So, let me first say I have a smaller waist but very large hips/butt/thighs.  Almost all of my pants/shorts have a gap at the back of my waist.  Having said that, I HATE wearing belts because of the big buckle that sticks out in the front.  I was unsure of these belts and how they would work "just being elastic."  I absolutely love it!  It is strong enough to hold my pants up so that I'm not pulling my pants up all day but there is no buckle.  Your shirt genuinely lays flat so that you can not see it!  I will never go back to a normal belt.