I actually measured everything, and this works - what I discovered is that I probably need to take off more than 1" at my waist! Slimming is only part of the reason I wear a girdle - I also appreciate it keeping my backside under cover in low-waist jeans, and keeps me from self-consciously adjusting my clothing. For this, it worked just fine, although it lost it's stretch after a month or so. If you are looking for something to use to loose an inch, this will work well! But if you're looking for a regular foundation to add, it's not a long-term purchase. I gave this to my sister to wear after she had a baby, since it stretched out so much it no longer worked for me. But what a miracle! An inch off the hip/waist in a month!
If you buy the corrective belt and you are between sizes 8-10 the Small will be VERY small. It may be a good product still so I will exchange for a bigger size perhaps 2 sizes up.