If you weren't sure what the buckles are based on only front pictures, think "backpack strap"--you tighten then, and then flip them some special way and jiggle the strap to get it to come out.Basically the belt is high-quality, and it will stay on super well, but for me it was too hard to take off to go to the bathroom, etc. I ended up giving mine away and I'm looking for a replacement that clicks together