Sure, you know you’re supposed to stand up straight. But, it’s hard to remember to have the perfect postureall the time. Especially if you’ve started … er … working from your bed. That’s where a really good posture corrector can come in and save the day. Never heard of them before? These posture correcting devices work gently to reduce slouching and bending in your spine, constantly urging you to sit and stand up a little straighter.
Do posture correctors work?
You may or may not have heard of posture correctors, but the bigger question you probably have is whether or not they work. “They’re a good reminder to sit right, maintain your muscles, and keep your core tight,” says Neel Anand, M.D., a professor of orthopedic surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles. Mara Vucich, D.O., a physiatrist with The Maryland Spine Center at Mercy Medical Center, agrees. “The role of a posture corrector is to encourage and help remind you to use better posture,” she says. It’s important to note that having good posture isn’t just about looking good: It can actually help keep you from developing aches, pains, and even injuries over time, Vucich says. There has been some research on posture correctors but it’s limited. One study looked at 38 athletes who use their upper body a lot in their sport and found that, while posture correctors helped improve posture around the shoulders, the results were “highly variable.” Another long-term study of 110 patients who used a posture corrector found that it was helpful for some, but not for others. Long story short, posture correctors can help some people, while others may not see much in the way of results. “I tell my patients, ‘If you want to try a posture corrector, that’s fine,’” Vucich says. “It’s not going to hurt anything.” Interested in trying out a posture corrector? Here are a few to check out. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best posture correctors
Truweo Posture Corrector for Men And Women, $17
FY Posture Corrector, $14
Made of breathable, lightweight material, this $10 posture corrector is designed with your comfort in mind. It features padding at the shoulders for a snug-yet-comfy fit, along with adjustable straps, so you can add more or less support over time. Check out the FY Posture Corrector here.
Charminer Back Straightener, $20
Charminer’s $20 back straightener looks like backpack straps, but without the actual bag attached. You can easily adjust the size with velcro straps to get a snug fit. Start slow: Charminer recommends using it for 30 to 40 minutes a day at first, and then building up from there. Check out the Charminer Back Straightener here.
Joy Shaper Chest Brace Posture Corrector, $19
Joyshaper’s posture corrector looks like lingerie, but works to get your shoulders and upper back in alignment. The $19 shaper comes in nude and black colors, along with a X-back or racerback, so you can choose a look that works best with your style. Hook and eye closures at the front help you find a fit that’s right for you. Check out the Joyshaper Chest Brace Posture Corrector here.
Vokka Posture Corrector, $26
Vokka’s $26 posture corrector is a little more intense than some other options. It’s designed to give a lot of support thanks to an auxiliary support bar that runs down the middle. If you think you need some serious posture correcting—especially in your shoulders and upper back—this is worth considering. Check out the Vokka Posture Corrector here.
Evoke Pro Posture Corrector, $23
This $23 corrector has strong, padded straps and breathable fabric, to keep you from getting sweaty while you wear it. It’s flexible enough to let you move, but supportive enough to gently remind you to get back into your optimal posture. Check out the Evoke Pro Posture Corrector here.
Berlin and Daughter Posture Corrector, $30
This $30 posture corrector offers two wears to wear it: Close the waistband around your sternum for a medium pull on the shoulders, or close the waistband around your bellybutton for extra pull around your shoulders. Basically, you choose the level of support you need. Check out the Berlin and Daughter Posture Corrector here.
Copper Compression Posture Corrector, $20
Need all over posture correction? The $20 Copper posture corrector works on your lower back and upper spine to give you all over support and gentle maneuvering. This corrector is a little heavier than some others, but you can still hide it under bulkier clothes, like sweaters. Check out the Copper Compression Posture Corrector here.
Leramed Posture Corrector
Ript Gear Posture Corrector, $25
RiptGear’s $25 posture corrector has slim straps that make it easy to slip under clothes. It also has adjustable straps and extra padding under the armpits to prevent chafing. Check out the Ript Gear Posture Corrector here. Next up: The 10 best treadmills for at-home workouts.