I'm not sure I agree with, "order a size smaller," but once you find the right size, these jeans are great. I am 5'7" and have a 36" waist (measured at the bellybutton) and an hourglass figure. I wear jeans ranging from a 10 tall to a 14, depending on brand and style. These jeans, I ordered in a 14. They are very stretchy, and a little looser than I would ideally like through the hip, but they are super comfy and look great. They sit just below my bellybutton. They are very fitted, and although I could wear the 12, the waist is snug and it produces the dreaded muffin top, which I can't stand. If you have a small waist, you can do a smaller than normal style, because they are very stretchy - and the nicest stretchy denim ever. Love them.