Time for an informal survey here, and answer honestly, even though I will have no way of knowing the response. How many times throughout your life, especially during your youth, were you reminded to stand up straight and not slouch? Personally, it was a phrase that I heard frequently, but sadly I didn’t always heed that advice.
Having good posture is one of the keys to keeping the body healthy. Not only does it affect your back, neck, and hips, but good posture also helps with your breathing, causes more efficient blood circulation, and even leads to better digestive health. There are so many ways that posture plays a role in how your body acts and feels on a day-to-day basis, so when your posture is out of whack, chances are there are other lingering issues also going on. With these issues in mind, Dr. Stephen Liu created Forme, a company taking dead aim at posture issues by offering wearable therapeutics.
Forme was formed (lousy pun, I know) by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Liu during a difficult period of his life, as his mother was battling cancer. During this time, Dr. Liu yearned for a way to help enhance his mother’s posture, which would allow her to breathe easier without having to go through any drastic measures. In its simplistic form, this is the basis for Forme to engineer articles of clothing that can create better posture.
While the inspiration for Forme came from family, the main focus of the brand has been athletes. With all the benefits that come from good posture, there is little doubt that these products could be a bit hit for the best athletes in the world, and it has been. Forme has already enjoyed success with athletes on several US Olympic teams, men’s and women’s US National Rugby Squads, and athletes that make up the NBA, MLB, and NHL. Their product is growing on the golf front as well for both players and caddies. Because of the versatility of this product, it can be worn wherever and whenever the user sees fit. Harold Varner III has found that this shirt helps him out quite a bit while traveling between tour stops. “I wear the shirt when I’m flying mostly from event to event. Sometimes I even sleep in it. The biggest difference I see in my body is good posture from wearing the shirt.”
Sheldon Roberts is a Senior Golf-Fitness Trainer at Urban Golf Performance. Sheldon has not only incorporated Formewear into his routines, but also those of his clients. “When I first put on the shirt, I got instant feedback. The longer I wore the product, the better improvement I saw in my own flexibility, rotation, and posture. Not to mention the better positions I was able to get my body into. So, I made some of my clients wear the shirt during their training sessions. The results have been remarkable.” The chart below helps illustrate how much extra rotation and flexibility has been gained by sporting a Formewear.
In the Forme arsenal are two different shirts for men, the Ace Tee, which I tried, and the Core Tee. The difference between these two is the Ace is more of an athletic workout top, while the Core is much more reminiscent of your everyday undershirt. Construction-wise, these shirts feature a dual-layer material. The inner material features an elastic band that stretches across your scapulas. This band is tight enough that it wants to force your shoulder blades down into a more natural position, which will help open your diaphragm more for easier breathing. For the ladies, there is a Power Bra and Sculpt Leggings, with the same philosophy in use on the bra. I am not the one to test either of those products, but THP co-founder, Morgan (aka GolferGal on the THP Forum), has been using one for a while now and has said she is very impressed.
For longer than I care to remember, I have had back and neck pain. Perhaps we can diagnose the issue from being over-weight, out of shape, and someone who suffers from poor posture. Hearing about the success and science behind Forme’s products made these shirts an attractive option for a wearable therapeutic. I’ve gone through my share of diagnostic wearables to “help” me get into shape, such as a FitBit and Apple Watch, while also trying other therapeutics such as Tens units and massagers. All of those products have their merit, but none of them provides the instant feedback that Forme’s Ace Tee provides.
It’s easy to be skeptical of a product that claims all you have to do is put it on and you will feel a difference, but in this case, it is 100% true. Upon slipping the Ace Tee on, the change in my posture was noticeable, not only in feeling but also in appearance. It’s incredible how much this shirt works as advertised. Instantly my shoulders felt like they were pulled back, and I was standing nice and tall. How comfortable that position will be will vary depending on your body because that sudden change was noticeable. For me, after that initial wow, I settled in and wore this shirt for hours. After the first day wearing this shirt, I experienced some minor soreness, which subsided the more I wore it.
Over the last few weeks, I have worn the Ace Tee during several different activities such as cycling, mowing the lawn, days at the office, and have even slept it in. Having converted to a standing desk, the days at the office with this shirt on showed how much better life could be when achieving better posture and balance. While I will be the first to admit that my sample size is relatively small, but early on, I can confidently say that my neck and back have felt much better on the days that this shirt has been worn. These examples help show that while Forme was developed with athletes in mind, it can pay dividends to those who work in a setting where we are sitting or standing for large portions of the day. Over time, I hope this shirt continues to retrain my back muscles, affording me the same relief when I am not wearing the Ace Tee.
Now let’s get down to the price tag, which at $149-$159 will undoubtedly cause some sticker shock. If you think of this as only a shirt, then yes, it will seem high. However, keep in mind that this is not just a shirt. It is a wearable therapeutic and one that you can use as much as you want without worrying about how much battery life is in it. After my time with this shirt, I recommend it to anyone who feels like their posture is causing them some neck and back issues.
