Men's pants don't have a lot of hip room so if you have a larger hip to waist ratio, waist size might not be the best to go on. Also its not entirely common, depending on where you shop, to find odd numbers for waist size in men's pants. I would probably start with a 30, or a 32 if you have wider hips. Find a place that has a good exchange policy if you can't try before you buy. Some people find it easier to shop at a thrift store at least until you have sizes down since, at least the ones I've been to, they have fitting rooms that you don't need to ask staff to use if you don't feel comfortable trying on men's pants. Hope something here is helpful.