Tried these in Black/XL and Charcoal/XL, at the same time, the Spaulding version in Black/XL (Spalding Women's Capri Legging ). They are essentially alike, except the Jockeys are about 2 1/2" longer (all washed and dried at home - on low - several times). Ordered the XL because at my age, I'm done with constricting clothing. Since I'm short, they come closer to my natural waist than the ones on the model, and the hem falls a wee bit lower. [Hint: if, after being washed a few times, the leggings start to come apart at the inseam, ask yourself if it's just that they've been WORN a few times - presumably that's why they were washed - and that maybe you should try a bigger size.] These are totally opaque on me - another reason I ordered the XL. Presumably some marketing person came up with "wide waistband" as a way of explaining their construction. In actuality, they have a double thickness yoke at the top - as a close look at the image will show. Between the layers of fabric, a piece of elastic perhaps 5/8" wide is stitched into place. This, along with the lack of a side seam, the gusset, and the substantial, stretchy fabric must be why these leggings fit so many different women so well. And yes, the cotton-rich fabric feels great, though I will be sticking to black. I would love to have a true charcoal or gray, but of course these days what they usually mean is a lighter or darker heather, which for some reason has a higher polyester content. (At least it does in the Charcoal Jockeys, otherwise I wouldn't always find myself reaching for them last.) The "wicking liner" doesn't hurt, but - being not much bigger than the triangle you see on a suit pocket handkerchief - doesn't add much either Because I undergo frequent "climate" changes (both the internal and external kind), these are my daily at-home uniform for about half the year. On a mild winter day, they're enough protection for a quick trip to the mailbox, especially if I pull on a pair of boots/booties. If it's cold, I can quickly throw a pair of regular pants over them. Yet, they're not unbearable in an overheated room. Last but not least, they don't cover my lower legs and make them itchy - though probably not as itchy as the fashionistas get when contemplating this uniform, which is worn by legions of women with less-than-perfect bodies. The way I figure it, these esthetically sensitive types are lucky that most of us pair them with long, boxy tunics! PS After this, I was delighted to find Jockey makes a line of mostly-cotton "judo" leggings, which are not only the perfect "knicker" length for me (just below the knee), but also cost less. Haven't seen these on Jockey's site or in its catalog, but Amazon offers a plain pair, a shirred knee version (with what look like functional drawstrings tied at the sides), and a fancied-up athletic job (Jockey Women's Athletic Judo Legging ) which I ordered and reviewed separately.
