Don't worry about the code. I also have some x country fleece pants that have those tabs. I forget what brand, but you are right, they don't lay flat if the tabs are cinched in all of the way. And yes, what you said about the sizes make sense. I am a 0 at the Loft, which is crazy... but yesterday I had to go to the mall for the first time in almost a year to buy some Clinique moisturizers that I can't get locally. While I was there, I went into a regular Ann Taylor store to buy a sweater and a pair of velvet pants for dress up. I fit perfectly into the size 2 and the modern fit jeans, which I like were actually a bit tight. I didn't buy those, but it proved that the Loft, which is the closest local store to me has huge size creep. I will take the Alpstars to get cinched in the back if I have to, because I see great possibility for them, especially when we go up north and I want warm pants for going out at night, but I want them to look good.
And my husband has had size issues with athletic clothes lately. He is short, too, well 5' 7". He has always been a medium in tops and now he has to get smalls most of the time. He is not that skinny, average to slim, but definitely not super small. I told him they need petites for men!
I feel bad for my son, who is 5' 6.5 and weighs 116.