Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Thanks to cell phones and long days sitting in an office chair, maintaining good posture is harder than ever. But what exactly is "bad" posture, and how do you know if you need to work on yours?

For starters, "good" posture occurs when the muscles of the body support the skeleton in an alignment that is both stable and energy efficient. Over time, factors like daily habits, exercise, and even shoe choice can all take a toll on your posture. Bad posture can be genetic or injury-induced, or just simply the force of gravity acting on your body as you repeatedly move through motions that do not support the body's natural alignment.

Because posture is all about muscular strength on the skeleton, the best fix is training those muscles so that they can support your body back into its natural alignment. While it's up to you to do the work, you can use posture correctors to help guide your body back to its natural position.

“It’s impossible to sustain good shoulder and neck posture if your core muscles are weak [and] it’s difficult to retract your shoulders if your chest muscles are tight," explains Susan Eby, MS, of Eby Physical Therapy in New York City, "Posture devices [should be] one part of a program to achieve optimal posture,” she suggests.

We researched dozens of posture correctors and evaluated them for reviews, materials, fits, wearability, sizing, and comfort levels. Each of the posture correctors chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors. We also did a comprehensive testing review on the Evoke Pro A300 Posture Corrector Review and ITA-MED TLSO-250 Posture Corrector Review.

If you're ready to stop slouching, here are the best posture correctors:

Can be worn over or under clothing

Doesn’t prevent lower back slouching

If you’re looking for a traditional posture corrector that will fit under your clothes without being too noticeable or bulky, the Evoke Pro Back Posture Corrector is a good choice. The Evoke Pro Posture Corrector is a modified figure-eight design with a wider span of material between the shoulder blades that better distributes pressure.

The Velcro straps allow you to adjust the tension and positioning of the brace, but it’s also available in a regular and extra large size to fit different size frames. The breathable, close-fitting fabric fits flush across your back and the padded straps wrap under your arms without restricting movement.

Many people have found it easy to conceal this posture corrector underneath a shirt thanks to its slim design. A few people did complain of the straps rubbing the skin under their arms, but this seems to be the exception and not the norm. If this is the case, it can be remedied by adjusting the fit of the brace or adding an extra bit of cushion to protect the skin. Slip on the Evoke Pro Back Posture Corrector under your clothes and no one will know you’re wearing it.

Material: Neoprene | Fit: Figure-eight style across shoulders and upper back | Feel: Slim but snug, adjustable resistance

"The compact, figure-eight build has soft, adjustable straps that made putting it on—similar to the motion of putting on a backpack—relatively simple. (That said, I have a smaller build—it was tougher for my fiancé to put on since he has broader shoulders). I never felt overheated while wearing this product, both at my desk and out walking my dog. The padded straps were also particularly comfortable, and the metal brackets were surprisingly flexible." — Stephanie Vermillion, Verywell writer and product tester 

Can be worn over or under clothing

Achieving a better walking posture doesn’t require a big budget—just commitment and an affordable posture corrector. The Selbite Posture Corrector is a wallet-friendly option to get your shoulders back in place.

This latex-free option will give you good results for a small price tag. It's made of breathable material and is nearly invisible under clothes. Worried about discomfort? The padded straps provide a comfortable fit for daily wear. You'll be standing tall in no time.

Material: Neoprene | Fit: Figure-eight style across shoulders and upper back | Feel: Smooth, silky fabric

Back brace and posture corrector combined

Spine alignment and lumbar support

Covers more than posture corrector alone

Stop slumping shoulders and curb back pain with the supportive and adjustable Flexguard Support Back Brace Posture Corrector. This design is part back brace, part posture corrector, and all about proper spine alignment. The Flexguard Support Back Brace Posture Corrector is a popular option for people that suffer from back pain along with poor posture.

The brace is designed to gently pull your shoulders back for better alignment, which relieves pressure on taxed back muscles. Additionally, the lower back brace provides support that can relieve pain.

You’ll appreciate the fact that this brace comes in a wide range of sizes, with everything from XS to XL available. Combined with the adjustable straps, it’s easy to find the right configuration that is both comfortable and beneficial for your posture.

