Under my 'prenes? Well I'd say about 7 3/4", soft! Talking about the draw string over lap of my sweat pants after tightening them. On relavtively warmer days I just were jeans under them.

But I also use my Hodgeman breathables in less snaggy bank areas, with less sticker bushes. But the last 2 pair of these have developed leaks that shouldn't have. First pair in both stocking feet and the current pair I got a big one near the crotch (seriously). That is a bad place to have one! I can't find any holes by visual inspection so I guess it's into the tub for tests. Or maybe just replace them on warranty. There is no sign of abuse in them at all, and hasn't been. Has anyone esle had bad luck with Hodgeman waders leaking easily?