I seem to fit between XL and L and had trouble cinching the drawstring all the way on the XL, so I exchanged it for L. My waist fluctuates a lot between 38 and 40 (as in within just a few days), so while I'd love a smidge more bagginess in the crotch, the large fits better. I wear butt-huggers if I leave the house. I misunderstood and thought this puppy had side pockets, but it has just the one rear pocket with velcro closure. I'll probably be getting the other pants from now on, but for around the house these pants are great.