How to Properly Fit a Posture Bra for Maximum Support

Have you seen the image of the hunched ape evolving into an upright man (d)evolving back down into a slouching figure at a desk? It’s funny because it’s oh-so painfully real. 

Some claim that poor posture is an outright epidemic. We don’t disagree. The studies keep piling up to verify it: They reveal the risks of tech neck, the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems that come with WFH, and the link between poor posture and back pain (1, 2, 3).

As much as we can blame technology for our slouching habits, we can also turn to it for a little extra help. This doesn’t mean you need to upload yet another app or strap yourself with the latest gadget, though. Instead, a well-fitting posture bra designed for the modern lifestyle, with real women’s bodies in mind, can help you develop better alignment and reduce discomfort and pain caused by poor posture. 

Here’s how to choose the right posture bra for maximum support — and relief.

How Can a Bra Improve Your Posture?

Bras have their many purposes: to cover, lift, shape, and support the breasts — usually not all at once. Until relatively recently, comfort was often an overlooked consideration. Heck, cup sizes weren’t even introduced until 1932. Today, you can get just about any type of bra you can dream up, but how effective are most of them?

If you’re looking for an undergarment that is functional, supportive, and comfortable, any old bra likely won’t do. Bras for posture improvement, however, are specifically designed to offer maximum support in the chest and back and help train your muscles to ensure better posture throughout the day.

The best type of bra to improve your posture will distribute weight evenly, encourage an upright position, and alleviate back and shoulder pain.

Distributes Weight Evenly

None of us are perfectly symmetrical — we all need a bra that can make up for the often miniscule differences between our left and right sides. A well-designed posture bra will take every piece and part into consideration in order to distribute the weight in your chest evenly and reduce pressure throughout the upper body. This includes an underband that sits comfortably yet firmly against your sternum, as well as broad straps and a durable back-support system that can hold the breasts in place without digging into your skin.

Encourages Upright Posture

We found that posture bras that pull at the shoulders tend to restrict movement. In contrast, the Etalon Posture Bra encourages better posture by gently guiding your shoulder blades toward each other, helping you open your chest and take the weight of your breasts off of your shoulders and back. This allows for more comfort and greater range of motion in the upper body. You will feel yourself sitting and standing up taller without feeling constricted.

Alleviates Back and Shoulder Pain

Poor posture puts more pressure on your body. It’s often linked to muscular imbalances in the neck, shoulders, chest, core, and upper and lower back. Does your chest feel tight? Your hips stiff? Your upper back achy? These are all signs that you may need to be more mindful of your posture. Choosing the right posture bra for maximum support can help you alleviate stress on the spine and correct the imbalances that are contributing to discomfort and pain in the back and shoulders.

Choosing the Right Posture Bra

Posture bras now come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so it’s easy to be struck with decision fatigue. To choose the right posture bra for maximum support, make sure that it fits your body properly, is made with high-quality material, and allows you to adjust for optimal comfort.

Choosing the Right Size

This may seem obvious, but most women have spent much of their lives wearing the wrong size bra. We recommend getting a proper bra fitting, either at a specialty bra shop or major department store that offers free fittings. You can also do your own measurements (or have a friend or loved one help you) by measuring your bust and rib cage. Learn more about how to choose the right posture bra size. Remember that sizes will vary depending on the brand and type of bra.

Ensuring a Proper Fit

To understand how to properly fit a posture bra for maximum support make sure that it’s neither too tight nor too loose. The bra should be doing its job (do you feel the tug pulling you up?) but not causing discomfort or leaving deep marks in your skin (aka bra strap syndrome). A bra that is adjustable, like Etalon, is ideal for adapting to different activities and comfort levels.

Considering Fabric and Material for Comfort

You can have the most cutting-edge design, but if your material is flimsy and the fabric itchy and uncomfortable, what’s the point? Choose a posture bra that is made with high-quality materials that are durable and can maintain the same shape, strength, and support over time. Natural fibers and breathable fabrics will also help keep your skin cool and dry and prevent chafing and irritation. 

Understanding the Importance of Adjustable Straps and Closures

Adjustable straps allow you to fit the posture bra to your body with the support and comfort you require. With our latest Etalon update, we placed the straps at a more dramatic angle to provide a more intense pull and widened the slits for the clasps to allow for easier adjustment.

TRY THE ETALON POSTURE BRA 2.0

We believe it’s possible to beat the slouch and reverse that evolutionary path.

A posture bra is an excellent tool to support our busy lives, especially if that busyness involves sitting at a desk for hours at a time. A well-fitting posture bra works by distributing the weight in your chest evenly and encouraging upright posture to build muscle memory and alleviate any unnecessary strain put on your back and shoulders. 

When first trying the Etalon Posture Bra, adjust the straps to the loosest setting and commit to wearing the bra for at least a few hours daily. Be patient. You should start to feel results within a few weeks or months. 

FAQs

1. What are the key features to look for in a posture bra?

When it comes to choosing the right posture bra for maximum support, be sure to look for a bra that distributes weight evenly, encourages an upright position, alleviates back and shoulder pain, feels comfortable, and fits you properly. Opt for a bra that has broad, adjustable straps and is made from high-quality materials that don’t irritate the skin.

2. How do I accurately measure myself to find the right posture bra size?

Sizes vary by brand and type of bra. Refer to the Etalon sizing guide to find your perfect fit and learn more here about choosing the right size.

3. How can I adjust my posture bra for the best support and comfort?

The Etalon Posture Bra has six adjustable straps that work in tandem to engage the muscles in the upper back. Each strap is connected to the back centerpiece of the bra and features movable clasps that allow you to increase or decrease the support.

4. What are common fitting issues with posture bras?

The most common fitting issue: the wrong size! Most women end up with a bra that is either too tight or too loose. Either situation will lead to suboptimal results. Always accurately measure yourself and follow the brand’s recommended sizing guide. Choose a posture bra that allows for customization, like easily adjustable straps, to accommodate for normal body fluctuations and varying activity levels.

SOURCES:

1. Acta medica academica. “Text Neck Syndrome: Disentangling a New Epidemic.” (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9982850/

2. Heliyon. The prevalence of bad posture and musculoskeletal symptoms originating from the use of gadgets as an impact of the work from home program of the university community. (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9556879/

3. EFORT Open Reviews. Spinal posture assessment and low back pain. (2023). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10548303/