I'm a little heavier than i'd like due to postpartum fluff and have to gradually lose because of breastfeeding, so i look for bottoms with enough give in the waist that will still fit once i reach my goal weight. for reference i'm about 33" waist x 44" hips with a goal of 31" waist x 40" hips, so roughly a size 12/14 getting back to an 8/10. i bought a medium and it stretches enough to fit. this skirt is a solid staple and the colors are just lovely. the flat elastic in the waistband doesn't rol