Everything You Need To Know About Posture Correctors
Growing up, you might have been told that slouching does you absolutely no favors in terms of presenting your best self to the world. But poor posture goes beyond looking bad, it's bad for your body too (just ask your tense neck, inflamed traps, and achy lumbar). With many of us currently stuck working from home, we're not necessarily dealing with the most physically supportive office setups — and so we turn to ergonomic accessories, like posture correctors, for a quick body fix.
"Many of us work on a computer at a desk, so being constrained to sitting and staring at a screen all day contributes to poor posture," Vinh Pham, physical therapist and co-founder of Myodetox Clinics tells Refinery29. Unsurprisingly, a recent uptick in the harness-like posture corrector has ensued with top-rated styles on Amazon selling out like hotcakes. But, do they actually work? Well, yes and no. "These posture correctors are designed as a tool to help with correcting your posture by providing proprioceptive feedback and support [for] your spine," Pham explains. However, they're not intended to do the work for you — which is where strengthening your own muscles comes in: "The best way to help improve our posture is to be reminded to move frequently while we work or sit for long periods of time, as well as doing a regular exercise routine to strengthen your postural muscles."
Ahead, additional facts on how these trending contraptions can support (but not replace!) healthy posture habits — along with a handful of still-in-stock styles you can add to cart.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
ComfyBrace Posture Corrector
If you're in need of a reminder to straighten up, then wearing a posture corrector can be helpful to give you the feeling of keeping your shoulders back and your chest open — but, don't rely on them completely: "Your postural muscles will get weaker if you wear these things for extended periods of time," says Pham. "Long story short, posture devices should only be used temporarily if you need a reminder to straighten up the back and build the habit of sitting up straight, but definitely not as a long-term solution." This Amazon bestseller helps relieve chronic back pain and encourages better posture with its orthopedic design.
ComfyBrace Posture Corrector- Fully Adjustable for Mid Upper Spine, $19.97, available at Amazon.
FlexGuard Posture Corrector & Back Brace
"Poor posture can affect the body in numerous ways," Pham says. "Over time, these poor patterns of movement will lead to muscle compensations and imbalances that may increase our chances of injury and onset of pain."
FlexGuard Support Posture Corrector for Women & Men - Back Brace, $30.99 $17.95, available at Amazon.
