Ratchet straps have won me over forever. I am a 68 inch male with a slim athletic build and a waist of about 32. The quality of these tie down straps is excellent. The skin seemed strange at first, but it quickly passed. The ratchet keeps my waist secure all day, right where I'm most comfortable. Then I pull the buckle and it opens immediately. That's all! The reclosing is similar to any normal belt: I thread the end through the buckle as usual. Snap-click-click-click-click! Right where I like it! This process is also gentle on the skin, I've been wearing my ratchet strap for over a year, but it doesn't bend or tear the skin. highly recommended.