Jeffrey Heiligers tailors Posture garments to prevent hunched backs
These clothes by Dutch designer Jeffrey Heiligers are structured to correct poor posture caused by slouching while typing.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture_Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
To create a solution to back problems when hunched over a desk or laptop, Jeffrey Heiligers designed a collection of men's clothing that encourages wearers to adopt better body positions by tightening around back when shoulders are slumped.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
"I engineered a tailor-made remedy that corrects poor posture, nowadays very common amongst the digital generation, not by constraining the muscles, but by training them," Heiligers told Dezeen.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
The Posture range includes cotton shirts, felted cardigans and knitted wool jumpers that are all constructed differently to normal garments.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture_Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
"Posture offers a solution integrated in the clothes you wear," said Heiligers. "By repositioning the seams in such a way that they start to feel uncomfortable when hunching, it stimulates you to sit up straight."
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
To develop his collection, Heiligers worked with a physiotherapist to identify standing and seating positions that cause back, neck and shoulder pain.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture_Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
He then cut the fabric across the back so the clothes tighten slightly and become uncomfortable when the wearer slumps their shoulders forward.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
This is intended to remind the wearer to adjust their body position, eventually training them to sit or stand up straight all the time.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture_Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
"I would like the fashion industry to be inspired by the blueprint I created and them to buy/adopt it to prevent upper back problems in the future," he said. "The more the clothes are used, the less they are needed."
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
Heiligers chose a minimal palette of colours, including white, grey and navy, to create a collection that he would wear everyday.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"My aesthetic is clean and simple," he said. "I used white cotton for the blueprint to not draw away the attention of the simple lines I created."
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"Adapting the theory into what I wear, the material and colour choices are very personal," Heiligers added.
![Posture by Jeffrey Heiligers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/05/Posture-by-Jeffrey-Heiligers_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
Photography is by Daantje Bons.
Project credits:
Physiotherapist: Tanya Verhoeven
Models: Orfeas Lyras, Fraser McPhee