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Best Posture Correcting Braces

Updated March 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
BetterBack Lower Back Support Posture Belt
BetterBack
Lower Back Support Posture Belt
Aids Seated Posture

A sound choice if your posture suffers as a result of sitting for extended periods. Offers instant correction and quick relief in a design that almost anyone can use.

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Aids Seated Posture
Bottom Line

A sound choice if your posture suffers as a result of sitting for extended periods. Offers instant correction and quick relief in a design that almost anyone can use.

Pros

Effectively corrects posture in just about any sitting position. Specifically designed for sitting, this brace won’t ride up or pinch like many other lumbar supports. Extra-wide back support, seat belt-like straps, and comfortable knee cushioning deliver superior performance.

Cons

Taking it off and putting it back on can become a hassle if you’re up and down a lot. May not be the best option for those with severe hip or knee issues.

Best Bang for the Buck
Copper Compression Posture Corrector with Copper
Copper Compression
Posture Corrector with Copper
Made with Copper

A supportive brace that promotes improved posture with copper and targeted support. However some comfort concerns are possible.

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Made with Copper
Bottom Line

A supportive brace that promotes improved posture with copper and targeted support. However some comfort concerns are possible.

Pros

Made of material that's infused with copper for notable performance and durability. Designed to provide support in strategic areas for gentle posture correction. Waist belt adds an extra boost of support. Customer service is attentive when questions arise.

Cons

Material may cause sweating. Strap adjusters can rub and irritate skin. Brace may hike up with activities.

FlexGuard Support Back Brace Posture Corrector
FlexGuard Support
Back Brace Posture Corrector
Full Back Support

A great posture brace to try if you require full back support, but keep in mind that it won’t offer the same levels of comfort or discretion as smaller varieties.

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Full Back Support
Bottom Line

A great posture brace to try if you require full back support, but keep in mind that it won’t offer the same levels of comfort or discretion as smaller varieties.

Pros

Pulls the shoulders back while providing thoracic and lumbar support to help straighten the entire back. Can help relieve both upper and lower back pain. Full back design eliminates the need to purchase two separate braces. Reasonably priced.

Cons

Can be a bit bulky and uncomfortable to wear under clothing. Some owners find that the lumbar support band rides up when bending over or sitting.

VANRORA Posture Corrector
VANRORA
Posture Corrector
Feature-packed

This feature-rich posture correcting brace will deliver excellent support and comfort when adjusted for a precise fit.

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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

This feature-rich posture correcting brace will deliver excellent support and comfort when adjusted for a precise fit.

Pros

Features chest straps for extra support and a balanced fit. Back bars provide back support that can reduce pain as well as improve posture. Has padding throughout for added comfort. Material is breathable and components are easy to adjust.

Cons

The fit can be uncomfortable around the shoulders and under the arms if not adjusted properly. Somewhat bulky under clothes.

Vive Posture Corrector Brace
Vive
Posture Corrector Brace
Hides Under Clothes

A subtle brace that's easy to put on and that hides well under clothing. However, those with shoulder injuries should try another style.

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Hides Under Clothes
Bottom Line

A subtle brace that's easy to put on and that hides well under clothing. However, those with shoulder injuries should try another style.

Pros

Three sizes available. Slender fit under clothes. Can help to reduce slouching, rounded shoulders and bad sitting posture as well as back, neck and shoulder pain. Made of lightweight, breathable materials. Padded for comfort.

Cons

Not a good choice for larger men. Individuals with shoulder injuries may have trouble putting on the brace.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
December 03, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for best posture correcting braces

Erica van Blommestein
Written by Erica van Blommestein

Updated March 2024

More than just a pain in the neck, bad posture has been linked to a number of health issues, including frequent headaches, tension, fatigue, and even impaired cognitive function. In an age where most of us spend long hours hunched over desks, computer keyboards, and smart devices, incorrect posture is fast becoming a modern-day health epidemic.

Posture correcting braces act as a physical reminder to straighten up, and when used correctly they can help retrain the muscles in the back and neck to maintain proper spinal alignment.

But with hundreds of posture correcting braces on the market, choosing the right one can be tough. Our detailed guide has everything you need to know about posture correcting braces before you buy.

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Improving your posture with a posture correcting brace can help boost your mood and increase confidence, motivation, and productivity at the same time.

Key considerations

Types of posture correcting braces

Posture correcting braces are available in a handful of different styles. Choosing one that suits both your lifestyle and postural needs will drastically increase your long-term results.

  • Standard posture braces: Also known as posture vests, standard posture correcting braces take a comprehensive approach by simultaneously supporting the lower back and pulling the shoulders back. This can be particularly helpful for severe postural imbalances, but keep in mind that this style is bulkier and more restrictive than others.

  • Upper back posture braces: These braces generally have a lightweight design that’s easy to conceal and relatively comfortable to wear. With a focus on the upper back and collarbones, most upper back posture braces have a barely-there feel when worn with good posture but tighten on the shoulders upon slumping. Certain models take posture correction even further by incorporating a solid vertical splint and a torso strap to help straighten both the shoulders and the upper and middle back (thoracic spine).

  • Sitting posture braces: As the name suggests, these braces target issues directly related to seated posture. Sitting posture braces have a lumbar belt and adjustable straps that are secured around the knees. This style is a great alternative to standard posture braces if you experience lower back pain or exaggerated curvature of the spine when sitting. For a full-back effect, consider pairing a sitting posture brace with an upper back posture brace.
     