Note that the design of the brace may make it a little bulky for wearing under clothing. But if you have back pain due to your occupation or posture habits, this posture corrector with back brace is a huge help. People praise its ability to relieve pain and train the spine. Pick up the Flexguard Support Back Brace Posture Corrector and put out pain while putting your spine in alignment.

Material: Neoprene | Fit: Upper, middle, and lower back coverage with shoulder straps | Feel: Comfortable but fully supportive

Gentle vibrations when you slouch

Offers an app to track your posture

Needs recharging after eight hours

Adhesive doesn’t always stick

Sitting at an office desk is one of the biggest posture pitfalls behind poor posture. Combat slouching with a discreet solution, like this high-tech posture corrector for the office. The Upright GO Posture Trainer is a wearable device that sticks to the center of your upper back with skin-safe adhesives.

When your posture starts to slip, the device vibrates to remind you to straighten up. Research suggests that such wearable devices may be helpful for preventing, monitoring, and treating poor posture and spinal conditions.

Without any bulky straps, you can wear it between your shoulder blades without anyone noticing. Also, if you need to go into a meeting, turn the device to tracking mode only via the smartphone app to avoid anyone with sensitive ears from picking up on the vibrations.

The most common complaint about this posture trainer is the adhesive used to attach it to your back. Some people have trouble getting it to stick, while others are able to use each silicon adhesive strip for a week at a time. If you have trouble with the included adhesive, an easy solution is to purchase double-sided tape for skin.

Also, the battery life is only about eight hours for some users, which might mean the device is cutting it close on lasting for your entire workday. Overall, though, the Upright GO Posture Trainer stands out as the best posture corrector for the office thanks to its slim design and high-tech functionality. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants to have the data and details of how much time is spent slouching or to track posture correction progress.

Material: N/A | Fit: Adhesive placement in center of upper back | Feel: Uses vibrations

Even minimal wear can provide relief

Can’t be worn under clothes

Lower back pain tends to creep up after sitting (and slouching) for extended periods of time, and BetterBack is designed to combat exactly that. This Shark Tank-featured posture corrector is lightweight and easy to fold up and take on the go. With its unique bands that wrap around your knees, BetterBack turns any seat into an ergonomic chair, helping to improve your posture and relieve pain. Wearing it for just 15 minutes a day can help train you to sit with perfect posture—a serious feat for lifelong slouchers.

Material: Neoprene | Fit: Brace wraps around lower back, straps wrap around front of knees | Feel: Firm support

Contoured for the female body shape

Support for shoulder, back, and abdomen

Not easy to put on

May feel bulky or uncomfortable

For women looking for a comfortable, adjustable posture corrector, this highly adjustable version from ITA-MED is our top choice. This posture corrector for women is contoured for a woman’s physique and is more supportive and comfortable.

Featuring a cotton lining, this brace is breathable and can be worn under clothing. For added support in the back, the brace features two flexible metal stays. Women will appreciate the way that the straps are designed to provide posture correction without pinching or interfering with the bust.

While this brace with back and abdomen support isn’t as simple as the most minimal posture correctors, it won’t ride up and wins points for considering a women’s figure, comfort, and adjustability.

Material: Polyester 50%, Cotton 22%, Nylon 18%, Lycra 10% | Fit: Criss-cross design on back, band-design in front, over-the-shoulder straps | Feel: Snug and body-shaping

“While this posture corrector is adjustable and could get as tight as I wanted, the build is anything but discreet. It covered my entire waist up to my shoulders (in the back) and was highly noticeable in just about every outfit other than a loose sweatshirt. The strong support around my core did keep me from leaning forward on my desk—something I’m prone to do as a writer—so that was some good, posture-correcting training. Another positive is the internal front/back pockets—while I didn’t end up needing them, you can put hot or cold gel packs in the pockets to help with any pain.” — Stephanie Vermillion, Verywell writer and product tester 

May need help to adjust

A posture corrector should be lightweight and comfortable to wear when your spine is in its neutral position. If you start to slouch or round your shoulders, the device should provide gentle correction.

The Marakym Posture Corrector is made from a lightweight neoprene that is breathable and easy to wear. It can be worn under or on top of clothing and the Velcro straps make it easy to adjust for many different body types and sizes. Be aware, though, that some people find it beneficial to have a helping hand when adjusting it for the first time.

