a smaller waist band.  My husband usually wears a 31 or 32 and I ordered him the 34's.  They are snug on him, but not super tight.  Still, if I had to do it over, I probably would have ordered him the 36. Otherwise they seem to be of good quality, nice fabric and well made.