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Reviewed / Forme
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Perfecting my posture has been a work in progress since I was a teenager. Now, in the age of tech, we constantly have our necks craned over our phones or our backs hunched over a computer keyboard. As a counterpoint, we try to do everything right to correct poor posture! I’ve used a lot of the ergonomic chairs, laptop stands, and standing desks, but I still feel my posture slumping. So when I saw the supposedly “posture correcting” styles from apparel brand Forme, I was intrigued.
Forme claims that this posture-correcting bra can improve your alignment.
I got my hands on the brand’s Power Bra, which purports to be “an FDA-registered posture correcting bra designed to immediately improve your upper body alignment.” I’ve been wearing the bra for the last 3 weeks. Read on to see what I think about the line.
What is Forme?
Forme was established to help people who struggle with posture, spinal, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Originally IFGFit, Forme is a clothing brand that began as “a way to help a loved one battle poor posture and compressed lungs during late-stage cancer.” After developing the product, they manufactured it to help others who struggle with posture, spinal, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Forme offers FDA-registered posture-correcting clothing in women's, unisex, and men's sizes, as well as other products with pending patents. All the clothes are made in the US from organic materials. The company claims that the posture-correcting clothes "instantly transform your body’s alignment, decreases neck tension, increases spine extension, and increases chest expansion for better breathing.”
How does the Forme Power Bra correct posture?
According to the website, the Forme bra addresses poor form by using “posture correcting technology [that] engages scapular and spinal muscle memory to improve the body’s alignment.” Another journal explains that the “IFGFit smart posture gear is a medical device containing PPR® horizontal tension technology that instantly and continuously maintains shoulder blades symmetrical and closer to the spinous processes.” So by keeping the shoulder blades in place and closer to the spine, the product encourages the rest of your spine and body to align. This appears to be done with additional panels of fabric on the back.
Disclaimer: While doing research for this review and learning about the science behind the technology used by Forme, I noticed that nearly every article cited on their website featured research conducted by family members of the founder, and the research was completed after the company began using products from the IFGFit brand. Typically, it is considered unethical to conduct or participate in research that you or a family member could benefit from monetarily, so it’s important to make this distinction in a review of a product that makes such lofty claims.
What I like about the Forme Power Bra
I enjoyed how compressive it was as a sports bra, and the gentle posture correction.
There is an immediate, gentle posture correction
When I first received the bra, I was a little disappointed. In my hands, it felt similar to many of the sports bras that already fill my drawers. Once I tried it on, I could feel my shoulders being pulled back a little bit. It wasn’t as intense as some of the other posture-correcting braces I’ve tried in the past but gave a little nudge with the additional panels on the bra to keep my shoulders down and back.
It is comfortable and compressive as a sports bra
I enjoyed how compressive it was as a sports bra. I wear a size 32DD and often find that sports bras without structure ride up when I wear them. With the Power Bra, as I went about my day, it stayed in place and comfortably compressed my chest.
The design is eye-catching
Beyond the technology, the design was sleek and modern. I could see myself wearing this as a sports bra or workout top. The mesh panels in the back elevate it from a simple sports bra to elevated athleisure.
What I don’t like about the Forme Power Bra
The price point of the Forme Power Bra is inaccessible to most shoppers.
It’s extremely expensive
While the bra was comfy, cute, and made me more aware of my posture, I don’t think the $175 price point is worth it. Because of the high neck, if you wanted to wear this under regular work or casual clothing, it would be difficult to conceal. Moreover, many products in the posture market, like the Upright Go, can be discreetly worn under clothes and costs just $70.
There are questionable sustainability and FDA claims
On their website, Forme claims to be eco-friendly and uses sustainable materials, but when I looked at the material makeup of the bra, I noticed that it was made from 100% plastic fabrics like spandex, polyester, and nylon. It claims that the materials are “organic,” but I’m not sure how plastics can be considered as such, and the website doesn’t include information to explain how it might be.
The company also shares that they are FDA-registered, which could be misleading to consumers. When something is registered to the FDA, it is simply a record of where the product was made. The FDA’s website explains, “Registration and listing provide the FDA with the location of medical device establishments and the devices manufactured at those establishments. Knowing where devices are made increases the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.” However, when something is FDA-approved, this means “the drug is safe and effective for its intended use.” As of the time of publishing this review, Forme has not yet received this designation.
Finally, as explained above, the company seems to be unclear about the research done for this product. I would love to see the results from an unbiased, third-party research team and comparison to other posture-correcting devices.
Is the Forme Power Bra worth it?
I didn’t see any long-term improvement in my posture.
No.
Although I noticed a slight difference in my posture when wearing it, I didn’t see any long-term improvement in my posture. I also wasn’t sure if any change in my stance was a placebo effect given the fact that I knew I was wearing a posture-correcting bra made me more aware of my posture. At the end of the day, I think it is best to save your money and invest in a more reasonably priced posture corrector or super supportive sports bra.
Alternatives to the Forme Power Bra
This budget-friendly uses carefully placed straps and seaming to train you into better alignment.
Wear this app-connected posture-correcting device that uses gentle vibrations to remind you to sit up straight.
This supportive option from lululemon is great for those in search of a new sports bra.
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