This review is based on a month of use where I lost enough inches to need the next size down. I'm basing my feedback on this item for its role in helping to me to gain that hourglass look both when I'm wearing it and when I'm not.

I'm short, only 5' 3'' so I am withholding a star due to the fact that it doesn't fit quite right at the bottom. Other than that I'm thrilled with the product. I've been in a two year struggle with weight loss after an illness that had me immobile or nearly so for long periods of time, on a medication that increased my appetite. After losing over 100 pounds, I'm now closing in my college weight.

Up until this point, I'd mostly been increasing my general activity and changing my eating style. Right now I'm on a cross between Atkins and the 3 hour diet. It was working well as far as weight loss but I wasn't quite the shape I wanted. I'm still not strong enough for the level of exercise I'd like to get to, so I got the Squeem waist cincher, after wanting it for two years.

The day I first put it on was a struggle, it was a little tight. But the difference under my clothes was dramatic, and two ladies noticed the change immediately, thinking I'd lost weight. I started wearing it every day for 8 hours. The next week, I put it on then pulled out my "skinny" jeans just for fun, as they were a size too small the day I bought the girdle. I slid them on easily, without laying down - ladies you know what I mean. I put a summer shirt on over it and you couldn't tell I had the cincher on.

It's now just about a month later, and I'm buying the next size down. I'm thinking it might be better for those of us who are short to get either the vest or the body-suit version:
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Squeem-Magical-Lingerie-Shapewear-Firm-Compression-Cotton-Rubber-Short-Vest-Nude-2-XL/dp/B000QWBQQO/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Squeem Magical Lingerie Shapewear, Firm Compression, Cotton & Rubber, Short-Vest, Nude, 2 XL</a>

Ladies, if you need a little extra help AND want to shape your body, try this. I have my hourglass figure back for the first time since Before I was sick. I'm more confident and happier because of this product.

PS- The illness I'm recovering from affected my spine and this thing gives great support there too.