I thus had to resort to Google to find more information about these AWI shorts, and obviously that site had some answers. AWI is the sales name of American Wave International, and this company is dealing with wetsuits and sports protection gear. These shorts are some padded compression shorts, made with 8 oz Lycra/nylon. According to their website size Small will fit waist 28-30" so it was clear that they would fit very tight on my 34" waist. In 2013 the company was in process of moving and the website has not been updated since 2006, so I hardly believe the company still exists...