Since these are high waist pants, i think the size given is more for a lower waist measurement where most pants these days typically sit. i'm 5'10", 150 lbs and ordered a size 31 but it was much too large. i love the style of these pants a lot. they look great if you have long legs, the size 31 ran about 5" above my ankle, higher than is shown in the photos but it looks great.