Do Posture Correctors Actually Work? Here’s How To Know, Plus Top Editor-Tested Picks (2024)

Do Posture Correctors Actually Work? Here’s How To Know, Plus Top Editor-Tested Picks (1)

Posture is an often overlooked but important aspect of daily life. Good posture is a core part of a healthy body's foundation. Meanwhile, poor posture can cause negative and uneven damage, leading to bigger issues down the road, says Christina Markar, DC, a chiropractor in Wayne, New Jersey. It can continue into back pain, neck pain, headaches, and body fatigue; it can also bring about alignment issues that cause our internal organs to function less efficiently—slowing digestion and other vital processes. If you struggle with poor posture, posture correctors can assist you in learning to engage the correct muscles.

Most posture correctors gently pull your shoulders back and align your spine properly. This helps train your muscles to maintain good posture even when not wearing the device. Many posture correctors also have adjustable straps that allow you to customize the level of support you need. We tested 22 posture correctors in The Verywell Testing Lab to evaluate their effectiveness, comfort, adjustability, and overall value. We also had a physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board review this information for accuracy related to support and fit concerns.

Do Posture Correctors Work?

A good posture corrector helps train your muscles to sit up straight by placing the right amount of pressure on your body, says Rishabh Nanavati, rheumatologist at ClinicSpots. He explains that it's important to wear it for the right amount of time as wearing it too often or too long can cause harm, and too little won't be effective. How long is that? Well, it depends on your device and your familiarity with the device itself. Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, board-certified spinal and orthopedic surgeon at The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, suggests starting with 15 to 20 minutes daily and adding more time, between 30 minutes and an hour daily, until your body adjusts to the proper positioning.

It's possible to improve your posture, even if you've been slouching for years. However, retraining your muscles and spine will take time and effort. Wearing a posture corrector can help speed up the process by providing support and reminding your body to align properly.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

Fit: A posture corrector should fit snugly without rubbing or irritating the skin. It should support your posture when relaxed without restricting motion, says Kevin Lees, DC, director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic. It should also be comfortable to wear for extended periods. Pay close attention to the size range and the type of strap it uses so you can ensure a proper fit for your build and body type.
Support and comfort: Your posture corrector should have straps that disperse the weight across your back and shoulders. It should also be made from breathable material to prevent skin irritation and padded straps if you plan to wear it for extended periods. Lees says to ensure your corrector addresses the weaker areas of your postural muscles and to consult your chiropractor if you're struggling to find the right support.
Adjustable straps: Adjustability is crucial, as a posture corrector that's too loose will not provide enough support, and one that's too tight can be uncomfortable to wear. Posture correctors with adjustable straps usually have velcro closures that allow you to tighten or loosen the device as needed. Some also have loops that can be adjusted to change the length of the straps.
Materials: Lees suggests breathable, washable materials that won't create friction when moving. Breathable materials won't irritate your skin or cause you to sweat. Washable materials are important for maintaining hygiene, as you'll need to clean your posture corrector regularly.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

People with mild cases of misalignment are often advised to use posture correctors, saysOkubadejo. If you have more severe issues or need an individualized assessment to determine what device you should use, it's better to see a doctor before buying a corrector.

Our Top Picks

Best Plus Size:

Hempvana Arrow Posture Corrector at Amazon ($55)

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Best with Reminders:

Upright GO 2 Smart Posture Corrector at Amazon ($70)

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Most Comfortable:

Berlin & Daughter Posture Corrector at Amazon ($30)

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Best Back Brace:

FlexGuard Support Adjustable Back Brace at Amazon ($12)

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Best for Standing:

Dr. Arthritis Posture Corrector at Amazon ($15)

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Best for Hunched Shoulders and Neck:

Gaiam Restore Posture Corrector at Amazon ($18)

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In This Article

Do Posture Correctors Work?
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Our Picks
How We Tested
Our Experts
Why Trust Verywell Health

Best Plus Size

Hempvana Arrow Posture Corrector

View On Amazon$55 View On Walmart$25

Pros

Trains muscles to improve posture
Fully adjustable
Triple strap support

Cons

May fit short on those with long torsos
Straps are too short for some

Key Specs:

Material: Hemp fiber | Weight: 9.91 ounces | Adjustable: Yes | Size Range: S–XL

Why We Recommend It

In our test, the Hempvana Arrow Posture Corrector ranked best after impressing us with its superior comfort, adjustability, and size range. The two size options are designed to fit waists ranging from 25 inches to 58 or people who wear a woman's size 0 to 38. Made with hemp fiber, it feels lightweight and flexible as you wear it. We loved that we could put it on and remove it quickly and that the wide straps didn't dig into our skin. We felt highly supported throughout the day and noticeably lighter wearing it.

