The Best Posture Correctors
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After weeks of testing, experimenting, and a few accidental naps (don't sleep in them), one thing became clear: The secret to a posture corrector is consistency. It isn't a magic fix to poor posture, and your transformation won't happen overnight. Still, posture correctors can train you to sit taller, stand straighter, and develop the kind of muscle memory that sticks, even after you've taken the device off.
The best posture correctors don't contort your body into an unnatural position. Rather, they offer reminders to sit or stand more mindfully. Here's a rundown of the posture correctors we tested and noticed made a lasting change in our posture. If you’re serious about posture correction, check out our guides on Best Laptop Stands, Top Fitness Apps, and Everything You Need for Your Yoga Practice.
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How do posture correctors work?
Posture correctors aren’t a one-size-fits-all cure for slouching. Think of them as little gentle wake-up calls for your muscles—the ones 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,” says physician Matthew Smith. “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.”
What causes bad posture?
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 Smith.
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.
Can posture correctors be worn all day?
No,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 of time, but these are often the exception. To be safe, refer to the specific product's instructions. Personally, 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.”
How we tested
We personally tested each posture corrector, wearing them through the routines of daily life—from sitting at a desk to running errands and working out—for both short and long periods of time, over the course of several months. No one wants to feel like they’re strapped into armor, so we evalsuated wearability by focusing on comfort, breathable materials, and adjustability. Material quality was a priority, and we kept an eye out for signs of wear or damage after consistent use. Size inclusivity was another major factor; we sought options that catered to a range of body types. To ensure accessibility, we also made sure to test different types of posture correctors, from traditional braces to supportive bras and tech-enhanced wearables. Since there isn’t much clinical data comparing these gadgets, we leaned by firsthand experience: Did we personally feel a noticeable difference in our posture?
- Photograph: ComfyBrace
Ol’ Reliable
ComfyBrace Adjustable Posture CorrectorWhen you think of a posture corrector, this is likely the image that pops into your head: an orthopedic brace that is adjustable and designed to fit most body types. ComfyBrace recommends easing into it with 5-10 minutes a day to gradually build your endurance. The neoprene fabric is stretchy and breathable, making it easy to wear for longer periods, and it's designed for both men and women. My shoulders tend to roll forward, and this back brace pulls them back and down with ease. It's easy to slip on over a hoodie and take off without a struggle.
- Photograph: Etalon
Best for Breasts
Etalon Posture BraThe Etalon Posture Bra is a practical and comfortable alternative to posture braces. Its six adjustable straps are the standout feature, distributing weight evenly across your back 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 is actually user-friendly. 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.
Etalon offers sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and cups from A to H. Make sure to check the sizing chart before ordering for the best fit.
- Photograph: Forme
Swiftie Approved
Forme Power BraFor what it's worth, we tried the Power Bra before Taylor Swift was spotted in it—we're not saying we started the trend, but she clearly has great taste. The Power Bra by Forme was designed by Stephen Liu, an orthopedic surgeon, to help his mother better her posture and battle compressed lungs from cancer.
I would recommend the Power Bra as an alternative to Etalon if you're not a fan of the straps, but you will be sacrificing the ability to adjust your corrector as you improve your posture. Otherwise, it's just as comfortable and super flattering to wear out as it is to wear at home. Forme suggests stretching the armholes 10 to 20 holes before wearing, and I would second that. I didn't do that at first and found the armholes to be too tight around my pits.
Forme offers sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and cups from A to F.
- Photograph: Upright
A Tech-Enhanced Wearable
Upright Go S Lite Posture Corrector TrainerThe Upright Go is 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 stick this little rectangle on your upper back—either via adhesive strips or attached to the USB-C necklace—calibrate it through the app (available for ioses 11/androids 8.0 and later), and forget about it. You can change the length and intensity of the vibrations within the app and track your slouching habits 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 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 differences 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. —Medea Giordano
- Photograph: Prana
A Breathwork Posture Device
Prana Breathing and Posture WearablePrana is a wearable device that connects to your iphoness (the app is ioses-only for now) and gently buzzes when you slouch. It's similar to the Upright Go, with the bonus of breathwork training. We breathe without much thought all day long, but taking the time to focus on intentional breaths can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and even help lower your resting blood pressure.
A slim retractable belt allows you to place the Prana wherever you'd like: upper or lower back, upper arm, belly, or chest. In Tracking Mode, the wearable monitors your breathing and posture and only offers vibrational cues when it falters. Training Mode is a thoughtful feature that guides you through breathing exercises through haptic or gamified training if you're more of a visual learner.
Prana is useful for those who stick with it, but it's one of the pricier gadgets, and the cost has only gone up since we first tested it.
Accessories to Try
Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand for $65: If you work at a desk, a simple change is to set it up to be as ergonomic as possible. This laptop stand from Branch is our favorite. It's easily adjustable in height and angle, and super sturdy. 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.
Gaiam Yoga Strap for $10: If 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. Everyday Yoga also sells some affordable options, but all of them work basically the same. 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 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.
Final Tips and Advice
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 good 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 back pain, neck pain, a hump, or scoliosesis, always consult a medical professional before trying any at-home remedies.
