I have purchased at least 8 of these bras.  It truly does smooth, minimize and pleasantly shape while providing good support and comfort. I have been wearing this bra for at least the last 3 years and I won't buy anything else.  Worth the money.  I machine wash and dry these and they last a long time.  The underwire is plastic and has been the part that has ended the life of the bras (I would say they last at least 9-12months with frequent washing and wearing).  I'm sure if you hand washed or at least air dried they would last even longer.