Belt is functional, and reversible - just as advertised. The best feature to me is that it comes with an easy latch to shorten the belt to just the right length. I shortened so the tightest setting (hole) is the right one, but I'll probably shorten one more, so I have an extra hole -- just in case I lose a little more weight.Black side is black; brown side is a medium brown (so you don't wonder which is which).Buckle is nice, and matches both colors well.Packaged well, in its own box - could be given as a gift without any additional packaging!