Personal rant. Over the past 5 years I've gained substantial weight as my ability to run has been severely limited due to many issues, most notably hip and knee arthritis. I'm almost 66. I've gone from a 31" waist at 165 lb to a 36" waist and 205 lb. I also blame my wife's great cooking. My thighs have always been large and pants difficult to fit. I buy a larger waist size to fit my thighs, not my waist. For work though I always buy the correct waist size and have night played dress pants. 1/2