I bought two pairs(black and dark rinse)in a size 34. I normally wear a 14/16 but I followed the advice of other and went with what would be an 18 in these. I tried on the dark rinse first and was very disappointed. Let me start by saying I'm 5'6" and 200lbs. My weight is all in my hips, and lower b...elly. So the dark rinse fit everywhere but the actual waist band looked like it flared out like a paper bag jean this was beyond a gap at the waist. Next I tried on the black pair ans I immediately noticed the fabric felt thicker and more quality. As soon as I pulled these on ans buttoned them I was in love. They fit perfectly everywhere and there was no gap at all. I tried the dark rinse on again and it was night ans day the difference. The black pair are stunning and as my wife put it the dark rinse look like jeans from Farm and Fleet. So if you're going to try them I suggest one size up for sure if you carry weight in your belly and keep in mind sizing varies between washes. I can only speak highly on the black pair. I'm on my way to buy another pair now!