I was very excited to get my first piece of sexy shape wear. I normally don't like things that change my shape, but the idea of lingerie that would feel tight and controlling really appealed to my submissive side. Unfortunately, I broke up with my boyfriend the day the cinch arrived in the mail. I now had no one to tighten it, and no one to wear it for in the bedroom.

I decided that as a new toy, I could not wait until I had someone to tie me into it. I needed to try it immediately. I fastened up the hook and eyes on the front of the cinch. I then reached behind to see if I could tighten it a bit without assistance. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could take in my waist in three inches on my own. If you can tie a bow behind your back, you can put this on yourself. The ribbon slides easily when you pull, but the bow has yet to come loose when I've tied it. Some people may need assistance to put the cinch on, but many should be able to do it on their own.

I ordered the large. At its loosest, the cinch is 35 inches at the waist. It can be cinched to a slim 28 inches at the waist. These are not flexible numbers, so be sure you order the right size. It would be nice if the cinch came in larger sizes. I am by far not the largest person I know. The large fits me well (I'm between a US 12 and 14), but it won't work on people larger than me.

Hand wash in cool water and let it drip dry when you need to clean it.

The one little issue with the design is that when the laces are loosened, the privacy panel does not cover the entire gap. This can lead the panel to get a little wonky once you start cinching. But it is so minimal. I often fold away the privacy panel when I wear it over clothing anyway to let my shirt show through.

The lining has almost a fleecy feel to it and is comfortable against the skin. Overall, the cinch is a bit uncomfortable, but anything this tight will be uncomfortable. But it is a tied up, fun, sexy type of uncomfortable. Do be aware that corsets and cinches can do damage to your body if you wear them regularly. If you feel a bad pain, loosen or remove the cinch immediately.

The boning inhibits movement, so while sexy, it may limit which positions you can get into if you are wearing it during sex. It seems like it would be ideal for sex since there is access to boobs, and genitals, but shifting positions is difficult when you can’t bend at the waist. It also inhibits the wearers ability to thrust if worn tightly.

I have been wearing it over other clothing as an accessory. It turns a cute outfit into one that screams "Sexy!" I've even worn it with a white sun dress and petticoats to pull off a steam punk look at a music gig. I tend to wear it snug, but not completely tight when I wear it out. I have worn it under clothing as well. If you do that the laces may show in the back depending on what you are wearing. When completely tight it can cause shortness of breath, so you want to be careful with how strenuous an activity you are planning.

I have been having lots of fun with the cinch, and have been able to use it with more outfits than I thought I would. It is well made, and way cheaper than most corsets. If you have the measurements that work with this item, I can't recommend it enough.

I use this cinch regularly. It is strong, solid and sexy. I have used it for both steampunk and superhero cos play, for clubbing, and for nice nights out. It is versatile and I can't recommend it highly enough.