I ordered these for a very specific purpose: to wear under dresses and long tunics to wear both as a combination as well as to serve as underwear. My actual size would be small, but I ordered a medium adult size. I've found I don't have to do that. If I bought them to wear with a dance leotard, there would be too much material at the waist. For my purposes they are great! Next time I will order adult small ones as they really fit my natural waistline and not below!