While practicing one-steps one day, I managed to finally rip a hole into my last bottoms, a poor quality lightweight pair that had lasted me 5 years. So when purchasing a new pair, I felt that in addition to some durability, the stretchy waistband was one of the more important features to get, since I don't want to pay for a heavyweight gi and the drawstring waist is such a pain (plus I've had at least one drawstring fray into oblivion). These are great. I've used them a couple of times now and am happy with the waistband and the weight of the fabric. The only thing I didn't like is that they come extreamly starched, which is great for popping kicks, but is a little scratchy on your skin, especially in the wrinkled parts of the waistband. We'll see what happens in the wash.