I bought a pair of large and extra large because I didn't know what size I was going to get. After trying them on, I send back a very large pair and test the large pair indoors for several evenings. When they were ready to be washed I threw them in the washer and dryer and they shrank a few inches in length and a little at the waist. Now they are a little tight and shorter than I expected. I think if I kept a very large pair and washed them that would be the best size for me. inches at the waist.