Loved these shorts but too small for me now! They are gloriously stretchy and true black, not faded black. There is some distressing along the sides but just the right amount. Pockets are shallow so the bottom of the pocket doesn't stick out - I don't like that. They are a really great pair of black shorts, a staple for everyone's closet IMO! Waist is 14.5 in across, it is high waisted. Length from top to bottom (from back side which is longest) is 13 in. I wear SZ 26 and these are pretty TTS.