Honorable Mentions
Courtesy of Etalon
Etalon Posture Bra for $199: The Etalon Posture Bra’s six adjustable straps are the standout feature, distributing weight evenly across your back muscles and shoulders. While Etalon markets it for desk work and light activities like walking or hiking, I’ve found it also holds up during strength training as a high-support sports bra. The setup looks complicated, but it is actually pretty simple. Etalon recommends sticking with the default strap configuration for three weeks to let your body adjust before making any tweaks. That said, if you need a stronger nudge to stay upright, you might find this bra a little too forgiving—I’ve already maxed out the adjustments for the firmest hold.
BackEmbrace Posture Corrector for $70: Similar to ComfyBrace, the BackEmbrace is an adjustable brace that pulls back the shoulders and lifts your chest to help you shift into proper posture. The lumbar support also offers temporary upper-back pain relief. The split-strap design is way trickier to put on the first couple of times, but it gets better with practice. The design also helps bend the body in a way that the ComfyBrace just can’t, and it does feel more comfortable to wear under baggy clothes. It’s also less likely to irritate with direct skin contact than neoprene fabrics. I would still stick to wearing this over my clothes when I’m working from home, but it’s a perk to have if you want to take your back posture corrector outside. Bonus: It’s machine washable (but lay flat to dry).
More Accessories to Try
Courtesy of Branch
Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand for $65: If you work at a desk, a simple change is to set it up with proper ergonomics in mind. This laptop stand from Branch is my favorite. It’s adjustable in height and angle, and super sturdy. If you can also add a computer monitor with a separate keyboard and mouse, you’ll be even more comfortable sitting upright. And if you have a bigger budget, consider a standing desk and an office chair—we’ve tested several in our Best Home Office Gear guide.
Gaiam Yoga Strap for $10: If you already own a long yoga strap, you can make your own shoulder strap posture brace for temporary use. According to yoga teacher Kathryn Budig: Wrap the strap around your back, right around the base of your shoulder blade or bra line, and pull the excess out evenly in front of you. Bring each end over your shoulders and crisscross them behind you, making an X shape on your back. Bring the straps around to the front, pulling your shoulders back, and buckle them in the front. The length of the strap you’ll need depends on your body, including shoulder and chest size, but I recommend at least 10 feet. Anything smaller will likely be more painful than helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your spine naturally has three curves: at your neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), and lower back (lumbar spine). Proper alignment shouldn’t add extra curvature to any of these sections. Here are some general guidelines:
- Your head should be above your shoulders, and the top of your shoulders should be above your hips. If you’re standing, keep your feet hip-distance apart. Most of your weight should be on the balls of your feet.
- If you’re sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, knees bent at 90 degrees, and your ankles separated. If you can’t reach the floor, a footrest can help. Use a back pillow or backrest to support your lower back. Switch sitting positions often, and take frequent breaks or walks to stretch out your muscles.
The writers at the Natural Posture explain that poor posture—sitting with your shoulders forward—causes the soft muscles in your chest to get tight, which in turn makes it feel uncomfortable to sit up straight. Bad posture isn’t just about slouching. Poor alignment can also come from genetics, injuries, or repetitive movements. “A wrong posture is anything for too long,” according to physician Matthew Smith of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
We slouch over screens, lug totes on one dominant shoulder, and lean on one hip while standing. Your workstation setup often hinders your posture, and how you sit matters, too. Are your feet flat on the ground, with your knees and hips at a 90-degree angle? Or are you, like me, guilty of tucking one leg under the other? Over time, these habits throw your body out of balance. Here are some tips on how to set up your desk ergonomically for working or gaming.
Do Posture Correctors Really Work?
Posture correctors aren’t a one-size-fits-all cure for slouching or hunched backs. Think of them as little gentle wake-up calls for your muscles that have been slacking off while you hunch over your laptop. These tools come in all shapes and designs, but the best ones address the muscle imbalances created by our everyday habits. They’re not supposed to hold you in place (and if they do, that’s a red flag). Overly rigid correctors can actually weaken your muscles by doing all the work for you.
Instead, posture correctors are more like training wheels. They guide your body toward better alignment and then let your muscles take over. “I would compare it to when you were a kid, and your mom poked you to sit up straight at the dinner table,” Smith says. “The goal is not to wear this forever. The goal is to be able to change your posture on your own from here on out.”
Are Posture Correctors Safe to Use Daily?
Yes(ish), but not all day, and you wouldn’t want to. Posture correctors are designed for short-term use. Wearing one all day can backfire by weakening your core and making your body reliant on an external crutch. “I would only pop it on for a few minutes here and there as a reminder,” Smith recommends.
Some posture-correcting bras and wearable devices are gentler, making them better suited for longer periods, but these are often the exception. To be safe, refer to the specific product’s instructions. I’ve found them helpful in short bursts—like when I’m at my desk or cooking dinner. As Smith puts it: “We’re just trying to remind ourselves to come back and fight against gravity.”
- Try yoga and other exercises. A sedentary lifestyle is a one-way ticket to bad posture. Yoga, in particular, has been touted as a means to better posture. When I’m consistent with my practice, I notice I sit and stand taller outside of the studio, almost instinctively. If you’re not into yoga, core-strengthening exercises like planks and chest presses are also an option. Alternatively, just incorporating morning stretches into your routine will work wonders.
- Seek a medical professional. A doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor can help you find a corrector that supports your body’s problem areas‚ or steer you toward an alternative solution that does. Also, if you have severe lower back or neck pain, kyphosis, or scoliosis, always consult a healthcare professional before trying any at-home remedies.
- Matthew P. Smith, MD, is an instructor at the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
