I bought this top because I needed a specific outfit for a dance showcase. I needed a white collar shirt, but short to show a sinched in waist. Now this was amazing when I had my arms down, when I lift my arms by whole stomach is out.. haha.. The stretch in the back is effective. One complaint that I do have is that the middle of the top is open. So if you are busty, just be careful :) Another thing to note is that it is 100% polyester, so breathability is low. Otherwise, it is very pretty.