A quick look at the best posture correctors
- Best for all-day wear: BackEmbrace
- Best budget-friendly: Truweo Posture Corrector for Men and Women
- Best for people with breasts: Forme Arya Bra
- Best unisex: MARAKYM Posture Corrector Back Brace for Men & Women
As you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance your shoulders are a bit hunched over, your lower back rounded, and your core muscles are anything but engaged.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
While you probably know that sitting up tall or standing with your shoulders pulled back and core engaged is how your posture should be, sometimes our body doesn’t always respond to what our mind tells us to do.
The good news? You can train yourself to adopt proper posture by adding postural exercises to your routine.
You can also cue yourself throughout the day with posture correctors. These devices can remind you of how you’re positioning your body.
We talked to two doctors to learn what to look for in a posture corrector. We also pooled their recommendations with many reviews to bring you five posture correctors worthy of your consideration.
How we chose
The posture correctors on this list come from trusted companies and manufacturers. Each one was highly recommended by two doctors who understand the importance of aligning the shoulders and spine.
We consulted Dr. Stephen Liu, clinical assistant professor in the department of orthopedic surgery at UCLA School of Medicine, and Dr. Amir Vokshoor, spinal neurosurgeon and chief of spine at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, and founder of NeuroVella Brain Spa.
Their feedback was extremely important in terms of choosing products that prioritize health and safety.
We also analyzed customer reviews on retailer websites. Since posture correctors come in different price ranges, we included products at various prices to fit every budget.
Healthline’s picks for the best posture correctors
Pricing guide
- $ = under $30
- $$ = $30–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Best for all-day wear
BackEmbrace
- Price: $$
- Pros: can be worn over clothing, stylish, and comfortable
- Cons: lack of plus sizes (max chest size is 39 inches and bra size is 42 inches)
If your budget is on the higher end, you may want to consider the BackEmbrace posture corrector.
Unlike so many posture correctors on the market, Vokshoor says BackEmbrace has uniquely adjusting straps that are extremely effective in retracting the shoulders.
“The double strap provides a customized fit over patients’ shoulders, so there’s no pinching or chafing under the arms,” he says. You can wear this posture corrector under or over clothing, and the fabric is soft.
Best budget-friendly
Truweo Posture Corrector for Men and Women
- Price: $
- Pros: affordable, lightweight, and unisex
- Cons: only supports clavicle and shoulder area
The Truweo is an affordable and high-quality posture corrector. It offers shoulder support that helps improve slouching and keeps you standing tall even after you take it off.
Since it acts as a clavicle brace, you’ll feel support while working out, sitting, walking, or doing any other daily activities. The material is lightweight and washable. Plus, it’s unisex, can be worn over or under your clothing, and the sizing is generous.
Best for people with breasts
Forme Arya Bra
- Price: $$$
- Pros: wire-free, supportive under-bust chest band, and very comfortable
- Cons: expensive, may be bulky if trying to wear with street clothes, and may not be appropriate for high-impact activities
For people with breasts, Liu recommends the Forme posture bra, especially when participating in physical activity.
This posture corrector is made with eight functional panels rather than straps and other gadgets. This makes it comfortable and compliant for long-lasting wear for all active and daily activities.
Liu says it also provides continuous body training to your muscles for posture correction, deeper breathing, and reduced neck and back tension.
Best unisex
MARAKYM Posture Corrector Back Brace for Men & Women
- Price: $
- Pros: affordable, comfortable, lightweight, and breathable
- Cons: can take some time to set up; users say that shoulder straps can be uncomfortable
If you’re looking for a posture corrector that has a low price and comes with a money-back guarantee, consider the MARAKYM posture corrector for both men and women.
You can wear this clavicle brace over your shirt or underneath your clothing. It’s made from neoprene, so it’s both comfortable and breathable. Plus, it’s fully adjustable for 28- to 48-inch chest circumferences.
Editor’s note: This product may be unavailable on Amazon.
