The shorts are tight. I'm a 34 waist and I got the 34-38 size L and it is tight, but so far so good. You do want this type of garment to be snug. It is less obtrusive compared to the supporters and cups I wore in HS...18 years ago, so compared to that it is much better.

I don't ever have to deal with them again once I put them on. They stay put, breathe ok and keep my shins and insteps from hurting too much.

Although I haven't been hit in the head much, it seems to do the job just fine. There may be ones that breathe better but I haven't tried them.