I have never owned anything like this before, so the tightness took a little getting used to. I am pushing 50 now, so I have a little back fat around the rib area of my back, and a pooch in the belly...this item helps to smooth that out so that the back fat disappears and the pooch is not so pronounced.  I can wear fitted items again without feeling so self conscious! I have heard of people doubling up on their spanx...I tried this item together with another minimizing item that covered my waist and butt area, but the combination made me look bulky in the middle.  So, for me, one minimizing item at a time works wonderfully!