Given how much time many of us spend hunched over a screen, poor posture has become somewhat of an epidemic, which is causing a host of chronic health concerns, says Dr. Kompal Parmar, a board-certified physician in Lubbock, Texas. “We’re seeing it a lot more, especially in younger populations because of the use of cell phones, iPads and computers,” she says. “Without the right awareness while we’re using these tools, we’re looking at alignment issues with our spines down the road.” Studies show that poor posture can cause a range of chronic health issues, including neck and back pain, joint damage, migraines, poor digestion and even respiratory issues.
Posture correctors offer a solution to the problem. They remind you to sit up straight, either by physically restraining your back and shoulders or by digitally reminding you to check your alignment. But do they really work? We asked experts to break down the benefits and limitations of posture correctors, as well as share their personal picks.
SKIP AHEAD The best posture correctors to shop | Why trust NBC Select?
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How we picked the best posture correctors
For posture correctors to be effective, experts stress the importance of using them as a tool to help train your body — not a crutch that does the work for you. They’re a good reminder for your body that should be incorporated into your life along with regular exercise to strengthen the core and back muscles, says Noam Tamir, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and founder of TS Fitness in New York City. “Otherwise it’s just a temporary solution,” he says.
That said, the best posture corrector for you is the one you’ll regularly use as part of a healthy exercise routine. There is no one-size-fits all option that will work for everyone, so consider the following factors to find your best fit:
- Type: There are two main types of posture correctors: those that use digital sensors to remind you to sit up straight and those that physically help pull your shoulders back into alignment. Both can be effective, so what’s best for you comes down to personal preference, says Parmar.
- Style: Consistency is key when it comes to posture correctors. If you’re worried about aesthetics, a posture correcting bra or brace that’s designed to go under your clothes might be the best fit.
- Comfort: To get the most out of any posture corrector, you have to use it regularly. All the experts we spoke to recommend looking for one that’s easy to put on and comfortable to wear, which may mean you have to try a few out. Keep in mind that a posture corrector should never be so tight that it causes pain.
- Adoptability: While our experts like the idea of a digital reminder to correct your posture, consider your track record with similar fitness devices and apps. If your fitness tracker wound up in a drawer after a few weeks, a simple physical brace you can slip on with your clothes might better fit your lifestyle. Conversely, if you love to track your health data in an app, you might find a digital sensor more engaging.
The best posture correctors to shop
All the posture correctors below come recommended by our experts or are highly rated options that meet expert guidance. We included both digital and physical correctors.
Best for beginners: Schiara Stories Posture Corrector Upper and Back Brace
- Great for beginners
- Adjustable straps
- Can wear under or over clothes
- Fits chests 30 to 43 in.
If you’ve never worn a posture corrector before, Tamir recommends starting with an affordable model and seeing if you can wear it consistently. This option has one of the simplest designs on the market — there’s two adjustable straps that slide over your shoulders like a backpack, and you tighten them using easy-to-reach straps in the front. You can wear the posture corrector under or over clothes, and the brand recommends keeping it on for a maximum of two hours at a time.
Type: physical
Best brace overall:Berlin & Daughter Posture Corrector
- Soft, adjustable straps
- Multiple sizes available
- Best to wear over clothing
Parmar recommends the Berlin & Daughter Posture Corrector and appreciates its soft straps. It comes in sizes XS to XXL, and you put it on like a backpack before tightening its adjustable straps and closing the waistband around your sternum or belly button. You can wear the brace while working out as well as under clothing, but the brand recommends wearing it over a thin undershirt for comfort.
Type: physical
Best digital: Upright Go 2 Posture Corrector
- Vibration feedback
- 12-day battery life
- Easy to track progress
- Smartphone required for use
Both of our experts recommend the Upright Go 2, a rechargeable, simple to use digital posture corrector that has up to 12 days of battery life per charge, according to the brand. Its two built-in movement sensors alert you to slouching with a gentle vibration, and it connects to an app that lets you track your progress. To further accommodate for personal preference, there are two ways to wear the Upright Go 2: you can attach the sensor to the base of your neck via hypoallergenic adhesives or, for those who find the stickers bothersome, there’s a necklace attachment you can purchase separately.
Type: digital
Best posture-correcting bra: Forme Power Bra
- Daytime and overnight use
- Ideal for exercise
- Multiple sizes available
- Not adjustable
- Higher priced option
“Posture-correcting bras are specifically constructed with extra support around the shoulders and back to help the wearer stay more upright,” says Tamir. They may have features like extra large padded straps or additional back panels, for example.
Forme’s Power Bra is one of the most popular options on the market with a 4.8-star average rating from 2,512 reviews on the brand’s website. Resembling a sports bra, it’s made with six tension fabrics and eight double-fabric panels, which train your body to develop muscle memory, improving your posture and upper body alignment, according to the brand. The bra, which was designed by an orthopedic surgeon, is available in sizes XS to 3XL. Forme says you can use it during the daytime or overnight, and pay for it using your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) card.
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin wears the Power Bra, which the brand sent her to try, while doing yoga, Pilates and barre classes. “It pulls my shoulders back and reminds me to check that my back is straight instead of curved, something that’s especially important to do exercises correctly in some of my fitness classes,” she says. “But it’s not super restrictive, so I can still move freely.”
Type: physical
Best adjustable posture-correcting bra: Etalon Posture Bra
- Adjustable straps
- Customizable support levels
- Multiple sizes available
- Higher priced option
If you’re looking for an adjustable posture-correcting bra, Etalon’s is a great option with a 4.7-star average rating from 80 reviews on the brand’s website. It has an array of wide adjustable straps that let you customize its support level — looser straps offer more gentle posture correction, while tighter straps offer more intense posture correction. The bra is designed to engage the upper back muscles and promote muscle memory, as well as evenly distribute weight across your chest to reduce strain on your shoulders, according to the brand. It’s also made from 21% spandex, so it’s compressive to reduce bounce during exercise. Etalon’s Posture Bra is available in sizes XS to 3XL, and comes in two versions: 2.0, for A to D cups, and 2.0 Full Blast, E to H cups. You can pay for it with your FSA or HSA card.
Type: physical
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Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Kompal Parmar is a board-certified primary care physician in Lubbock, Texas.
- Noam Tamir, CSCS, is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, FRC mobility specialist, and a pre- and post-natal certified trainer. He is the founder of TS Fitness in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Macaela MacKenzie is a journalist and former Glamour editor who has covered beauty and wellness treatments for over a decade. Zoe Malin is a reporter at NBC Select who has covered health and fitness since 2020, including topics like sports bras, women’s walking shoes and wrist weights.
For this article, MacKenzie and Malin spoke to experts about the importance of good posture and the role posture correctors can play in overall health. They also rounded up a handful of expert recommended and highly rated posture correctors to shop.
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