How can you tell if you’re actually sitting appropriately versus awkwardly sticking out your boobs too much to overcompensate for your poor posture? After covering a number of posture-correcting wearables, we definitely get the importance of sitting straight. But with all these wearables, you’re probably wondering (just as much as we are): Which wearable is the best? We dug a little deeper to find out!
The Smart Back Brace may not look like the latest in posture-correcting tech — it combines elements of new and old — but it is. This brace is great for those of you who want a quick and easy way to work the muscle memory in your shoulders. Often our backs may be straight, but our shoulders are still slouched forward. Using its two adjustable straps that wrap across your chest and back, this wearable keeps your shoulders at the appropriate position. Similar to other posture wearables, the SBB softly vibrates when it notices your shoulders are pulled forward. As it is one of the bulkier wearables, you’ll want to take your wardrobe into consideration. If you wear tighter tops, the SBB will definitely be visible. This wearable is currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo. You can get your own for $69.
LumoBack
If the straps on the SBB are too noticeable under your tighter tops, the thinner Lumo Back might be better. Rather than strapping your wearable across your chest, the Lumo Back straps around your lower back. In addition to its discreet vibrations that remind you to sit up, this wearable has a sensor that connects to the Lumo app. In the app, you see an adorable stick figure version of you that tracks your posture in real time. It’s best if you keep the app open all day at work. That way, when you start slouching your slouching avatar can remind you to sit up.
Lumo Lift
Lumo Lift is great for those who like to receive tips and advice on better posture rather than real-time notifications. It’s for the “How can I improve myself?” type of peeps. And just like the LUMOback, this device is super discreet. It magnetically attaches to your clothes and undergarments. Unlike LUMOback, Lift not only concentrates on your back, but it also tracks your shoulders and head postures.
Prana
Similar to Lumo Lift, Prana simply advises on how you can improve you posture. But Prana goes one step further by telling you how correcting your posture can improve your overall health and productivity. If you don’t like how the previous wearables vibrate, you’ll be happy to know that Prana does not vibrate at all. As a bonus, it also teaches you optimal breathing patterns that you can practice to improve your mood and concentration.
Arki
This wearable is perfect for the… well, perfectionist. Not only does this stylish, thin bracelet correct your seated posture, it also corrects your walking, running and standing postures. If you’re looking at your phone while you’re walking, Arki will vibrate to tell you to put away your phone. If your hands are in your pockets, it’ll notify you as well. Now, these notifications may seem extreme — especially since we live in a society where everyone is always on their phones — but if you quit these habits, you’ll be able to walk, run and stand much more confidently.
The Up T-Shirt
This shirt is for those folks who don’t like having a piece of metal with wires strapped on to their bodies. The Up T-Shirt is hand-sewn and made of resistant film and double-laminated cotton. In the shoulder portions of the shirt, there are elastic bands that become uncomfortable when you slouch. So rather than having a device vibrate to tell you to sit up, you’ll naturally end up sitting straighter for the sake of comfort. But because this “wearable” is a t-shirt, you’re either going to have to wash it everyday or only wear it once a week. Considering this shirt costs $200 and its fabric will maintain its elasticity wash after wash, you might want to consider washing and wearing it daily.
Darma
For those of you who aren’t big fans of wearables, there’s Darma. It’s a portable seat cushion that’s a combination of Lumo Back and Lift. Just by sitting on Darma, you get information about your seated posture habits. Darma gives you tips though the app; it even tracks how long you’ve been sitting and lets you know when it’s time to get up and stretch.
Which posture-correcting device is perfect for you? Talk to us in the comments!
