This is an impressive knee brace! Sizing on this is very important, so do make sure to measure your leg as described (6" above your knee) to get the circumference of your leg. That is key to the brace fitting properly. I was "blessed" with thick thighs. I have never been able to wear any accessories that ended at the thigh area even when I was technically under weight. This includes every single knee brace I have ever tried- and there have been many since I have been suffering with knee pain for the last 8+ years. The best I had been able to do until this brace was to wrap a wide ace bandage around my knee and then not move until it was time to take it off. I just wore this for 10 hours straight. I shoveled snow in it. I climbed stairs. I did laundry, made beds, walked my dogs, and just generally lived my life all with this knee brace supporting my left knee. I didn't have any discomfort from the brace. There was no sweating under the fabric. It actually stayed in place- I truly cannot get over that, nor can I overstate my total and complete awe or this product. I even had my moments of sitting and putting my feet up while wearing the brace (post snow shoveling). The dial is really cool. I think the brace would've stayed in place without it, but that seemed to be where the higher level of support for my knee came from. I could be way off, but it seemed like that adjustment was where the knee pain went from a 7.5 on the pain scale down to a 3. To loosen the tension, you simply turn the dial counterclockwise and pull. I was a little nervous I would break something, but it worked exactly as directed. This is definitely a good value. It's hard to find a brace that stays put, is breathable, and is so comfortable and supportive you almost forget you're wearing it!