Athleta shorts size question

[Susie]

I got my Pulse 2 in 1 shorts yesterday, and I'm kind of questioning the size.  I've never tried anything from LLL to compare to, but I wear a Medium in all my other athletic bottoms:  tri shorts, Under Armor shorts, Sugoi tights, CB tights, etc.  So I got the medium, and... they're pretty big.  

On one hand, they definitely won't hug my mini-muffin top, so I could wear them with just a sports bra all summer, which is kind of a nice thought.  Things with tight waistbands make me self conscious about that.  On the other hand, I think I might rely the drawstring, and the under-layer definitely isn't compressing anything.

Does it sound like I want to size down?  Or should I stick with what I've got?  There's no Athleta near me, so if I want the smalls it'll be another week or so.

[wambam]

I think everything at Athleta is a tad big. I wear a medium everywhere. But I'm swimming in Athleta medium.

[boston340]

What size of jeans do you wear? I'm usually about a 4/27 and like you, generally wear a medium in shorts. I just couldn't get the pulse shorts to work for me though, I was in between sizes (small and medium) and they just didn't seem quite right. If in doubt though, I prefer my shorts a smudge big rather than a smudge small.

Sorry, this is probably unhelpful. I did just buy a couple of pairs of Brooks shorts that I've been happy with - they have free shipping and free returns - try them out!

[gt7301b]

My compression layer is tight, but doesn't create a muffin top. I'd size down in your case.

[clseale]

IMO, all of their shorts run large.

[sadlebred]

+1 All of their shorts run large.

[shelbyann]

They certainly run larger than Lulu. I think their sizing is pretty consistent with Gap, BR, etc who definitely do the vanity sizing thing.