I am a first-time waist trainer user. I think the breathable is better than the regular one.  I was able to move into the middle hooks from the widest hooks after only one week of wearing. So far i like it. Not too tight for me. Waist 30" and size M, I can wear 20 hours per day (even during sleep) on the widest hooks.

But, the only problem is I think it is a little bit long. It is hard for me to bend and sit for long hours. I will get the short version as well and keep wearing for months!