Thank God for that slight bit of stretch! But these are the most comfortable jeans I have owned in a long time. And no ugly flared leg. ZIpper patch pockets could go away, but I don't hate them and amazingly they do seem to stay zipped for the most part. Still wouldn't use the front pockets for anything valuable like my phone. But I wouldn't risk putting anything valuable in back either, so consider these jeans pocketless for all intents & purposes. Small price to pay for comfort, good fit & finally a real skinny jean without being skin tight for larger chicks.