Comparing posture correctors
| Product | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| BackEmbrace | $$ | – adjustable, seamless fit – effective at retracting the shoulders for better posture – can be worn under or over clothing – unisex |
| Truweo Posture Corrector for Men and Women | $ | – can be worn while working out, sitting, walking, etc. – material is lightweight and washable – can be worn under or over your clothing – unisex |
| Forme Arya Bra | $$$ | – made for people with breasts – comfortable for long-lasting wear and physical activity – provides continuous body training to your muscles for posture correction, deeper breathing, and reduced neck and back tension |
| MARAKYM Posture Corrector for Men & Women | $ | – affordable – comes with a money-back guarantee – made with comfortable and breathable neoprene material – unisex |
Why good posture matters
You’ve likely heard about the many benefits of having good posture. Not only does it allow you to develop strength in the areas of your body that experience the most chronic pain (for example, your lower back), but it also helps reduce the tightness in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
But good posture can also:
- boost your energy levels
- help you breathe better
- allow you to maintain proper form when exercising
- reduce your chance of injury when performing physical activity
- make you appear taller
Yes, practicing and maintaining good posture contributes to your overall well-being and ease of performing daily activities.
Most of us understand the importance of good posture, but there are times when we forget to cue ourselves to sit up straight or maintain a neutral spine.
What to look for in a posture corrector
Typing “posture corrector” in an online search bar will return pages of options. This is good news if you know what you’re looking for. Otherwise, it can feel overwhelming.
When determining which posture corrector is right for you, here are a few things to consider.
Encourages muscle activation
There are definitely benefits to bracing with the right support. However, bracing in general is a double-edged sword.
“If you’re constantly supporting the spine in a certain position, it can make the muscles in the spine atrophy and become lazy,” Vokshoor says.
With that in mind, the goal of a posture corrector should be to activate the muscles. That’s why he recommends a soft brace: It reminds the body, and our postural muscles, of the optimal place to be.
Effectiveness
Narrowing your search to posture correctors that focus on key areas can increase a product’s effectiveness. Vokshoor says the areas of posture that are most important are the:
- neck
- cervical thoracic junction
- lower back
Comfort
No matter how effective a posture corrector may be, Vokshoor says, if it’s too uncomfortable, people will struggle to wear it. And if people don’t wear it, the efficacy factor becomes irrelevant.
“I find that the most comfortable ones are also the most effective, as are the softer ones, since they tend to keep the muscles activated and prevent atrophy,” he says.
Ease of use
Vokshoor recommends posture correctors that provide support but are easily self-adjusting so people don’t have to rely on having another person around to help them put it on, take it off, and adjust the tension.
Being able to wear a posture corrector under or over clothes is also a key feature when choosing the right one for you.
Area of support
Posture correctors come in a variety of styles that support your neck, lower back, or your entire upper body. Make sure you choose a product that fits your needs and targets the area you need the most support.
Exercises you can do to improve your posture
In addition to wearing a posture corrector while at work, traveling, or doing other daily activities, you can perform exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your posture.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider trying yoga, Pilates, and core-strengthening exercises. Here are some posture-specific exercises to incorporate into your overall fitness routine:
When to see a doctor
Poor posture affects your overall health in many ways. It can cause long-term damage to your balance, immune system, and self-esteem.
That’s why it’s important to see a doctor, who will likely refer you to a physical therapist, to seek treatment and determine if there’s an underlying issue causing your poor posture.
Visit a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- frequent headaches
- pain that worsens, especially at night
- pain that radiates down your arms or legs
- breathing difficulties
- severe muscle weakness
- incontinence
- swelling or redness
Frequently asked questions
How long should I use a posture corrector?
This depends on the posture corrector that you choose. Some are meant for long-lasting use, including during physical activity, while others are only meant for short periods of time. Be sure to follow any instructions.
In general, though, you can start with 15 to 20 minutes and work your way up to longer periods. Always remember to listen to your body and do what feels most comfortable.
What should I look for in a posture corrector?
The best type of posture corrector is one that’s comfortable and effective. A soft, nonrigid corrector is a great starting point. Vokshoor says that soft material keeps the muscles activated. You’re also more likely to use it often.
Next, consider the area that needs treatment. Depending on your needs, choose from one that covers your neck, lower back, or entire upper body. You want a corrector that provides ease of use. Basically, one that you can wear on or under your clothes. The straps should be adjustable, so you have a comfortable, custom fit.
Takeaway
Maintaining proper posture throughout the day is key to preventing injuries, reducing neck and back strain, and reducing headaches.
Wearing a posture corrector a few hours a day and including posture-specific exercises in your workouts can help you train and strengthen the muscles that support your spine.
Maintaining better posture can improve your overall well-being.