This is a quality ratchet strap and for me the only belt worth owning. The ratchet straps are snug even on Thanksgiving and pair well with skinny jeans, which I think need a tighter waist. The mechanism on this belt is my favorite look. There's a little button at the end that you have to pull to release - as easy as it gets. I only had to cut about four inches, but you can adjust to size. I used metal scissors to cut through the leather to achieve the perfect fit.