These are definitely not the same as the older version of the Powersoft biker shorts.... With the older ones, I always purchased Medium but could have fit in small size - would of been tight but I could have. With these new ones, I was afraid I was going to break the waistband elastic!! There is WAY... less give and it is maybe half the width of the older ones. With the lack of give in the waistband elastic, I might not be able to wear them. The thighs fit fine. It's just the band that makes it difficult to get it over my butt. With this new version, I feel the waistband elastic will dig into you. I bought a pair of small 4" Powersoft biker shorts. What a joke.... The pockets are also different. Not sure that the new design makes any difference. I had no problem with the old pockets and I'm sure these new pockets will be just fine also. Anyway, I doubt I'll buy any more of these until they fix the waistband elastic... may return the 3 pairs of these ones... Not sure why they can't leave well enough alone! The other ones had so many great reviews so why do you feel the need to change something that clearly works?!