What really stands out about this pick is that it's comfortable to wear when your posture is on point, but becomes uncomfortable if you lose proper form. This makes it easy to gradually train your muscles to hold proper alignment. Instructions are included and it comes with a convenient carrying bag. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or running errands, the brace can be easily stowed away when not in use.

If you're looking for a discreet posture corrector that won't interfere with your day-to-day activities, the Upright GO Original Posture Trainer (view at Amazon) is a great solution. But if treating back pain is driving your decision, the Back Brace Posture Corrector (view at Amazon) will provide support and encourage alignment so you can go about your day without your pain interfering.

Ideally, choosing to wear a posture corrector will be one piece of a larger therapeutic puzzle to treat your poor posture and any symptoms you’re experiencing as a result. It’s never a bad idea to consult with your doctor before wearing one.

It seems obvious, but you should buy a posture corrector that you can actually use. This usability relies on several different factors, including weight, adjustability, and practicality. 

When considering a device’s usability, Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified spinal and orthopedic surgeon in the New York/New Jersey area, recommends asking yourself a series of questions to narrow down your options:

“If you purchase a product that is too bulky, restrictive, or not adjustable, odds are you will let it sit in your closet,” Dr. Okubadejo warns. “If you can’t use it, all the benefit goes out the window.” 

According to Eby, your posture corrector should encourage active correction, not passive positioning. What does that mean? Let’s go back to earlier, when we said you would need to retrain your body to position itself correctly. That means your muscles need to do the adjusting and realigning here, not the device; you want something that reminds you to correct your own posture rather than a device that forces or holds you in a specific position.

Since different styles of posture correctors address specific types of poor posture (more on that next), you should spend some time observing your posture weaknesses before springing for a particular corrector.

“Knowing these details will help in the decision-making process [because] you will have a better understanding of which product can address your needs,” says Dr. Okubadejo.

We want to note that a posture corrector alone often isn’t enough to correct chronic problems; most people benefit from these devices when they’re used in conjunction with physical therapy treatments. Good posture, says Eby, depends on strong and flexible muscles—not an external device.

Posture devices can be part of your posture training program, but you should also strengthen the core muscles that are critical for good posture.

If you find yourself reaching for your posture corrector constantly after weeks of use or don’t experience much change at all after trying it out, consult a physical therapist or other health professional. You may need a full assessment or treatment plan for correcting the root of your problem. 

If you use it correctly, a posture corrector shouldn't harm you in any way—but that doesn't mean they're totally risk-free. They're not a permanent solution to chronic problems.

"Posture correctors are generally safe, however overuse of a device like this can cause atrophy," says Dr. Okubadejo, "where the muscles get used to the support of the device and weaken from a lack of use."

It depends on your device (some can be worn longer than others) as well as your familiarity with the device itself.

"A general rule of thumb for these devices is to start with 15 to 20 minutes a day and add more time, up to 30 minutes to an hour a day, until your body gets accustomed to its proper positioning," explains Dr. Okubadejo.

Posture correctors are often recommended for patients with mild cases of misalignment, says Dr. Okubadejo; in other words, if you're having general neck pain, back pain, or headaches, or your posture is noticeably slouched, a posture corrector can help you retrain your muscles into a healthier alignment. 

If you have more severe issues, though, or feel like you need an individualized assessment to figure out what kind of device you should use, it's better to see a doctor before buying a device on your own.

“A product that constricts the back into alignment without leaving space for the muscles to learn the ergonomically correct positioning could, in some cases, lead to reliance on the device—or worse, atrophy of the muscles that are supposed to do that work.” —Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified spinal and orthopedic surgeon in the New York/New Jersey area

Erica Puisis is a former writer for Verywell covering consumer products. Erica has a background in legal research and business administration, and she has also worked as a social media specialist, copywriter, and editor. She creates ongoing content for top interior designers, residential and commercial furniture manufacturers, and has also contributed to leading smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg. Erica loves sharing her insights on top trending and mainstay products for the home.

Additional reporting for this story by Sarah Bradley

Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.

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