Elastic in the waistband: in the drop down section there will be an option to either add elastic in the waistband or to opt out. The fabric itself is stretchy and sturdy enough that it doesn't need elastic but if you prefer it, please let me know. I made this an option because some children (like my daughter) prefer the pants without the elastic as it's more comfortable for her! Kids grow so fast, so we are constantly having to purchase more pants for them to fit in for the next couple of months until the next growth spurt happens. This is ultimately hurting our wallets and the planet. Did you know the average American throws out about 82 pounds of textile waste per year? And clothes can take up to 40 years to decompose! By making to switch to grow with me pants, you're saving our planet from pounds of unnecessary waste. Mother Earth Company's grow with me pants are stretchy, comfortable and durable. There's an elastic band on the top of the pants that makes it super easy to fit all different size waists and can be rolled up or down. There's also cuffs on the bottom of the pants that can be rolled up or down to match your child's height. The pants are perfectly stretchy enough to fit cloth diapers as well so there's no more having to purchase pants in the next 2 sizes up just so your baby can fit them with their fluffy butt! I offer different sizes in grow with me pants and I will be adding more sizes, I promise! I also have tons of different prints to choose from in my shop if you'd like to check those out as well!