Have worn size L. bike shorts and tights for all my time, these tights were ordered as size L, and are branded as size L, but seem much tighter than ALL my collection ( 20? who knows? ) of bike shorts and tights. Also, no ankle zips.
do like the reflective strips, and they do seem well finished, but will try to exchange them for the
next size up ( tho I shudder to think of myself as a size XL ) OR re-gift them to smaller son ;- )
Not sure the pockets would be useful but would give them a try.