Unlike other correctors that work like a bra, this one is slipped on and off over the head and shoulders. Once fastened around the waist, it gently pulls your shoulders back into proper placement. It's available in two sizes (small/medium and large/extra large) to accommodate larger bodies. We especially recommend this for people who might be older or have mobility issues because it's easy to put it on by yourself.

Keep in Mind

It may not be the best option if you have a longer torso, as it may fit short. It's also worth noting that the straps may be too short for some.

Best with Reminders

Upright GO 2 Smart Posture Corrector

View On Amazon$70 View On Uprightpose.com$80

Pros

Built-in movement sensors
Smartphone app to track progress
Gently vibrates to provide feedback

Cons

Vibration may feel startling to some
Need to purchase adhesives separately

Key Specs:

Material: Plastic | Weight: 0.35 ounces | Adjustable: No | Size Range: One size fits most

Why We Recommend It

The Upright Go 2 Smart Posture Trainer is an intelligent posture corrector that helps you improve your spinal alignment and reduce back pain over time. Using built-in movement sensors, the device tracks your posture throughout the day and syncs with a smartphone app to provide feedback and progress reports. When set to training mode, it gently vibrates when you slouch, prompting you to sit or stand up straight. It can also track your posture throughout the day without vibration reminders if the sensation feels bothersome to you.

Despite the price, this option was incredibly effective for us. We were often surprised that we had slouched and welcomed the reminder to sit back up. We loved that it's small and discreet, with two available wear options: a necklace or a small adhesive tracker that attaches to the back of your neck. To top it off, it's also splashproof and has a 36-hour battery life.

This pick is great for providing feedback for your body and posture, but the personalized experience stops there because it isn’t adjustable. If that’s a feature you want, we suggest the S Smart Posture Corrector by the same brand. It's a smart posture corrector that comes with an app and also uses vibration feedback. The only downside is that, like the 2 Smart Posture Trainer, the vibration feedback can be jarring and unsettling.

Keep in Mind

While we think the features justify the cost, if you run out of the 10 adhesives included, you will have to purchase more to continue using them. The adhesives are reusable, but it's an added cost to consider. Also, the vibration feedback can be startling and take some getting used to.

Most Comfortable

Berlin & Daughter Posture Corrector

View On Amazon$30

Pros

Padded straps
Six available sizes
Can be worn under clothing

Cons

Not adjustable
Runs large

Key Specs:

Material: Polyester | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Adjustable: No | Size Range: XS–2XL

Why We Recommend It

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a posture corrector that’s as comfortable as it is effective. Luckily, this pick by Berlin and Daughter delivers both, thanks to the device’s padded shoulders and flexible design. When we wore it, the extra cushioning stopped it from cutting into our skin and causing irritation. It also gave extra support that prevented hunching when typing or sitting at our desks. We love that the elastic fit is non-restrictive, snug, and gentle. It didn’t stop us from moving our bodies naturally, nor was it so tight we couldn’t breathe. In fact, we wore it as we stretched in the gym with no issue.

This corrector uses non-irritating, lightweight, breathable materials to align your back and straighten your gait. Putting it on is easy, too—just slip it on like a backpack, secure it in place, and you’re ready to go. It can also be worn discreetly underneath clothes so you can wear it in public.

Keep in Mind

It uses a velcro strap connector but can't be loosened or tightened once it's fastened. While it was very effective at correcting our posture, we would have liked it to be more adjustable.

Best Back Brace

FlexGuard Support Adjustable Back Brace

View On Amazon$12 View On Walmart$20

Pros

Retrains spinal muscles
Padded, adjustable straps
Offers lower back support

Cons

Could cause shoulder soreness
Hard to put on without directions

Key Specs:

Material: Neoprene and padding | Weight: 7.84 ounces | Adjustable: Yes | Size Range: XS–XL

Why We Recommend It

The FlexGuard Posture Corrector is particularly effective for sitting and a great option for anyone looking to correct poor posture caused by hunching over a desk. When we wore it, it improved our posture and made us sit straighter.The velcro straps were conveniently adjustable and molded to our bodies nicely. And we particularly loved how lightweight it felt—so much so that we could easily forget we were wearing it at all.

