Good firmness BUT. . . .
"The type of thread used for the stitching to create the waistband is NOT as stretchy as the main fabric of the tights! And the nature of the waistband (a tube with a stretchy strap that can be "buttoned" to a particular waist size) was not something that was described clearly. . . I had worn that kind of thing years ago - not useful for someone pear-shaped like I am. It was VERY hard to get the tights ON, and up and over my bottom, even though they were actually plenty large enough everywhere when they were in place. I was really thinking I would have to return them. BUT I persevered, and got them on - and then they were comfortable and very supportive! That's why I gave them 4 stars. The color is just the same as the regular "natural/tan" skin tone - I was expecting something paler which is what I had been hoping for to wear under white pants."