Medium is not an identical waist range across these two HDE shorts. The stretch twill listing gives Medium as 29–30 inches; the linen-blend drawstring listing gives Medium as 29–30.5 inches. Compare your measurement with the chart for the exact pair rather than ordering by the letter alone.
One measurement, two chart entries
Take a hypothetical natural-waist measurement of 30.5 inches. It sits at the upper end of the linen-blend Medium range. It is above the twill Medium range, while the twill Large range starts at 31 inches. The published twill ranges therefore leave that particular measurement between entries. Do not silently round it down or assume fabric stretch supplies a stated allowance; ask for sizing clarification if the chart leaves your measurement unresolved.
These are the listings' recommended body-waist ranges, not measurements of the waistband laid flat. Measuring a pair of shorts across the top and comparing that single width directly with 29–30 inches would mix two different measurements.
Adjustment and size are separate decisions
The stretch twill chino shorts list a 5-inch inseam, two-way stretch and a zip fly with button closure. None of those features changes the written Medium waist range. Belt loops allow a styling option, but a belt does not establish the fit through the hips or legs.
The linen-blend shorts have a high-rise adjustable drawstring waist, a 4-inch inseam and two front slash pockets. The tie can adjust the selected garment, but the listing does not state a separate maximum expansion measurement. It would be a guess to turn the word “adjustable” into extra inches.
Keep the chart attached to the product
Write down the product name beside the size you are considering. For example, a 29.5-inch natural waist falls within both published Medium ranges; that still does not mean the cuts or overall fit are identical. Check any additional measurements in each full product chart, then confirm the selected color and size before adding to the cart.
If you are comparing other sizes, read those entries independently too. Twill Small is listed as 27–28 inches and linen-blend Small as 27–28 inches, but matching one entry does not make every entry in the two charts interchangeable.
Use our general measurement guidance with each garment chart, browse Women's Shorts, and see the belt-or-drawstring packing exercise for a separate styling decision. Check the return conditions before laundering or altering a new pair.
Waist ranges, construction details and catalog images checked October 11, 2026, US Eastern time. Numerical examples describe chart interpretation, not a guaranteed personal fit or measured garment dimensions.