I ordered an XL based on Walmart's advice. Glad I did. The XL fits me nicely. I measured my waist at a little under 35" & I think you should ACTUALLY measure your waist too. I have a pair of shorts that are marked "32" I can take them off without unbuttoning them. So, manufacturers' markings are a poor indication of your real world measurements.The yellow side panels are mesh. I didn't notice that when I purchased but I like it. The skulls at the end of the strings are goofy. I removed those right away & replaced them with a "figure 8 knot" (look it up). I'm sure the skulls help keep the string from getting pulled through the waistband when washed but, I don't like the potted metal skulls bouncing around my area and, like I said, I think they look goofy.Pouch space is perfect for me. Like the 3 little bears; not too little, not too much. Too much space and it looks like you don't have the necessary tackle to fill it. Too little space and everything doesn't stay in.