My waist is 36, I just purchased another columbia belt 40 and it fit was perfect but this 40 was a little big. The picture of the belt on Amazon was much nicer than the belt I received. The oil did not absorb into the leather in the front of the belt. I did not want to go throurgh the bother of sendind it back so I took some needs foot oil and went over it. someone should have better quality control.