Brayden, I've had a lot of trouble with sizing those darn loveboat binders. I don't know who figures them out. I actually got an Extra large. Honest that I don't wear an extra large anything. I think their size puts me into a medium. Yikes it was tight. Ok, maybe my tolerance is very very low. I have Asperger's and lots of sensory problems. I just decided to go nuts and try the extra large. I'm not recommending this necessarily, but actually looks great. I don't notice the problems with the sides, but then I haven't really worn it yet--- just tried it on.
--Jay