I ordered this waist cincher because, although petite overall (5'4 & 107 lbs.), I have a very "straight" figure with little waist definition and I have always wanted more of an hourglass shape.  I also have poor posture and occasional low back pain, and I have heard that a firm compression shaper could help with both of these things.

I have had this shaper for several weeks now and have been wearing it on and off.  I am giving it 4 stars because, while you are wearing it, it truly does fulfill its promise of changing your shape.  For the first time in my 30+ years, I have curves!!  While wearing it, it makes an instant and very noticeable difference in the way I look.  It also feels good on my low back because it holds me in proper alignment.  For me, that is the biggest reason for wearing it and I would use it for this reason alone.  I cannot speak to whether it would make any permanent difference in one's shape/weight because I am not using it for that purpose and currently only wear it a few times per week.  That is also why I am not giving it 5 stars--because I know that expectation of permanent results is there for some people with respect to this product and I personally don't have that answer.  I therefore reserve one star.

Another reason I chose to write this review is to help with accurate sizing.  The smallest point of my natural waist runs between 25 and 26 inches depending on "the time of the month" and I ordered the Extra Small (designed for natural waists 25-27 inches).  It was definitely the correct size.  I can fasten the outer set of eyelets with minimal difficulty but have no desire as of yet to attempt the inner set of eyelets (which, honestly, would be daunting;-).  I understand that the idea is to eventually be able to fasten the inner set of eyelets with minimal difficulty after consistently wearing this product for awhile on a daily basis.  Also, for reference, upon fastening the outer set of eyelets, my waist is reduced by exactly 1 inch.  I hope this helps.