More information on all of the Forme products is available at their website, here.
The amount of athletes that are starting to use this is rather staggering as well.
I won’t lie, it takes some getting used to, and can be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it honestly feels pretty great when you actually do get into alignment.
It’s crazy isn’t it? Really opened my eyes to how I sit, stand, and even lounge on the couch.
Presently we are supposed to wear the braces for 15-30 minutes at a time once a day. I am already wearing mine more – and the kid is likely letting hers gather dust (that’s another thread/post though).
Good work Doc.
That’s the part I got to myself. I’ve spent money on so many other things that I’m pretty sure haven’t been nearly as effective as this. There will definitely be sticker shock, and I bet those posts will be seen plenty in here, but man it’s legit, enough for me to ponder adding the core tee.
The website in the FAQ section says that HSA can pay ( check with individual account first).
I intend to get one and try to run it through my Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
I bet this would help a ton, but yea the price range would probably knock me out of buying.
Regarding the price point I look at it this way. I have spent more for a pair of golf shoes that I wear every so often (and not 4-5 days a week), and since I started wearing the shirt, I stopped going to a chiropractor and PT so basically the shirt has paid for itself.
I don’t have a HSA or FSA but I understand if you get a quick script or note rom your doctor or physical therapist for a posture shirt for your condition and you are good to go.
I have washed mine 5 times now and it looks the same as it did when I got it.
I haven’t done the range, but have done many sessions in the tech studio with it on and you can definitely feel a difference.
Also, after signing up, if you add something to your cart and let it sit there, I’ve noticed they send you a free shipping code.
Buuuut…isn’t better blood circulation, digestive health, and improved breathing worth any price?!?!?!
You don’t want to be breathing poorly do you?!?!
You know who doesn’t breath well? Dead people. You don’t want to be a dead people do you?!?!
I won’t be buying these shirts. I hope those that do find value in their investment.
I’ve only putt with it. I feel like it may be too restrictive for me for a full swing but YMMV.
Hey now! I like it dude. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on them.
I’d almost have to try one one first to see what difference it make.
i guess on one hand i don’t see myself ever wearing this on the range because i think my own stank would severely shorten the shelf life. then again, i’ve paid over $100 for golf pants or golf shirts which by nature will get stankified.
I had horrible posture. I’m an attorney and spend way too much time at a desk. Even worse, when working from home, I often have my laptop on my lap. I can feel how hunched I get. My old PT in MKE used to be critical of my posture and lack of core strength. Since I moved to a job with a lighter load, I’ve gotten on a training program. Just a couple days a week with my trainer (lots of core and upper back work). A few months in, my masseuse started commenting on how much my posture had improved. And I made it through a golf season last year where I had no back issues despite playing twice as many rounds—which is huge for me considering I’ve had my back spasm at least a couple times a year previously.
Our bodies function so much better with proper posture. So, again, I see the utility here, but I really hope people don’t think: “I’ll just keep up my bad habits and skip the gym because sitting around in this t shirt will fix me.”
I get the "Manscent" comment
If it works, and it seems to, that’s a cool idea.
But also seems like there will be knockoffs at any price range you want that will do the same thing.
I’d actually need to see something in my size to be sold on it but I’m skeptical based on what I see on the website.
Here’s some optional homework for you.
Does Posture Matter? A deep dive
http://www.painscience.com
This actually looks like a wonderful product. I catch myself slouching and try to fix it. But, of course I don’t always catch myself.
I’m going to send you a DM with a question about the sports bra.
That is why we tested it…
And I appreciate that because the review is far more informative than anything on their site. I think I’d still need to see one in hand before I would commit to it but they also seem to be lacking on larger sizes so maybe I’ll revisit in the future.
1. This group has 18 patents already and has another 10 they are working on securing.
2. While this is not fully FDA approved, it is FDA Registered. They could have gone the full FDA route, but there was worry about having to have people get a script in order to purchase one.
3. All of the manufacturing facilities are located in the US.
To be fair this is not a shirt! It is more like a sporty medical device with lots patented technology. It makes you look and feel good during wear. For years I have tried many posture correctors , posture shirts , brace, wearable, with minimal relief on my neck pain. Forme not only saved me a neck surgery but allowed me a quick return to golf. I wear Forme playing golf, in my office, and for sleep. I bought 7 for daily use. Great article!
This is really cool to hear. Thanks for sharing.
This is a very interesting concept, but like many, I am not sure of the price here. Seems a little steep. Is this any different than just seeing some elastic to pull the shoulders back or is there more to it?
Or… or or or… Use it only during our short winter time. Less heat, less stank.
It is pretty different than that. At least in my opinion, it is more to it than just a cinch. Its pretty precise.