Update - So sad....

Like I said, I had one for the longest time. Never failed me and then I gave it away. Got a replacement and not too long after, the plastic buckle cracked, leaving the rest of the belt useless. I think they should come up with a metal buckle in order to avoid this kind of issue. Now I have bought a few of the military style belts with metal buckles that can be switched around and all and they are also VERY flat, which was the whole point in buying these plastic belts anyway!

Well, kind of glad I didn't get many more after the previous review.....

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Dear all, so glad that I found this smelly plastic belt. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Will order another 4 or 5 so that I can have a lifetime supply of it.

Ok, explaining the statement above:

1. tough cheap plastic feel: My first thought when I got it last year "WHAT?! $20.00 for this plastic crap?!" After prolonged daily use, I realized that this is actually what I wanted. It only feels like that, but it is actually plastic of very good quality for the job! Imagine a soft/jelly-ish belt that has to hold your pants and waist together, how is this thing gonna work? It is not gonna because it has no strength like this tough plastic belt.  I gave mine away in August in Brazil, thinking "I'll just get another one when I get back to US." Big mistake! Most of the Invisibelt are "New and Improved". This means that they are more malleable and softer. PROBLEM: the belt adjustment would not stay in place, thus, not holding things together as it should. That's when I realized that the tough plastic is actually the one that worked. It took me 4 months to find this item, just like the old one I had. So happy!!! FYI: I did order the "New and Improved" invisibelt, but had to return them (yes, I got 2 of them, thinking that they were the same as my old ones) because they were having the issue described above.

2. Bad smell: YES, it does small BAAAAAD when you first open the container. Don't know why? My old one only smelled like plastic. Anyhow, what you can do is to put it in a sink, filled with hot tap water and some laundry detergent of your choice. Let it sit in there for about 10 minutes. It will get rid of the bad smell and soften the plastic. After that, wipe the belt dry with a towel and let it air dry. Promise, it'll be much better! I got mine yesterday and that's what I did. I am happily wearing it right now :-D

My tummy is once again, FLAT! ( I hated all the pictures taken while I was wearing regular belts as it always seemed that I had a belly, all because of the buckle.....ugh....)

It's a great product, just wish that the price wouldn't be so high....for plastic.....

Enjoy!!