The Beltaway is 100% better than the competition that's getting all the buzz. Belt and buckle are flat; the belt is 1 5/8 in. wide. Because it's sturdy elastic (not plastic), it moves with your body and it breathes while being strong enough to cinch in your jeans. It's easy to adjust while you're wearing it--an advantage if you have jeans with different rises. You don't have to air it out for days before wearing it to get rid of an awful plastic smell.