Rothco Vintage Paratrooper Shorts

The size on these shorts runs very large. I am a size 8, ordered an 8 and they ended up fitting my mother who is a solid size 12. I loved the look and the material. I ended up giving to my mother who says they are her favorite hiking shorts. They are longer and have nice size pockets for storing all those things you may want handy on your hike. She loves the drawstring waist so as the day wears on she can cinch them to still fit snug around her waist. Getting ready to order them again but this time going for a size 4-6. Would defiantly recommend these for the day hiker!

I have these shorts in black, khaki, and army green. Love them! They are really durable. They hold up well after multiple washes. I especially like the drawstring waist tie, even though it's not really needed most of the time. I have worn these swimming and the waist tie string is helpful to keep them on when they get wet. On one pair of army green shorts, the zipper broke after a year or so (the pull tab on the zipper broke off). I ordered a new pair right away. Will buy again if/when they eventually wear out.

The drawstring in the waist is excellent, not to short as to be useless like other advertised shorts. Material is great and fits to size. Only "concern" is zipper seems to be a bit tricky and I wonder if that's because of its quality. Would buy again.

A mang there cool .can't wait to wear them

First of all, order a size LARGER than you would normally. China's idea of waist size is not the same as Western even though their "chart" lists them as such: if you're 38-42 in waist, get the x-large, the "large" (supposedly fits up to 39") won't work. Heck, I'd be surprised if a 36" waist would fit in the "large": 38 does NOT.Second of all, as with all of these Rothco garments, make sure to go over them - inside AND out - for ropes (loose threads). Before wearing or washing, burn all the ropes you find outside AND inside to prevent unraveling later or in the wash. Make sure to check inside the pockets as well. Oh, yeah. You should also take the time out to use a needle and thread to re-enforce the buttons all around the shorts: they don't use enough thread for a solid hold.The "normal" front pockets are deep enough but a bit small. I have only average size hands - not small, not large - but I have to sort of fold my hands to reach in to them to pull stuff out. They're not bad, just another little thing. The "drawstrings" are not all that useful, they don't really allow you to tighten anything. And, I'm not going to apply great pressure on them to see if that loosens them up enough to work.All the above said, I really like the garments once I give them the going over. They ARE durable and great for utility and everyday wear. I've got several of Rothco's "para" style pants that I love. And, they've held up well over the winter. These shorts are NOT sized the same as those pants, but I've done my best to give you an idea how to order on the size issue. The leg length IS to my knees, in the style all the kids seem to favor for longer "shorts" length. Again, if you follow the care I've outlined above, these will be some pretty durable shorts for spring/summer.The reason for 3 instead of 4 stars are two reasons: first, the size issue. They really should adjust their "size chart" on the item to reflect reality instead of wishful thinking. They would prevent a lot of shipping costs, on their part, when you have to send them back because their chart is misrepresenting the product. My second reason for 3 instead of 4 stars is PRICE. You can get Wrangler, or Faded Glory cargo shorts for $7-$10 less, and they're a lot less hassle before wearing them. How many they'll sell at this $26-$27 price, I don't know. But, they'd sell more if they were more competitive. For me, I like this style enough to shell out the extra (buttons all around, reinforced seating and pockets) for one - MAYBE two - set. But, I can see where most people would not want to shell out that kind of cost.

Update: I went ahead and bought the larger size thinking they would fit better, but I swear I must have shrank because they're HUGE. So the large is too small and the XL feels like a bedsheet. Seriously there's a 5 inch gap between my stomach and the waistline plus they suddenly became longer with the size increase because they're halfway down my shin. Not sure what's going on but the sizes are a bust. Speaking of bust I went back to managing with the regular large size shorts. On the first day of not needing a belt to wear them, I had to climb into my truck as normal (it's normal height) and the crotch exploded on me. This wasn't a small hole either, it was massive.Needless to say the quality is absolute garbage. Just do yourself the favor of going to a surplus store, buying a $5 pair of camo pants, take them to a tailor, pay $10 to have them made into shorts, and watch them last forever. I'll never buy Rothco again. Worst quality ever.The size didn't fit as expected. Someone said a size 38 would be a large, but I'm squeezing into mine like a fat guy in a little coat. Also the crotch blew out on the 2nd time I wore them. That said I'm going to get an XL and try again. I mean it's rothco so don't expect the best quality. It's like a Navy Seal wearing Wal-Mart gear.

Quality:Just as described, looks like the pictures provided.The fabric used is sturdy and comfortable.The colors i ordered (Khaki & Olive Drab) came in new/unused condition. And so there's some creases from the folding and packaging, but it sorts out after some wearing.No complaints but a few pointers as mentioned in other reviews; the zipper's a bit difficult. Shouldn't break with proper handling.Buttons may need reinforcing (Sewn button loops) as the loop can undo itself if you pull to hard.Size:I'm around 168cm (66 Inches or 5½ feet) tallApprox~76cm (30 Inches) waist~82cm (32 Inches) hipOrdered size Medium on both, wasn't quite sure if they'd be way to large. Fits nicely but loose without belt (A belt and the drawstrings inside helps, alot.)they reach down to the kneecaps and cover them.Measured the size flat on the floor: 43x2cm (17 Inches x2)Out of context:Overall i'm really satisfied with this purchase. Price, order & shipping speed plus the packing.Placed order the 8 Sep with Army Universe, was sent same day. Arrived today the 15th here in Sweden. Flawless shipping speed!