This is actually a really nice garment. I love trying new shapewear and this is a fave. As far as sizing down, I think with my usual size it is more of a smoother than compressing (which i dont mind becausemy waist is small but i have a lower abdominal pooch I like to smooth out) . I'm fine with wearing the Large, but Out of curiosity I'm going to size down to a medium and see what happens. Usually I don't do that with shorts shapewear because I have big thighs, but the legs in these are soft and actually have a lot of give in my normal size. So I think a medium might extremely snatch my waist but not leave an indentation in my thighs. My stats: 5'10, 31in waist, 43in hips, 36G Bra (perky implants). Thick muscular thighs, big calves.

Rolls up on the thighs.