I ordered a size L even though I wear a size 10 because I wanted loose and baggy. M might have worked but am very happy with these. The waist lies nice and flat. They did get a bit shorter in the dryer on low heat and I wish that had not happened but sweats normally do shorten up in the dryer so it was not unexpected. Making these a bit longer to start with would have been perfect for me though I do have long legs and not everyone would want sweats as long as that.