I brought this to help in my weight loss. I did not purchase this in regards to trimming my stomach and waist per say. I brought this cincher to target the small area right above the top of the hip bone and right below the natural waist. Though its small concern, its what I consider my 'problem area'. I went with the vest because of previous experience with cinchers that weren't long enough for the area I was looking to target AND come up to or even under the back bra strap. I also liked the idea of targeting that stubborn back area right where the bra strap hits giving us that dreaded 'back fat' look.I read the reviews and the decided to order according the sizing chart for this item. With that said, I'm not sure if my cincher is too big than intended or if its I'm well versed in hooking multiple eyelets! (my bras usually have three-four eyelets to hook). According to the sizing chart I fell at the tail end of a medium but at the very beginning of a large depending if I went by waist measurement or hip. I erred on the safe side and went with the larger size (large). Aside from not being able to see the hooks under my boobs, the first time I put it on I was able to easily hook it on the 1st set of eyelets. Since the 2nd day I have worn the vest on the 2nd set of eyelets comfortably.I've had it for close to seven days and I've worn it most of time since I've received it. I will say that this far surpasses a normal workout 'girdle' or 'sweat belt' as its usually known. I find it to be quite comfortable. The interior is soft, with a latex exterior that looks, well, like the picture! I use my vest as a foundation garment: kind of like my bra, I don't leave home with out it on. I have slept in my vest, woken up, worn it all day at work and have even worked out it in. It is WELL MADE and of sturdy construction. The eyelets on this thing are two steps above the eyelets you would find on a good bra; industrial is the word that comes to mind!I think I should have gotten the smaller size. While it corrects my posture and I sweat with it on, its minimal and not all over. I'm aware that I have it on though its quite comfortable but again, this may be due to the fact that I should have gotten the smaller size. Reading the reviews and feedback, I think I should have had more difficulty getting it on, I should have had to wear it on the 1st eyelet longer and most importantly, I should have a much more dramatic cincher effect! For me it may only reduce my waistline by a little less than half an inch; though the other two areas are by about an inch, which is what I'm trying to lose. So visually, with one exception (later on that) I look the same. I feel perspiration in the 2-inches of area right below my shoulder blades which was a target area for me. Though I seemingly should have returned it for the smaller size, I'm happy with the large because I can wear it all day, it does its job for my personal target areas (though not my stomach) and I can work out in it. When I work out in it I have improved running posture, the vest boosts thermal activity throughout the back of my entire upper body and the problem area above my hips below my waist.Why not five stars? The downside to this vest for me is the "gentle under bust lift". Having large breasts I thought this could only be a good thing. WRONG! For me, the lift is not "gentle"; its DRAMATIC!!! I wear a 34DDD, and while the girls aren't as perky as they used to be, sag is not really an issue for me. When I tried on the vest, I had on my everyday (ugly) bra, that supports by re-distributing some of the weight of boobs (which are heavy) from my shoulders. The vest puts the girls on my neck!! So has every bra I own. Not a good look. I've been wearing a microfiber sports bra instead of an actual bra. One of those $5.00 dealies that offer no support; just are pretty much a cropped tank top? Yes, one of those. The vest makes me look like I have a VS Water Bra on; cleavage for days! The other down size is that its not seamless. For me personally, and much emphasis on because of the sizing issue, the boning sometimes (slightly) bulges in weird places. And that may because after the it passes my underbust, there is about a half-inch of space until the top of hips. To its credit, even with its industrial eyelet closure and latex exterior, its pretty damn close to seamless! I've worn a few seamless shirts and just layered a tank under; you can't tell I have anything on. *see notation on the lack of dramatic effect* It should go without saying that the vest isn't as versatile as just the waist cincher for certain tops and dresses, but for me that's not a deal breaker.All that said and my poor sizing choice aside, if I could I'd give it four and a half stars. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking to streamline their curves for a night and/or on an ongoing basis! I would recommend that you keep the tags on for a few wears (I didn't) in case you find you need to exchange for a smaller size. I'm looking forward to my delivery of the classic waist cincher; in a smaller size of course!