Comfort

Most posture correcting braces are reasonably comfortable to wear as long as good posture is maintained. However, factors such as climate and individual activity levels can have a major impact on wearer comfort as well. For instance, standard posture braces usually provide extended coverage that might prove to be somewhat uncomfortable in hot weather or if you lead an active lifestyle.

Size

Some braces are designed to serve as a one-size-fits-all posture correcting solution, while others come in varying sizes. Aside from simply being uncomfortable, an ill-fitting posture brace is unlikely to be very effective. A fit that’s too loose won’t provide any resistance to keep your back from sliding into its old familiar slump. On the other hand, braces that are too tight can put unnecessary strain on the joints and might even interfere with blood circulation. Before you buy, take a moment to consider the way a brace will fit your body shape, and remember to check any sizing guidelines.

Ease of use

You’re more likely to wear a user-friendly posture brace that you can put on, take off, and adjust without assistance. Unless you have a partner, friend, or family member to lend a helping hand, look for a posture correcting brace that has easy-to-reach buckles and fasteners.

Features

Lightweight construction

Wearing a bulky posture correcting brace can severely hinder your natural range of motion. Unless you’ve been otherwise advised by a healthcare professional, consider opting for a lightweight posture brace with breathable construction that won’t get in the way of everyday activities.

Padded straps

Straps that dig into the skin can make wearing a posture brace nearly unbearable. Wide straps with a bit of extra padding can go a long way toward reducing digging and chafing, especially around the underarms.

Sturdy buckles and fasteners

You will slump, slouch, or hunch at some point while wearing your posture correcting brace. Whether made of metal, thick plastic, or Velcro, strong buckles and fasteners can withstand the pressure when old habits sneak up on you.

Fuss-free maintenance

Even if you wear a shirt under your posture correcting brace, sweat and bodily oils can eventually seep through and become embedded in the straps. Washing your posture brace once a week, or as per the manufacturer’s instructions, will prevent unpleasant odors. Although the majority of posture braces can be hand- or machine-washed, certain models require dry cleaning. To avoid racking up added expenses, take a look at the care instructions before you commit to a posture correcting brace.

Price

Size and style certainly influence the price of a posture correcting brace, but more often than not it’s the little details that truly determine the cost. While two braces might appear to be identical at first glance, closer inspection usually reveals discrepancies in the quality of the stitching, the strength of the buckles, and the level of padding. However, that’s not to say that a basic posture correcting brace won’t yield results as long as it is reasonably comfortable and strong enough to withstand resistance from incorrect posture.

Inexpensive

The majority of posture correcting braces in the $10 to $15 range are simple, upper-back posture correctors with figure-eight straps. With the right fit, these braces can and do work, but you might have to sacrifice some comfort and durability.

Mid-range

More substantial upper back posture correcting braces with extra cushioning, robust buckles and fasteners, and wide straps can be found for $15 to $25. You can also find some standard vest-style posture correcting braces at the higher end of this price range.

Expensive

Both standard and sitting posture correcting braces are available for $25 to $50-plus. High-end upper back posture braces with quality construction and extended thoracic support also fall within this price range.

Tips

  • Start slowly. Wearing a posture correcting brace can feel a bit uncomfortable at first. In fact, it is normal to experience some soreness as your muscles adapt to holding your shoulders and spine in proper alignment. Starting out with 20 minutes a day and gradually working your way up to wearing your posture brace for longer periods of time can help minimize aches and pains.

  • Wear a T-shirt under your posture brace. Not only does this help to combat rubbing, chafing, and itchiness, but it can also extend the life of your posture brace by reducing exposure to sweat and bodily oils.

  • Give your lower back some attention, too. Good posture is built on a strong foundation. Pairing an upper back posture brace with a sitting posture brace or a lumbar support brace will keep your entire back in proper alignment.

  • Don’t overlook exercise. Strong muscles are necessary for good posture. Focus on exercises that strengthen your core and upper back, and don’t forget stretches that loosen up tight chest muscles.
     
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Try to remain mindful of your posture even when you aren’t wearing your posture correcting brace. If you spend much of the day sitting, get up, stretch, and take a 30-second to two-minute walk while consciously maintaining good posture.

FAQ

Q. How long should I wear my posture correcting brace?

A. Posture correcting braces are a great tool for people who need help improving their posture. However, relying too heavily on a posture brace won’t give your muscles a chance to strengthen and adapt to holding your back in proper position on their own. While many posture correcting braces suggest all-day use, we recommend wearing your brace for no more than three to four hours a day. This is a decent amount of time for your body to develop the muscle memory necessary to change bad habits while still giving your muscles plenty of opportunity to work and grow stronger.

Q. Can children use posture correcting braces?

A. Yes, children can wear posture correcting braces. As with all good habits, correct posture is best learned early in life. However, you’ll need to choose an age-appropriate brace. While teens might do just fine with an adjustable adult-sized model, younger children will need a pediatric posture correcting brace. Limit use to one to two hours a day, preferably when your child is sitting down to do homework.

Q. Is it true that posture correcting braces can cause muscles in the back to weaken further?

A. When used correctly, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, it’s important to note that muscles can become weak from overusing a posture brace. Wearing a posture brace for most of the day means your muscles don’t need to work to hold your back upright. When muscles are underused, they can lose strength and will eventually start to shrink. This is why we recommend only wearing your posture correcting brace for three to four hours a day and strengthening your core, back, and shoulders with regular exercise.

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