Buying guide for best posture devices
If your childhood was filled with parents or teachers telling you to sit up straight, or if your job requires you to sit at a computer for eight hours a day, you might have bad posture. Luckily, you can find a range of posture devices to help you get back on track and relieve the discomfort that slouching can cause.
However, finding the best posture device for you isn't that simple. With a range of options available, you need to figure out which one will address your particular issue.
We at BestReviews are here to help you. This detailed guide tells you all you need to know about posture devices so you can find the one that will most effectively straighten you out. When you’re ready to buy, take a look at our top picks, too.
Types of posture devices
Chest brace posture devices
These devices sit over your shoulders and across the top half of your back. The tension forces your chest out and your shoulders back so you sit or stand up straighter. These are probably the most common posture devices on the market today. While they don't provide as much support as some other options, they are lightweight and not too bulky, so they are great for day-to-day wear.
Back brace posture devices
Back brace posture devices look somewhat like a vest or waistcoat and extend from shoulders to hips. Like chest braces, they pull the shoulders back to encourage proper posture, but they also provide support all the way down the spine. Although they're arguably more effective, especially for those with serious posture problems and/or back pain, they're less widely used because they're heavy and bulky.
Posture shirts
Posture shirts are tight undershirts made of spandex or similar with areas of elastic stitched in to pull shoulders back and improve posture. These tend to be slightly less effective than braces, but one could be a decent option if you only need a little help with your posture. Although posture shirts are thin and easy to wear under regular clothing, they can make you feel warm.
Other posture devices
Newer wearable tech can help you with your posture. For instance, you can buy tiny devices that detect when you're slouching and vibrate to remind you to sit up straight. However, they don't do anything to physically improve your posture, and at present their effectiveness varies. As such, we've decided not to focus on these types of posture devices in this guide.
For your safety
You can buy posture devices for kids, but we wouldn't recommend using one without first consulting your child's pediatrician.
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Posture device features
Material
Depending on the type of posture device you choose, it might be made from one of several materials.
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Nylon and neoprene are common materials for brace-style posture devices because these materials are strong and durable.
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Plastic or metal strips are included in some back brace posture devices to physically align your spine in the correct position, but other devices use the tension from straps to do the same job.
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Spandex, lycra, elastic, and similar stretchy materials show up in posture shirts. If you plan to wear your posture device under your clothes, choose one made from a material that won't feel rough or uncomfortable against your skin.
Size
Some posture devices are one size fits all, whereas others are available in sizes from extra small to extra large. Check the item description for a sizing chart, which will help you figure out which size is right for you. Don't simply buy whichever clothing size you usually wear because the sizes aren't universal, and it's important that your posture device fit correctly in order to work properly.
The sizing chart may also tell you exactly how to measure your body. Pay attention to this because it varies depending on the type of posture device you choose and the brand. If you're larger or smaller than average, we'd also recommend measuring yourself before buying a one-size option. Although these devices are highly adjustable, there will always be people on either end of the spectrum who can’t find an ideal fit.
Comfort
You'll be wearing your posture device regularly, so choose one that's comfortable. Any posture device will feel a little strange until you become used to it, but any mild discomfort shouldn't last for more than a few days if you choose carefully. All posture braces pull on your shoulders, but those with wide straps help to evenly distribute the pressure, so they shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Shoulder straps with plenty of padding also make a posture device more comfortable, though it will also feel warmer.
Appearance
There's no way around it, posture devices just aren't cool. They tend to come in basic colors – usually black, nude, or white – and appear entirely utilitarian rather than fashionable. But that's okay. Since you can wear your posture device under your clothes, nobody ever needs to see it! We wouldn't worry at all about how a posture device looks, just that it does its job effectively.
Adjustability
A posture device should have some degree of adjustability so that you can tighten or loosen it as necessary to find the correct fit. One useful feature is the ability to adjust your posture device while wearing it. If you can't do this, getting the right fit can be awkward and time-consuming because you must take the device off, estimate how much to adjust it, put it back on, and go through the whole process again until you get it just right.
Posture device prices
Chest brace
Basic chest brace devices start at around $10 to $15, though paying an extra $10 to buy one in the $20 to $25 range will make sure you receive a sturdy and more comfortable device. Some high-end models cost as much as $40 to $60.
Back brace
Back brace posture devices tend to be a little pricer, probably because of the extra material required. Basic options start at around $20 to $30, but expect to pay more like $30 to $50 for a decent mid-range brace.
Posture shirt
If you choose to buy a posture shirt, most cost between $80 and $110.
Tips
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Think about how you'll use your posture device. Some are ideal for wearing while working out, especially for activities such as yoga and weight lifting, while others shouldn’t be worn while exercising but are comfortable for daily wear.
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Select a posture device with the right level of support. If you have serious issues with posture, a full-length back brace will provide lots of support. Otherwise, you can choose a model that's more comfortable and lightweight with less support.
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Consider portability. If you don't want to wear your posture device all day, you'll need one that's compact enough to easily carry with you when you're not using it.
- Check that your posture device is durable enough to fit your needs. If you think you'll be using it daily for years to come, it's worth spending more to purchase a durable model that will stand up to plenty of use.
FAQ
Q. Why should I wear a posture device?
A. If you often find yourself slouching, wearing a posture device is an excellent idea. You might simply want to improve your posture for aesthetic reasons, but poor posture can also cause pain in the back and neck. Using a posture device can help relieve pain associated with incorrect posture. One extremely common reason for slouching is sitting at a computer all day, so most people with a desk job could benefit from a posture device.
Q. How many hours can I wear my posture device?
A. The maximum recommended amount of time you should wear your posture device varies, so check the instructions to be certain. However, most can be worn for up to ten hours, so you can wear it for a full day at work. That said, wearing your device for as little as an hour a day can help improve your posture over the long term, so you don't need to wear it all day.
Q. Are posture devices easy to keep clean?
A. For ease of cleaning, we'd highly recommend buying a posture device that's machine washable.
