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You've tried everything in your quest for better posture. You've bought a lumbar support pillow, upgraded to a more ergonomic office chair, even tried one of those standing desks you keep hearing about. But you're still struggling with slumped shoulders and a back so hunched over you feel like ringing the bells at Notre Dame.
If it's time to get serious about the way you stand, the answer is obvious: a posture corrector. But before you start getting lost in visions of cumbersome braces and overly restrictive straps, know that the posture corrector space nowadays has a wide array of subtle designs that can fit any lifestyle.
From simple shoulder straps to full back coverage, support specially designed for sitting and sensors that work with your smartphone, these simple posture-assisting systems aim to help you develop better habits through training and muscle memory.
The Best Posture Correctors
What to Consider
Comfort: While a posture corrector is inherently going to involve repositioning your shoulders and back out of their default slouch, that small adjustment shouldn't be agony. Choosing a posture corrector that isn't comfortable can ultimately end up doing more harm than good.
Like buying anything wearable online, you won’t fully know just how well it fits until you’ve put it on, but give some consideration to the design of these posture correctors in terms of where they’re worn, how they’re secured, and how much cushioning they provide. You know your body, so you know what kind of support works best for it.
Coverage: Posture correctors can range from slender straps that simply pull back the shoulders to those that provide a full back brace. Identify what parts of your posture could use the most assistance, and be sure to select a design that offers the right coverage for you.
Lifestyle: This is all about developing better habits, right? Sure, maybe a more bulky full-back brace might be best from a purely objective standpoint, but if a smaller, less obtrusive design is going to be the one you're more likely to wear every day, then that's the way to go.
How We Chose
Naturally, since every body is different, there’s no definitive answer to what the all-around “best” posture corrector is for any one person. Instead, we tried to find consensus choices that addressed specific needs many of us have when it comes to our postures and lifestyles. That meant turning to user reviews on Amazon and other sites, as well as checking the pulse of the posture corrector conversation on social media sites such as TikTok, where the topic has generated over 200 million posts and counting.
In the end, the best posture correctors are the ones you can stick to and see results with. We’ve collected the best posture correctors and back braces that wearers swear by, to ensure that you’re able to have more confidence in the way you sit and stand, and cut down on errant aches and pains in the process.
Pros
- Velcro straps are easy to adjust, and stay put
- Can fit under sweaters or other clothing
- Full back coverage
Cons
- Taller users have reported the lumbar straps riding up at times
When it comes to posture correctors, there's a fair number of pitfalls many models stumble into. That this Fit Geno posture corrector avoids them all is what puts it at the top of our list.
Where many posture correctors on the market target only the shoulders, this posture corrector and back brace combo offers total support for your shoulders and spine.
Where some correctors can be obtrusive and obvious, this model can be discreetly covered with a sweater or hoodie. And where some can find themselves overheated and left with rings of sweat after several hours in certain posture correctors, the Fit Geno is made from breathable material to alleviate any overheating.
"I’ve been using this consistently for a couple of weeks and I already feel like it’s helping," one 5-star reviewer wrote. “I’m able to make adjustments for a custom fit. It’s not bulky so if I throw a sweater on you can’t tell I’m wearing it — except that my posture is improved.”
More: The Purple Back Cushion Gives Me the Support I Need While I Work
Pros
- Can be worn easily under clothing
Cons
- Can cause soreness after prolonged wearing
Don't let its small size or under $20 price point give you pause when it comes to this posture corrector. It may be modest, but many users report that it delivers just as well as those bigger name brands.
Slender enough to be worn with just a thin layer such as a T-shirt between you and the brace (you could forgo even that, though there may be a chaffing issue, some report), it's an unobtrusive and inexpensive way to combat slouching.
"Product is small, but mighty. It appears to be retraining my posture," one reviewer wrote. "My back and shoulder muscles were sore at first." Another echoed the ache sentiment, "It’s true this thing WILL hurt after wearing it for a little while," but notes that "I love the way it feels when I first put it on; I feel so tall and confident!"
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Pros
- Fits subtly under almost any outfit.
Cons
- Included instructions are not very clear
If you feel that discretion is the better part of posture correction, than the Evoke Pro is your pal.
Subtlety is the name of the game when it comes the design of this posture corrector, which lays flat so it can be easily worn under most outfits and not stand out. It features armpit pads and a breathable neoprene material to ensure comfort even if worn under several layers.
"Very hush hush when you wear," one 5-star reviewer shared. “I wear mine over my undershirt and underneath my collared shirt for work, and no one knows it’s there. Also very breathable, as advertised.”
Though some other reviews have pointed out that getting it to fit just right is a process of trial and error, as the included instructions are not very clear.
Pros
- Features two vertical support plates
Cons
- May have difficulties adequately fitting someone who has broad shoulders or waist larger than 50 inches
If you're looking for total, comprehensive posture correction and support, this is your answer.
Running down the bulk of the back, this posture corrector features two vertical support plates in other to encourage a straighter stance from top to bottom. Its sturdy waist strap provides extra stability, and the shoulder straps offer extra padding in the underarm area to avoid friction during vigorous arm movement.
"This back support is one of the best in the market," one Amazon reviewer exclaimed. "I had tried a few one[s] before this and they all were either too tight or hurt the underarms. With this one, I can move freely and this is very comfortable."
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Pros
- Syncs with a smartphone app to offer full posture analysis
Cons
- Smartphone app can be draining on phone battery
Wearable tech has made it possible for our smartphones to help us improve virtually every aspect of our health and fitness, so it stands to reason that wearable tech can also help us with our posture.
One member of our team personally tested the previous model of Upright's Go smart posture corrector and came away impressed, and it appears this latest edition even improves on the previous incarnations.
This tiny rectangle sticks to the middle of your upper back thanks to a tiny adhesive, and constantly monitors your posture throughout the day, syncing with an app on your smartphone.
It's in that app that you can see a full report of your posture, and find tips to improve it, including breathing exercises. Should you want, it can even give you a small vibration on your back to prompt you if you've been slouching for more than four seconds straight.
One complaint our reviewer had for the original model was that the device “...needs to be charged pretty often.” Here, it seems Upright has corrected the issue, with one Amazon reviewer reporting that "the battery lasts about 2 full days, which is impressive."
However, on the topic of power, another reviewer observed that the smartphone app isn't quite so gracious towards the battery life of your device, nothing that "... it was the dominant battery user of all my apps, by an order of magnitude."
More: I Wore This Training Tool for 36 Hours and My Posture Has Never Been Better
Pros
- Easily portable
Cons
- Only addresses the lower back, not the shoulders
Avid Shark Tank watchers will remember the BetterBack Seated Posture Corrector from back in a 2016 episode, where three sharks all tried to get in on this promising posture corrector idea.
Still going strong more than 6 years later, the BetterBack Seated Posture Corrector routinely sells out on Amazon, and it's easy to see why. Not only does it allow the wearer to essentially make any seat more ergonomic, it can also be easily backed away, making it great for travel.
"If I could give this product 10 stars, I would," notes one 5-star (but would be 10-star) Amazon reviewer. “The relief is instantaneous. For the first time in decades I enjoyed a spine treatment/correction that no amount of physical therapy or exercises have been able to accomplish.” They go on to add that the BetterBack “...is making a huge difference in my sense of well-being with a very simple, but effective product.”
Michael Natale
News Editor
Michael Natale is a news editor for the Hearst Enthusiast Group. His stories have appeared in Popular Mechanics, Best Products, and Runner's World.