I purchased 2 buckles and 4 straps for myself. The straps are way more sturdy than I expected and the buckles are so thin! It really doesn't show through my clothes! The real reason I bought these belts though is because I have an allergy to many metals and belt buckles have almost always destroyed the skin on my tummy because they are thick and when I bend they rub on my skin. I break out in a terrible rash and it itches for weeks after wearing a normal belt once. Usually. I thought maybe with how thin these are they might not rub. I am beyond happy to report that after wearing a Grip6 belt everyday for a week I have not had any breakouts, no itching, and my pants stayed up! I did take off one star because I wish there were more styles of women's buckles. I would love to see some cutouts or other etched buckles released.