Back supports range from a soft elastic wrap to a rigid brace with a hard back panel. They fall into four groups: elastic lumbar supports that add compression with flexible stays, industrial lifting belts with tension straps and often suspenders, posture back belts with a built-in lumbar pad, and LSO braces (lumbar sacral orthoses) with a rigid back panel. Most are sized by a body measurement, and brands measure in different places, so check whether the size chart asks for your waist or your hip. All the models below are in our back braces and lumbar supports collection, and the details come from the manufacturers' listings.
Back support types at a glance
| Type | Build | Common use | How it is sized | Examples we carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elastic lumbar support | Elastic with flexible stays and side straps | Everyday wear, compression for the lower back | Waist, measured around the middle | Blue Jay Lumbar Support; Scott Specialties Back Support with Pocket |
| Industrial lifting belt | Wide belt with tension straps, often suspenders | Lifting and repetitive work tasks | Hip | Blue Jay Industrial Back Support; Sportaid 9" Back Belt |
| Posture back belt | Mesh wrap with ventilated lumbar pad | Daily activity, lifting, walking, exercise | Waist; men's, women's and unisex cuts | ObusForme Back Belt |
| Pulley-tightened support | Pull system tightens the panel evenly | People who find straps hard to tighten | Universal | Back and Abdominal Support EZ Pull |
| LSO brace | Rigid back panel plus side panels | When a clinician wants firmer support | Universal, by waist range | APEX LSO2 Universal Back Brace, 10" panel |
How to measure
- Use a soft tape measure over thin clothing or bare skin.
- For a waist size, measure around the middle of the waist, at about the level of the belly button.
- For a hip size, measure around the widest part of the hips and buttocks.
- Keep the tape snug but not tight, and breathe out normally.
- If you fall between two sizes, check the listing's chart for each, and ask your therapist which to choose.
Elastic lumbar supports
The Blue Jay Lumbar Support has two flexible internal stabilizers and elastic side straps to adjust compression, in a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. It is sized by waist: Large, 35.75" to 39"; XL, 39.75" to 44"; and XXL, 44" to 48.5". The Scott Specialties Back Support with Pocket is an 8-inch, double-ply, three-panel elastic belt with a back pocket for an optional moldable insert (sold separately). It is sized by hip, for example Large fits 36" to 44". For a single size that adjusts widely, the Blue Jay Universal Back Support with Lumbar Tension Straps uses hook-receptive elastic and tension straps that attach to the side panels.
Industrial lifting belts
Lifting belts are made for work that involves lifting and repeated bending. The Blue Jay Industrial Back Support with Suspenders has wide duo-tension straps, flexible stays to stop rolling, and built-in suspenders to keep the belt in place. It comes in Medium/Large (32" to 44" hip) and X-Large (40" to 55" hip). If you do not want suspenders, the Sportaid 9" Back Belt has duo tension straps and stays; the extra small fits a 26" to 36" hip.
Posture back belts
The ObusForme Back Belt is a breathable nylon mesh wrap with a ventilated lumbar pad and a hook-and-loop closure. It is cut separately for men and women, with a unisex version too. Examples: Women's Small/Medium (26" to 32" waist), Men's Medium/Large (33" to 40"), and Unisex Medium/Large (33" to 40"). Larger sizes include men's Large/X-Large, women's Large/X-Large and women's XX-Large. See the full range on our ObusForme page.
Firmer braces
When a doctor or therapist wants more structure, they may suggest a brace with a rigid panel. The APEX LSO2 Universal Back Brace has a 10-inch back panel and a universal sizing system that fits a wide range of waist sizes. The Back and Abdominal Support EZ Pull uses a pulley system so the wearer can tighten it evenly with less hand strength. The Blue Jay Back Support with Supporting Stays is a universal-size option with built-in stays.
Wearing tips
- Put the support on over a thin layer of clothing to cut down on rubbing.
- Center the back panel or lumbar pad on the lower back, not on the ribs.
- It should feel snug, not so tight that breathing or sitting is uncomfortable.
- Follow your doctor's or therapist's advice on how many hours a day to wear it.
- Hand wash and air dry unless the label says otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure my waist or my hips for a back brace?
It depends on the brand. Blue Jay lumbar supports and ObusForme belts use waist size. Blue Jay industrial belts, Sportaid belts and the Scott Specialties support use hip size. Always use the measurement the size chart names.
What is an LSO brace?
LSO stands for lumbar sacral orthosis: a brace that covers the lower back and pelvis area, usually with a firmer back panel than an elastic support.
Can I sleep in a back brace?
Ask your doctor or therapist. Most back supports are meant for wear while you are up and moving.
For heat and other back care, see our moist heat vs. dry heat guide and back and neck therapy. For other joints, read how to size a knee or ankle brace.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor, podiatrist, nurse or therapist about what is right for you.