Having a comfortable waistband on your shorts is very important if you want to spend hours on the hiking trails. Elastic waistbands are really comfortable because they flex and move with you and are not restrictive. Partially elastic waistbands are good because they provide a snug fit whilst leaving room to move and breathe and won’t dig in. If the waistband isn’t elastic then it could potentially chafe or put pressure on your abdomen. To avoid this, go for a waistband that is lined with a soft, brushed material to provide additional comfort.