I was looking for something that can hold my pants but doesn't look like a belt. I don't like how the belt digs into the waist, especially the buckle. I sit at the computer all day and sometimes I get a rash from a dented belt. So I only wear a belt when necessary. While not as stiff and thick as the belt, it was still noticeable when worn, leaving redness along the waistline. The buckle is small but the plastic is tough so it still digs in like a regular belt buckle. Also, due to the elasticity, the strap will fly back when loosened. Then you need to reach back and pull it through the front belt loops. I hoped so.