Are you looking for a high quality powerlifting singlet for your next competition? Or do you just want the benefits of training in one?
Either way, I have you covered. I found the 7 best powerlifting singlets in 2023 for both men and women.
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE MY TOP PICKS…
Why do Powerlifters Wear Singlets?
There are three reasons to use a powerlifting singlet:
- For an upcoming powerlifting meet (they are required in competition)
- To reap the benefits of the compression aspect of singlets in training
- For better muscle and joint recovery
Singlets are required in competition because they are skin-tight and form-fitting. This allows the judges to accurately assess the validity of a lift. It’s easier for the judges to determine a proper lift if they can clearly see the movement of the lifter’s body.
This also prevents cheating. Because singlets are skin-tight, you can’t hide any gear underneath them, as you might be able to with normal clothing.
Outside of competition, powerlifting singlets also provide compression for your body while training. In theory, they can have performance benefits while lifting due to increased blood flow, joint awareness, and muscle oscillation.
Additionally, it’s widely theorized that singlets can help with muscle and joint recovery after training.
Unfortunately, there is no clear scientific consensus on whether or not singlets actually increase performance and/or help with recovery. And this is especially true with powerlifting, as most of the studies which do show a benefit have been done with sprinters and other endurance athletes.
Do Powerlifting Singlets Help?
Given the lack of clear scientific consensus, it’s impossible to say whether powerlifting singlets truly aid in performance and/or recovery. However, if you do plan to compete in powerlifting, training with a singlet is an absolute must.
That’s not to say you always have to train with a singlet.
But, you want to mimic the conditions of the meet as accurately as possible. So, buying a singlet and training with it will help you prepare.
Moreover, some people find they like training in a singlet, perhaps because of the possible compression benefits talked about above.
To reiterate, the main reason powerlifting singlets are utilized is to so judges can have an easier time identifying if a lift was performed up to par at powerlifting competitions.
Are Wrestling and Powerlifting Singlets the Same?
Effectively, yes.
There may be slight differences in the level of support offered, with powerlifting singlets offering a little more support. But, generally, a singlet is a singlet.
The biggest difference between wrestling and powerlifting singlets has little to do with the function of the singlet, and more to do with whether they specifically conform to IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) rules regarding singlets.
Powerlifting companies like Inzer specifically design their singlets to comply with such rules.
Speaking of which, the following comes directly from USAPowerlifting.com’s pdf document “Technical Rules”, which was adapted from the IPF’s Technical Rulebook:
“The supportive lifting suit must conform to the following specifications:
(a) The suit shall be one-piece and form fitting without any looseness when worn.
(b) The suit must be constructed entirely of fabric or a synthetic textile material, such that no support
is given to the lifter by the suit in the execution of any lift.
(c) The suit’s material shall be of a single thickness, other than a second thickness of material of up to
12 cm x 24 cm allowed in the area of the crotch.
(d) There must be legs to the suit, extending a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 25 cm, from the top
of the crotch down the inside of the leg, as measured when worn by the lifter in a standing position.”
Keep in mind that, although these are as official a statement on powerlifting singlets as you’re going to get, local powerlifting federations may have different rules.
So, it’s important to check the rules and regulations of whatever federation you are in regarding singlets.
7 Best Powerlifting Singlets of 2023
Best Heavy Duty Powerlifting Singlet – Inzer Power Compression Singlet
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Is this the Right Singlet for You?
The Inzer Power Compression Singlet is for serious lifters looking to get the most support possible out of their singlet.
Don’t get fooled by the look of this singlet. It looks sort of like a squat suit, but it’s absolutely not. This beast complies with raw powerlifting standards and is IPF approved.
Still, it’s an excellent option if you want something in between a suit and a regular singlet.
Not only does it provide more compression and support than other singlets, it is also extremely comfortable. Singlets must be flexible enough to train in and this one definitely is.
Some people had issues getting the sizing right with this one, so I included the size chart here so there won’t be any confusion.
Size Chart:
- Small: 114-145 lbs
- Medium: 145-165 lbs
- Large: 165-195 lbs
- XL: 195-230 lbs
- XXL: 230-270 lbs
- 3XL: 270-305 lbs
Best All-Around Powerlifting Singlet – Inzer Powerlifting Singlet
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Is this the Right Singlet for You?
The Inzer Powerlifting Singlet is for lifters looking for a basic, tried-and-true singlet for competition.
This is one of the more popular powerlifting singlets out there, and for good reason.
It is simple, basic, and gets the job done. Most people find it to be snug, but not overly tight. And quite comfortable to train in regularly.
If you are tall and/or have longer legs, expect it to ride up a bit and expose your legs more. Like many powerlifting products, this is built with the typical powerlifting physique in mind: stout and short with a big belly.
That being said, it will absolutely still work for most people, especially if you don’t mind it riding up a bit.
Size Chart:
- Small: 114-145 lbs
- Medium: 145-165 lbs
- Large: 165-195 lbs
- XL: 195-230 lbs
- XXL: 230-270 lbs
- 3XL: 270-305 lbs
- 4XL: 305-340 lbs
Best Women’s Powerlifting Singlet – ASICS Women’s Singlet
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Is this the Right Singlet for You?
The ASICS Powerlifting Singlet is for women who want a solid, cost-friendly singlet which doesn’t leave them feeling exposed to the world.
This singlet is one of the more popular options for women out there.
