The Best Posture Correctors to Put a Stop to Your Slouch
A lot of us are slouchers. We hunch over our desk 40 hours a week and bend awkwardly toward our phones the rest of the time. If reading that just made you adjust your shoulders, it's time to work on your posture, because bad posture doesn’t just cause temporary pain and stiffness, it could be permanently affecting our back health.
After seeing far too many photos of myself with a horrible slouch—my shoulders fully rounded over, my stomach somehow pushed forward while my hips are pushed back—I wonder why anyone has ever voluntarily spoken to me in public. Good posture doesn't come naturally to me, so I decided to do something about it.
These are the best posture correctors we've tried. None of these options will fix your problems overnight, and while they may be uncomfortable at first, they should be pain-free. Start by using them 10 to 20 minutes a day, and add time as you go (and listen to the product's directions). If you have severe back pain, a hump, or scoliosis, talk to your physician before trying any posture correctors.
Updated July 2024: We've added our new favorite laptop stand from Branch and more information about the Forme Power Bra.
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Our Research and Testing
I've been testing posture correctors since 2020, including gadgets and gizmos that vibrate when you slouch, full back braces with lumbar support, and shoulder straps. Whatever the product, I use it every day for at least two weeks, following the instructions closely—you should typically start with only 10 minutes a day.
After testing gadgets meant to remind you to sit up straight, as well as strapping on braces that force the wearer into proper position, I think it's clear that the former is the better option. You don't want to make matters worse by relying on something that's actually weakening your muscles instead of learning new habits. That doesn't mean braces are never an option, and we have some more information below on how to use them. But consider trying the Upright Go first, and if you work at a desk, create a proper ergonomic setup.
- Photograph: Upright
Best Overall
Upright Go S Lite Posture Corrector TrainerThe best thing you can use is a device that reminds you to sit up straight, and the Upright Go remains the best option for four years running. It's easy to use and safe, working by vibrating when you hunch over for too long. It's like someone tapping you on the shoulder every time you slouch. Just place this little rectangle on your back—either via adhesive strips or on the necklace, which I highly recommend—calibrate it through the app (available for iOS 11/Android 8.0 and later), and forget about it. You can change the length and intensity of the vibrations within the app, as well as track your slouching habits without vibrations if you want to see some humbling data on just how bad your posture is.
The Go S is $20-ish cheaper than the Go 2 I originally tested (8/10, WIRED Recommends), but it's just as great in nearly every way. The S stores your results for seven days before you'll need to sync it over Bluetooth via the companion app, whereas the Go 2 can store data for 30 days. The Go S has just one sensor to detect movement instead of two, and there's no advanced movement detection, but I didn't notice any difference or error in its capabilities. The only major downside is you get 2 1/2 days of battery life instead of five. (You can recharge it via USB-C.) Still, these have been the only devices that managed to make me think about my posture even when I'm not wearing them. The Upright Go 2 ($70) is still a great device, and you can often find it discounted. It might be worth it for the extended battery life and additional sensor.
- Photograph: Branch
Get a Laptop Stand
Branch Adjustable Laptop StandIf you work at a desk, a simple change is to set it up to be as ergonomically comfortable as possible. That usually starts with a laptop stand, because with your screen at eye level, it reduces the need to slouch over it.
This one from Branch is our favorite laptop stand. It's easily adjustable in height and angle, and my laptop stayed sturdy while working on it. It also collapses relatively flat, so you can put it in a backpack and take it to a coffee shop so you don't slouch on the go either. If you can also add a monitor with a separate keyboard and mouse, you can be even more comfortable sitting upright. If you have a bigger budget, consider a standing desk and a great desk chair—we've tested several in our Best Home Office Gear guide.
- Photograph: BackEmbrace
If You Want to Try a Shoulder Brace
BackEmbrace Posture CorrectorWe prefer Upright Go devices over other correctors because they pose no risk to your muscles. Some users wrongly use braces so tight and so frequently that they're nearly the only thing holding them up. That will weaken your muscles in the long run and make your slouching way worse. This shoulder brace isn't rigid like the type of back brace someone may need after an injury, but you should still be cautious.
WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe uses the BackEmbrace, which supports mostly the upper back and makes it difficult to roll your shoulders forward. It's soft and thin enough that you can wear it under clothes, and it doesn’t look like a medical-grade brace if you decide to wear it on top of your shirt. Strampe is a side sleeper who regularly contorts her shoulders for eight hours per night, but this corrector has helped to reduce her neck and shoulder pain during the day. The one sold on Amazon is unisex, but there are options specifically for women and men on BackEmbrace's website.
- Photograph: Etalon
A Great Posture Bra
Etalon Posture BraIf you can cover the cost, this Etalon Posture Bra is a much more preferable option over a brace. It looks intense with its many straps, but it works well. It doesn't make slouching a comfortable position, but it also isn't so rigid that it's overpowering my muscles.
