It gives a place, where, if one is not female with the ever transitioning waistline of fashion designers, one can count on clothing not to interfere. Stick it in your love handles, and you may see a waist line of pants, a belt, a waist belt for a hiking pack providing you grief. I only point this out as a former avid backpacker, while also being a guy who can count on the waist being where the waist was anatomically placed.

Two Cents and this thought will buy you absolutely nothing, anywhere,
Mark56