Quick answer: Drawstring and elastic waists — our High Stretch cargos, capris and drawstring sets — flex through the day and forgive a between-sizes body. Fixed button-and-zip waists on denim and non-stretch styles need your actual measurements. Size to hips and thighs first, tune the waist with the drawstring or a belt, and check each listing’s size run before ordering.
Every waist type in this guide comes from a live Cmfrt Pants listing, with the real size options each product ships in today.
The three waist builds in our lineup
- Elastic plus drawstring. The men’s High Stretch Multi Pocket Cargo Pants ($35.99) pair an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring — the listing calls it flexible adjustment and comfort during movement. Our cargo capris use the same idea: an elastic waist with an adjustable cord that stays in place.
- Drawstring-led. The Top And Drawstring Cargo Pants set ($39.99) is built around it: wear it tighter for a defined silhouette or looser for all-day comfort. Per the listing, the drawstring stays tied rather than slipping out, and the waistband holds its structure through a full day.
- Fixed, non-stretch. The Zipper Straight Leg Pants ($39.99) are described as non-stretch: the cut cannot stretch to accommodate, so the listing says to measure your hips before ordering — and to go up if you are between sizes.
Size runs are wider than you might expect
The Everyday Essential Comfy Cargo Pants (from $37.99) currently list eleven sizes, S through 8XL. The men’s High Stretch runs XS–5XL in three lengths (Short, Regular, Long). The Adjustable Straight Leg Cargo Pants add 1X–3X plus two inseams — Regular at 32 inches and Tall at 34 inches.
| Style | Waist build | Live size run |
|---|---|---|
| High Stretch (men) | Elastic + drawstring | XS–5XL, 3 lengths |
| Top And Drawstring set | Drawstring | XS–L |
| Zipper Straight Leg | Fixed, non-stretch | S–L |
| Everyday Essential | Not listed — check the product page | S–8XL |
| Adjustable Straight Leg | Cargo build, 2 inseams | XS–XL, 1X–3X |
Fit rules our listings keep repeating
- Hips and thighs decide the size. If you are fuller there, size up rather than going by waist alone — a belt or drawstring fixes a roomy waistband; nothing fixes a tight thigh.
- Non-stretch denim moves. Our denim listings note the waist relaxes up to half a size over a day of wear and tightens back after a wash, so slightly snug at the waist is acceptable if the hip fits.
- Rise changes how a waist feels. Our high waisted cargo jeans listing flags that on a short torso a 25–27cm rise can land high when seated — worth checking before you pick a waist type.
Frequently asked questions
Are drawstring waists better than elastic for cargo pants?
Neither is better - they solve different problems. Our High Stretch cargos combine an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring so you get both, while the Top And Drawstring set uses its drawstring to switch between a defined silhouette and a relaxed all-day fit.
How do I size pants with a fixed, non-stretch waistband?
Measure rather than guess. The Zipper Straight Leg listing says to measure your hips before ordering because non-stretch fabric cannot stretch to accommodate, and to go up a size if you are between sizes.
What is the widest size range you carry?
The Everyday Essential Comfy Cargo Pants currently list S through 8XL. The men's High Stretch cargos run XS through 5XL in three lengths, and the Adjustable Straight Leg Cargo Pants run XS to XL plus 1X to 3X with 32 inch and 34 inch inseams.
Should I size up if I am between sizes?
For hips and thighs, yes. Our listings repeat one rule: fit the hip and thigh first, then tune a roomy waistband with the drawstring or a belt. On non-stretch styles the advice is explicit - if you are between sizes, go up.
Can I exchange pants that do not fit?
Yes. Contact info@cmfrtpants.com within 30 days of purchase with the item unworn, unused and with tags attached. Exchanges are subject to availability; if your size is out of stock, a refund is issued instead.
More guides from Cmfrt Pants
- How to choose cargo pants — fit, fabric and pockets
- Men’s High Stretch cargo pants — the full guide
- Women’s cargo styles explained — rise, length and cut
- Men’s pants sizing guide — waist, length and fit
Prices and specifications are from the product listings as of July 2026 and may change; see each product page for the latest.