How Orthopedic Posture Bras Improve Comfort and Support

Your spine is powerful, versatile, and flexible — enough to take a beating, whether you’re working out at high intensity or powering through a long day at the laptop. Because of its crucial role, the spine can also be a source of intense pain and discomfort. If you carry extra weight in your chest, it can be an even greater struggle. 

An orthopedic back support bra can allow for better support, optimal comfort, and improved posture. Wearing a posture bra regularly can help minimize the stress on your spine, discourage slouching, potentially prevent chronic health problems, and maybe even keep you looking and feeling young.

Why invest in an orthopedic bra? Let’s dig into the benefits and how to choose the best posture corrector for you.

What Are Orthopedic Posture Bras?

Orthopedic posture bras go above and beyond your typical underwire or sports bra. They are designed for support — to keep your breasts aligned and in place — and to improve posture by taking the weight of the chest off the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

The best types of posture bras are engineered with a sturdy support band that runs around the chest and a strap system that helps draw the shoulder blades closer together and open up the chest.

That said, not all orthopedic bras are necessarily comfortable. Some are big and bulky, made with itchy material, or only fit certain types of bodies. We’ll get into how to choose the most comfortable orthopedic posture bra below.

Benefits of Orthopedic Posture Bras for Back Support

An orthopedic posture bra is designed to help you restore balance in your spine and maintain better posture. With a good fit, a posture corrector can improve daily comfort, enhance support for the back and shoulders, and alleviate pain due to poor posture. 

Enhanced Support for Back and Shoulders

Orthopedic posture bras can offer immediate support for your back and shoulders. A bra like Etalon is designed with wide straps that cover the shoulders. These are connected to six smaller adjustable straps that attach to the back centerpiece. The main straps are placed at a slight angle to give you a gentle (yet intense enough) pull to help engage your upper back muscles and draw your shoulder blades toward each other. This action frees your back and shoulders from any unnecessary stress. This is especially valuable for women with fuller busts who have more weight to support.

Reduced Pain with Proper Posture Correction

One of the greatest benefits of orthopedic posture bras may take some time to realize, but it’s worth it. Wearing an orthopedic posture bra regularly — and also incorporating posture-promoting exercises and stretches — will help to restore your spine’s natural curvature and alignment, which will also relieve back pain. We recommend wearing Etalon daily for at least three months. Each time you wear the bra, it’s slowly helping you build the muscle memory around your upper back and shoulders to maintain a more upright position.

Increased Comfort During Daily Activities

Most posture bras can be worn during your normal everyday activities, from working at a desk to training at the gym. It can help you maintain good posture throughout a long workday, while carrying groceries, or during a leisurely walk. Wearing a posture bra while you exercise can help you move and lift with better technique.

Choosing the Most Comfortable Orthopedic Posture Bra

A one-size-fits-all bra just won’t do when it comes to ultimate support and comfort. In fact, an improper fit or flimsy support system could potentially cause you more pain and discomfort. When it comes to choosing the most comfortable orthopedic bra, you need to prioritize the fit, the fabric, and the functionality.

Tips for Selecting the Right Fit and Material

Finding the right fit is priority number one. Choosing the right posture bra size starts with accurately measuring your rib cage and bust. From there, follow the brand’s sizing guide to pick the size that matches your measurements.

When it comes to the material, look for natural fibers and breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your skin. The material should be flexible and durable enough to maintain the shape and support of the bra.

Features To Look for in Orthopedic Bras for Comfort and Support

Here’s our checklist of features to look for when choosing an orthopedic bra:

• Is it customizable? Does it have easily adjustable straps to adapt to minor changes in your body and your posture needs?
• What is the material? Are the fabrics breathable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking?
• How does it work? Do the straps help to draw the shoulder blades together without pulling too hard or restricting your movement? 
• Is it comfortable? Can you move freely and imagine wearing it during any daily activity?

All of these questions are important to ask before you decide to invest in a posture bra.

Comparing Orthopedic Bras vs. Traditional Bras

A traditional bra may offer some shape and support, but that’s about it. The best type of orthopedic bra combines ergonomic design with maximum support and comfort to help prevent slouching, correct muscular imbalances, and alleviate neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by poor posture.

Why Orthopedic Bras Are Better for Posture

Orthopedic bras are better for posture because they’re designed to lift, support, and pull you in all the right places. The best orthopedic posture bras for support will distribute the weight in your chest evenly and encourage an upright position by gently pulling your shoulder blades toward each other and opening your chest. When you put on a posture bra for the first time, this may feel a bit weird. You will feel the bra giving you a tug — but not one that should hurt or restrict your movement.

Cost vs. Benefits: Investing in an Orthopedic Bra

But the price?! Yes, an effective orthopedic bra will often cost significantly more than your average bra. But an investment may lead to benefits like these:

• Improved posture (with and without the bra)
• Reduced neck and back pain 
• Improved overall mobility
• Improved digestion
• Better focus
• Increased lung capacity
• Increased productivity
• Boosted energy and confidence

Is it worth it? That’s your call (but we think so!).

Why Choose an Etalon Orthopedic Posture Bra?

We’ve spent years developing the ultimate posture bra that combines comfort, support, function, and fashion. We’ve gotten a lot of valuable feedback, dug deep into the most up-to-date research, and went back to the drawing board to unveil a second version of the Etalon Posture Bra that addressed concerns with fit, comfort, and support for women of all sizes.

Unmatched Comfort and Support for All-Day Use

Many posture bras work by simply pulling the shoulders back but we found that this action restricts movement. Instead, we’ve designed Etalon to gently guide the shoulder blades to their optimal position. This makes the fit more comfortable and allows you to move more freely.

Designed for Optimal Posture and Back Health

Etalon is also one of the few posture correctors that offer customizable levels to balance comfort with function. You can adjust the straps to match your comfort level and how much “pull” you want to feel. With better posture over time, you should feel relief from any back pain caused by prolonged slouching.

Invest in Your Comfort and Health

We understand that choosing a high-quality orthopedic posture bra is an investment. This is not your everyday bra — but it certainly can be. If you’ve noticed that your posture is suffering, your back is aching, and you’re experiencing other limitations like a drop in energy, mood, and focus, you may want to consider investing in your health with a posture bra like Etalon.

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