Do posture correctors really work?
The short answer is: yes. But posture correctors shouldn’t be overused. According to the Ergonomics Health Association, self-awareness is important for correcting your spinal alignment and a good posture corrector should work as a reminder to help you straighten up, rather than force your muscles to adopt a new posture. As such, posture correctors aren’t designed to fix your posture permanently - they’re meant to be a supportive aid. So, you still need to put in the work to correct your alignment issues or imbalances.
Because there’s such a wide variety of posture correctors on the market, the key is to find one that best suits your needs and lifestyle. If you’re unsure which style or model will work for you, speak to your doctor or health professional before you buy one.
Are posture correctors safe?
Generally yes, but experts agree that posture correctors shouldn’t be worn for long periods of time as your muscles can become overly dependent on them, causing possible muscle atrophy (a gradual loss of muscle). It’s also important to use them in the correct setting, for instance while sitting at your desk, reading a book or sitting on the train. There’s also limited scientific evidence to support the long-term benefits of wearing posture correctors but they can help temporarily.
Should I wear a posture corrector all day?
Because you’re using a posture corrector to retrain your muscles to work for themselves and position yourself correctly, experts recommend wearing the device for no more than 15 to 20 minutes per day to start with, gradually building up to a few hours per day after a few weeks. The ultimate goal is to only use a posture corrector when you need additional support rather than relying on it to hold you up throughout the day.
What should I look for in a posture corrector?
When deciding which posture corrector is right for you, there are a few things to consider:
Your overall needs and lifestyle
Firstly, ask yourself what you want to achieve most from wearing a posture corrector. Is it to prevent you from slouching or hunching over? Is it for extra support while you go about your day, or is it primarily for pain relief? Your answers will determine which style is best suited for you. Also, if you’re particularly active, you may need to consider a lightweight posture corrector that can be worn during more strenuous activities such as the Joyshaper Back Support Vest Top.
Usability
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to buy a posture corrector you find straightforward enough to use. When considering your options, ask yourself a few key questions such as:
How bulky or heavy do I want it to be?
Would I prefer a lighter or looser fit?
Will it be discreet enough under clothing?
Does the model come with adjustable straps?
Am I looking for a sweat-proof fabric?
Will it support my body where I need it most?
Is it simple to take on or off? This is important if you’re currently in pain and struggle to lift your arms over your head. In this instance, a good option would be a zip-style posture corrector shirt such as the ActivePosture Corrector Shirt for Women (which has a zip option).
Area of concern
While most posture correctors have the common goal of helping you to stand up straighter, they also come in a variety of different styles to address a range of concerns from slouching to neck, shoulder and back pain as well as a weak core or rounded shoulders.
To determine where you need the most support, stand in front of the mirror and look at your posture, noting any areas of tension or pain. Can you spot where your alignment is out or where your posture is declining the most? This will help you to narrow down your search as you’ll have a better understanding of where to focus your attention.
Of course, no posture corrector will act like a magic pill and fix your posture instantly, but some may offer more relief than others. For a longer-term solution, consider working with a physiotherapist who will help you build strength, while improving your flexibility and range of motion.
What is the best posture corrector?
Based on our extensive research, the best overall posture corrector is the ActivePosture Posture Corrector Shirt For Women. Mumsnetters agree that it does the job of helping you stand up straight and pull your shoulders back but doesn’t weaken your muscles by doing all the hard work for you.
The fabric is lightweight and breathable for all seasons, and the corrector is so unobtrusive that you may even forget you’re wearing it. We also like that it’s versatile, doesn’t restrict movement and helps to ease overall back pain.
What posture corrector do doctors recommend?
Experts generally recommend posture correctors in milder cases that don’t require major treatment. Those that offer some gentle support while re-training your muscles to do their part and align correctly are always the preferred choice.
However, it’s always best to discuss your concerns with a doctor or physiotherapist before buying a posture corrector as you may need a sturdier device if you’re suffering from more severe issues linked to a previous accident such as a car crash or bad fall.
How we chose our recommendations
Our posture corrector suggestions have come from recommendations on the Mumsnet forums, and from consumer reviews on the web, after noting what customers said about the posture correctors featured.
We also consulted independent review sites and took all medical advice on the safety of posture correctors into account. Having collated all that information, we picked the best posture correctors that we thought were worthy of taking the titles in the array of categories listed.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful review articles like this one.