As you get more used to sitting with a straight back, you can adjust the straps, but the company recommends leaving them as is for your first time—if it's comfortable, leave it that way for at least three weeks. Definitely consult the sizing chart. I normally go with a large in a sports bra, but I got a medium based on the chart, and it was the right size.
- Photograph: Forme
A Pop-Star-Approved Bra
Forme Power BraThe many straps on Etalon's bra could make it too bulky under clothing if you need to go out in public. For those times, I loved Forme's Power Bra. For what it's worth, we tried this before Taylor Swift was spotted in it (not saying we started the trend, but …); she clearly has great taste.
It's FDA-registered, which isn't the same as FDA-approved, but it means it's technically a medical device that the FDA is monitoring. It's very comfortable, but as the website suggests, stretch the arm holes a bit before wearing it. This was a must for me, because otherwise it rubbed under my arms and I found it too tight and couldn't focus on anything else. You probably won't have perfect posture after you take it off, but it will allow you to have better posture while working out, working at a desk, or preparing for a world tour.
- Photograph: Kinflyte
More Posture Clothing
Kinflyte Posture Bras and TopsMore clothing brands have started making tops and sports bras with some built-in posture correction. It doesn't feel as intense as a brace, but it might help you a little bit with gentle back support. If anything, these bras are a cut above your typical workout wear and offer more support for larger chests.
Kinflyte's bras and tops have different layers of fabric and compression panels to keep you upright. They aren't going to force you into a position, and they're less intense than the Etalon bra, but they reminded me to keep good form during a workout, which is a huge pro in my book. Even while walking on the treadmill or doing yoga, I tend to be in a gargoyle position when I'm not paying attention. Kinflyte products look and feel like luxurious athleisure wear, are supportive for a range of bust sizes, and come in different support levels. Plus, all Kinflyte's garments are made of recycled polyester knits from post-consumer plastic bottles.
★ Another alternative: Alignmed also has posture shirts for $100 that provide temporary support and are made using NeuroBand technology, which the company claims stimulates nerves to align your joints with every movement. They're a tad cheaper, look just like activewear, and are comfortable.
-SOURCE-Forme.jpg)
- Photograph: Prana
A Pricey Honorable Mention
Prana Breathing and Posture WearablePrana is a wearable device that connects to your phone (the app is unfortunately iOS-only at the moment) and buzzes when you slouch. It's similar to the Upright Go, with the added benefit of deep breathing training. We breathe all day without thinking about it, but deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety and even lower your resting blood pressure.
A thin retractable belt keeps Prana positioned wherever you've placed it, like on the chest for upper back posture and rib cage breathing. Training mode can be used for breathing and posture together or separately, but I think it works best to use them together. Breathwork training walks you through exercises for specific things like relaxation or lung capacity. In tracking mode, it monitors both in the background, buzzing if you start to slouch or your breathing becomes rapid and stressful.
Like some of the other devices on this list, Prana is helpful and works well if you'll use it, but it's even more expensive than when we first tried it. If you can practice deep breathing and upright posture on your own, there's no need to spend this kind of money on a device.
Photograph: Getty ImagesA DIY Option
Use a Yoga StrapIf you already own a long yoga strap, you can easily make your own shoulder strap posture brace for temporary use—a yoga teacher recommended this to me for use during a class. If you don't have one, this is a good, affordable option, but all of them work basically the same. Renowned yoga teacher Kathryn Budig wrote a tutorial for Yoga Journal that highlights a few easy steps:
- 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 noticeably but comfortably, and buckle it in the front.
The length of the strap you'll need depends on your body, including shoulder and chest size, but we recommend at least 10 feet. Anything smaller will likely be more painful than helpful.
Photograph: Dougal Waters/Getty ImagesTry Yoga and Other Exercises
ExerciseA lot of life's problems annoyingly seem to be remedied by exercise. Living a sedentary lifestyle may add to your posture problem, so simply getting active could be the answer. Yoga has long been touted as a means to improve posture. When I'm regularly practicing, I'm more aware of my posture outside of class. And as someone who doesn't love the gym, yoga gets my heart pumping and body moving without feeling like I'm really working out. It's relatively easy to put together a yoga space at home.
Planking, leg raises, chest presses, and other strengthening exercises can also help, as can taking ballet barre classes. Before buying something from our list above, you may want to try a few of these exercises first.
Photographer: 10'000 Hours/Getty ImagesDo You Need a Posture Corrector?
What Causes Bad FormA lot of us start to hunch because we're working on a laptop or looking down at our phones all day. 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. If you can remind yourself to sit up without buying anything, don't waste your money, but some of us need a reminder.
Any of the devices we recommend make you aware of how you're sitting, but start slowly with all of them. The braces and the Upright Go devices recommend using them for 10 minutes a day to start. It may be uncomfortable at first to sit up—this should be because of your muscles, not because of the device, so if it's painful, try something else—but slowly retraining your muscles will make it so that sitting upright is second nature. Regular exercise can also help. No matter what, go slowly and don't overextend your body. If you have serious injury or pain, consult a physician or physical therapist.
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