stays up, doesn't creep into butt cheeks, comfortable fit, minimal compression but not baggy
The sizing is pretty good. Take close look at the large graphic mid page (slightly different than the image in their photo section. The former appears more accurate!!). If you are closer to the smaller end of a size range, then I think you can safely down size. I bought these in 4XL. Which is slated to fit up to 52.5" hips, and I quickly measured the largest area of my hips which is 53". There is plenty of room to spare (but aren't baggy, either). I am glad I did not go with the 5XL (52"-56") as that definitely would have been much too large. As is, the 4XL is almost too big. But they do fit rather well, so with my 53" hips, I think the 4XL is reasonable. Even so, I MAY try 3XL. (47"-50.5"). Much of my hip girth comes from a belly apron- lots of excess skin. I tend to wear underwear and pants with compression not so much for improving look, but for improving feel. The loose skin needs to be tied down so it isn't uncomfortably moving. I usually buy briefs (size 18/20, $7 each) from Lane Bryant that have 93% cotton, 7% spandex. These undies have 95% cotton, 5% spandex. I can tell the difference in fit. Just plain cotton can be stretchy, but doesn't hold shape- will often loosen up (ie baggy granny panties lol). So the added spandex in these gives them shape, and allows it to stay in shape; not loosen up. These do not roll down. I put them on and forget they are there! The 5% spandex in these is just enough to provide a good comfortable fit without the undies looking baggy. But it isn't quite enough spandex to provide any compression. Oh so close, though. So if you are looking for super comfortable, well fitting full coverage underwear that doesn't constrict the waist, stays up in place, doesn't creep into butt cheeks, then I think you will be very pleased with these. They are amazing as "period underwear" because they accommodate any bloat, and hold pads in place. I think it is due to the wide waist band that does not cut in. A NOTE ON THAT: the waist band is much more narrow that what is shown in their images. I'd say half that. About the size of two knuckles on a finger. Whereas their looks like a palm width. I dont know if an even wider waist band would make a difference. But having a wider waist band than the typical super narrow elastic bands definitely keeps this from pressing in, making for muffin tops. I am rather impressed. I knew I was taking a huge risk on buying unknown brand of undies off the internet. The pack of 2 ($15.99/ $8.00 each) is same or a little more than what I pay for a known brand (Lane Bryant), but I was super curious. And I see I could get a good price by trying the 10 pack. ($45/ $4.50 each). We'll see. I HAVE WASHED AND DRIED these already, and they appear to have washed and dried well. When I first took them from package and tried them on, I thought they might be a little too big. I then took them off and put them in a load of wash, then dried them on medium heat. They looked good, and when I put on a pair, I thought they fit just a little bit better. I dont think they shrink to any significance, but the fresh from dryer fit was really good. Also, just started my period, so maybe I am retaining water, etc. If we could give half ratings, I would go with 4.5. But since we cant I have to decide between 4 and 5. I am going with 5 because these are surprisingly nice feeling, fitting- I like them more than a 4 star rating. Hopefully the longer term quality is there. I will be back to update if I experience anything else worth sharing. IF I try a smaller size, I'll let you know how they fit. I still prefer my undies with a little more compression, but these are overall what I expected (and better). Read more