I purchased this in 2005 or there abouts. I can only recall wearing it once and is in excellent condition. I was thinner then but I do recall that it held everything in and was firm but not restrictive. It has a kick pleat at the back to make walking easy. It is hard to capture how well these types of dresses fit and how they are cut to flatter. It has 2 stitched bands across the waist and tailoring to the bust which stops the straps from buckling or dropping off the shoulders. It has a side zip closure with a hook and eye.