when I took these shorts out of the package I could feel instantly that they are well made..the material is very firm for compression but also soft and has a good deal of give and stretch....I have worn it outside underneath my skirts..since the weather is still cold out I have it worn around the house as shorts for compression and then when I put a skirt on to go outside and run errands they serve as a nice compression for my stomach ..its giving support and more of a flattening affect, and they of course work perfectly as shorts that give some firmness and support..I recommend.