I prefer this pair of belts to those I bought at my local department store. These CHAOREN belts are also slightly narrower (1-3/16" vs. 1-5/16" for department store belts). This makes it quicker and easier to insert into belt loops. Additionally, simply lifting the front edge of the buckle releases the pawl. With department store belts, you had to fiddle with the release on the bottom edge of the buckle. CHAOREN belts leave no noticeable indentations (where regular belts can have holes) showing how much a person's waist size can change from the first time the belt is worn. I am satisfied and expect to purchase these belts again for future needs rather than trying other similar belts.