One reason for this is it provides all the normal function of a powerlifting singlet without revealing every nook and cranny of your body to the world! Unlike some other singlets, this one is not see through at all. So, you don’t have to feel self-conscious when wearing it in front of a ton of people.
Beyond that, the material is thicker and more supportive than you’d expect for such a low-cost option.
It is a bit tight around the thighs for some women. So, if you are a lady with bigger legs, just know there may be some tightness while using it.
Still, an excellent option for women looking for a singlet for their first meet.
Check out the detailed Size Chart here.
Best Women’s Runner Up Singlet – Matman Athens Wrestling Singlet
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Is this the Right Singlet for You?
The Matman Athens Wrestling Singlet is for women looking for a more stylish, sleek design than usually found in standard powerlifting singlets.
Matman has an excellent reputation as far as wrestling singlets go. And they don’t dissapoint here.
Outside of the sleek design, the material (mix of nylon and lycra) is awesome and comfortable. The moisture wicking aspect makes it easy to sweat and train in without getting uncomfortable.
The biggest downside of this singlet is it may be see through, although there’s only one review mentioning this. Something to be aware of for those ladies concerned about that.
Size Chart:
- XS: 85-100 lbs
- S: 100-115 lbs
- M: 115-135 lbs
- L: 135-155 lbs
- XL: 155-175 lbs
- 2XL: 175-195 lbs
- 3XL: 195-215 lbs
Best Budget Powerlifting Singlet – Elite Sports Wrestling Singlet
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Is this the Right Singlet for You?
The Elite Sports Wrestling Singlet is a solid alternative for lifters on a budget.
As far as quality, this singlet is last on the list. However, for the price, it is an excellent option which will work for the majority of lifters.
What I like most is the comfort, fit, and material (polyester and lycra). You will find this singlet to be nice and easy to train in, with breathable and comfortable material.
The neck hole is pretty small, and some people find they have trouble getting their shoulders through it. So, if you have really broad shoulders and arms, this might be an issue for you.
Additionally, many people are reporting it runs a bit small. Given that, my recommendation is to size up, especially if you are on the upper threshold of a given size.
Check out the detailed Size Chart here.
Alternate Option #1 – Nike Weightlifting Singlet (Rogue Fitness)
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Is this the Right Singlet for You?
The Nike Weightlifting Singlet is for lifters who want a cross-training singlet for powerlifting and Olympic lifting.
Rogue Fitness and Nike have teamed up here to create the perfect singlet for Olympic weightlifting.
Despite being built for Olympic lifting, this singlet can serve you just as well for powerlifting. It might feel a little lightweight compared to certain powerlifting singlets, which I’m guessing is due to the inclusion of spandex in the build.
If you’re looking for more support, then I would choose one of the singlets designed specifically for powerlifting.
But, if you’re looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and durable singlet to do lots of lifting in, this is an excellent choice.
Size Chart:
- XS: 99-100 lbs
- S: 123-136 lbs
- M: 152-170 lbs
- L: 187-207 lbs
- XL: 220-253 lbs
- XXL: 286-308 lbs
Alternate Option #2 – LiftingLarge Powerlifting Singlet
Rating:
Is this the Right Singlet for You?
The LiftingLarge Powerlifting Singlet is for lifters who want an aesthetically basic and comfortable fitting option at a slightly lower cost.
I wanted to include this singlet as an alternative, middle-of-the-road option.
With a plain black design and a small logo on the left leg, this is an aesthetically clean and no-frills singlet. It’s also one of the more stretchy and comfortable options on the list, being made entirely of lycra.
Again, this powerlifting singlet is designed with classic powerlifter proportions in mind. Because of that, some people find the legs and crotch area to be too tight, and the upper body to be too loose. So, if you are tall and lanky, this might not be the greatest option for you.
Still, if you want an IPF-approved singlet at a reasonable price, this is a fantastic choice.
Size Chart:
- S: 100-125 lbs
- L: 141-170 lbs
- XXL: 210-240 lbs
- XXXL: 241-280 lbs
- 5XL: 315-350 lbs
FAQ
Q: How do I choose a powerlifting singlet?
A: First, you have to clarify what your goals are. If you are looking for one for competition, I would suggest going with a powerlifting brand which is specifically IPF-approved. That’s not to say wrestling singlets won’t work, but you will have to measure them to make sure they meet your federation’s qualifications.
Second, you have to figure out whether increased support or increased comfort are more important to you. Though most singlets offer similar level of support and compression, there is some variability. Some singlets use a higher proportion of more durable material such as polyester, which will make it more rigid and supportive. Others use higher proportions of spandex, which is more flexible and less supportive.
Lastly, consider your budget. Just because you’re not spending over $100 on a powerlifting singlet doesn’t mean you should compromise quality. You can find good singlets which are cheaper. I’ve mentioned several already in this article. Just make sure you do your research.
Q: What materials are powerlifting singlets made out of and which is best?
A: Generally speaking, singlets are made out of lycra, nylon, polyester and/or spandex. Lycra and spandex will be more stretchy and less durable, whereas nylon and polyester will be more rigid and more durable. Most singlets will contain some combination of these materials.
Q: What about custom singlets? Do you have any recommendations?
A: Yes! There are two places I’ll point you to. One is https://www.customsinglets.com/. The other is thesnortlifesinglets, which you can reach out to on Instagram for custom-made singlets.
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