With the directions, it was easy to put on. We just had to slide our arms through and pull the straps over our shoulders. Once the waistband was secure, we were ready to go. The device also features a lumbar support pad that provides extra lower back support—perfect for long days at the office or sitting in a car.

Keep in Mind

This corrector did cause some soreness in our shoulders, but it wasn't too bothersome. We also recommend reading the instructions. It may be fairly confusing to put on without them.

Best for Standing

Dr. Arthritis Posture Corrector

View On Amazon$15 View On Doctorarthritis.org

Pros

Developed by spine doctors
Adjustable straps
Includes handbook with tips and exercises

Cons

Sizes run small
Not discreet

Key Specs:

Material: Neoprene and nylon | Weight: 4.97 ounces | Adjustable: Yes | Size Range: S–L

Why We Recommend It

The Dr. Arthritis Posture Corrector is ideal for people who stand up for long hours of the day. To put it to the test, we wore it as we worked standing up and appreciated that we could maintain proper posture and refrain from slouching. We loved that it was comfortable and soft as it kept our shoulders straight; at no point did it dig into our armpit or irritate us. We also liked that it was lightweight and easy to put on and take off.

It uses an adjustable strap system for a premium, tailored fit around your shoulders and upper back. The corrector is available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and two colors (black and pink).

Keep in Mind

If you need a discreet option, this may not be for you. We found that it didn't layer nicely under clothing. It also runs small, so keep that in mind when selecting a size.

Best for Hunched Shoulders and Neck

Gaiam Restore Posture Corrector

View On Amazon$18 View On Getactv.com$20 View On CVS$20

Pros

Straightens back and shoulders
Can be worn under clothing
Offers padded straps

Cons

Only comes in one size
Difficult to put on for the first time

Key Specs:

Material: Neoprene | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Adjustable: Yes | Size Range: One size fits most

Why We Recommend It

The Gaiam Neoprene Posture Corrector is designed to help straighten your shoulders and align your spine, making it extra-useful for those with hunched shoulders and necks. The first thing we noticed during testing was that it's easy to put on and highly adjustable without assistance. We wore it for an hour, and it did a good job of aligning our shoulders and keeping our upper back straight. It naturally reminded us to maintain proper posture by becoming uncomfortable whenever we slouched. We also loved that the fabric molded to our body and was also soft to the touch.

It's available in one color and size, which fits most adults. The device slips on like a backpack and tightens to your preferred fit using the velcro straps. Not to mention it comes at a great price point, too.

Keep in Mind

This is not a full-body posture corrector. We noticed it only impacted our shoulders and upper back, so it's easy to have improper posture in your lower back. Also, while it was easy to put on, we found ourselves second-guessing whether we put it on correctly.

How We Tested Posture Correctors

After consulting experts regarding what qualities we should look for in a good posture corrector, we tested 22 posture correctors in the Verywell Health Lab to find the best ones for better posture. We prioritized options that provided a noticeable difference and high value. We selected our picks based on the following criteria:

Effectiveness: To assess the efficacy of each posture corrector, we wore the devices while doing our regular daily work, including sitting at a desk, standing, and moving around. After using each posture corrector, we provided feedback on how the device affected our posture and alignment during wear.
Comfort: We wore them for extended periods, which allowed us to evaluate how the device felt during use and whether it caused skin irritation, tension, or pain. We also assessed breathability, added padding, and how the fabric felt against our skin.
Adjustability: We focused on how easy it was to put on and adjust the fit. We paid close attention to any extra parts and features and whether they could be changed. We also noted whether the posture correctors stretched or were stiff and difficult to maneuver.
Overall value: Finally, we compared the above to the price point to see if the value matched the product's financial cost.

Our Experts

We consulted the following experts during the research and writing of this article on the best posture correctors:

Christina Markar, DC, chiropractor
Kevin Lees, DC, director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic
Rishabh Nanavati, rheumatologist at ClinicSpots
Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, board-certified spinal and orthopedic surgeon at The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care

Why Trust Verywell Health

Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. As a nurse, she has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information so they can make the best decisions for their health.