I have been on the fence for getting these for a year. I weight lift and do cardio, not a runner, so I wasn't sure if these would be for 'me' with what I do. Well, I got them & I'm so glad I did! I got the green stripe ones. They are so fun! I'm F curvy figure, large calves, and in between sizes. I went with my smaller size per reviews, and that was the right choice so they fit my hips and waist correctly. I understand the stripes now, it's the elastic print on the outside, so it's stretchy print on top of their smooth recovery fabric. Not going to lie, I had to try not to break a nail pulling them over my feet, over my heel, and how to pull them up and into position on my larger calves. It was a workout in itself! but when they are on and positioned, SOOO happy! These are great. The waistband is that thin soft and forgiving elastic paired with their soft recovery fabric. This is not the compression tight waistband that you see on other active leggings.