I am 6ft and 38 waist. L would have fit but I purposely went XL. I have lots of linen and never hand wash, I just plan on shrinking. They are very thin which makes a great shorts for lounging and very cool for hot days.There is a one inch secondary hem which is only sewed in two places, you WILL have to carefully remove the hemn or fully sew it, or the cuff will not stay in place. I removed the hem making them an inch longer. Now as I wash them they will become the perfect fit.Also there is a false fly, which I love. Because of the stretchy waist I would never use the fly and a fly would make them less comfortable, they are basically pajama bottoms, but shorts, which is exactly what I was looking for. As comfortable as cotton athletic shorts, but more presentable. But also, light duty, not for working out or hiking. For what they are, I love them.