Entering your first powerlifting competition is an exhilarating milestone. You have spent months refining your technique, building strength, and mentally preparing for the platform. However, amidst the training cycles and nutrition planning, there is one crucial piece of equipment that often causes confusion for beginners: the powerlifting singlet.
Unlike standard gym wear, a singlet is a mandatory requirement for sanctioned meets. It is not merely a fashion statement; it serves a functional purpose for judges and safety.
This article explains everything you need to know about choosing the right singlet, navigating federation rules, and finding the best fit for your body type.
Overview
A powerlifting singlet, often referred to as a “soft suit,” is a one-piece garment that resembles a wrestling singlet. It is constructed from tight-fitting, elastic material.
The primary purpose of the singlet is to allow referees to clearly see your body’s position. In raw powerlifting rules, the judges must be able to visually verify that your hip crease drops below the top of your knee in the squat and that your buttocks remain in contact with the bench during the press.
Baggy shorts or t-shirts can obscure these anatomical landmarks, leading to failed lifts. Therefore, the singlet is the standard uniform for competition.
While it might feel exposing to wear such tight clothing, remember that every lifter at the meet—from the novice to the world champion—is wearing one. It is part of the uniform that signifies you are ready to compete.
Federation Rules and Requirements
Before purchasing a singlet, you must check the powerlifting federation equipment list for the specific organisation you are competing with. Different federations have different standards.
The Importance of Approval
If you are competing in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) or its affiliates (such as British Powerlifting), you must wear an IPF approved singlet. The IPF maintains a strict list of approved manufacturers. If you step onto the platform wearing a brand that is not on this list, you may be disqualified or asked to change.
Other federations may be more lenient, allowing any brand as long as it meets the technical specifications (e.g., single-ply, non-supportive). However, adhering to the strictest standard is usually the safest bet if you plan to cross-compete.
For a comprehensive list of approved equipment, you can visit the International Powerlifting Federation website.
Material and Design
The singlet material composition is strictly regulated. It must be a single layer of stretch material, usually a blend of nylon, polyester, and elastane (spandex). It cannot offer “support” or aid the lift, which distinguishes it from equipped lifting gear (like squat suits).
Typically, the straps must stay over the shoulders, and the legs must not extend beyond the mid-thigh. This ensures squat depth visibility for the side referees. To understand the biomechanics judges are looking for, it is helpful to understand the movements deeply, such as the depth required in Why You Should Include Pause Squats in Your Leg Day Routine.
Choosing the Right Fit
Selecting the correct size is paramount for both comfort and performance. A singlet that is too loose may bunch up and obscure the judges’ view, while one that is too tight can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
Consult the Sizing Guide
Always refer to the manufacturer’s singlet sizing guide. Most brands size by body weight, but height and build play a significant role. For example, SBD singlet sizing is known to run tight, so athletes with longer torsos often size up.
Your body composition matters here. If you have achieved significant Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy: What It Is and How to Achieve It, you may have larger leg volume than the average person in your weight class, requiring a larger size.
Compression Level
The compression level in singlets varies by brand. A higher compression garment can provide a sense of security and keep muscles warm, which is beneficial for performance. According to Healthline, compression garments may help improve blood flow and reduce muscle oscillation, though a powerlifting singlet is primarily for regulation compliance rather than medical compression.
However, avoid a fit so tight that it alters your movement pattern. You need full range of motion, especially for the deadlift setup or when performing deep movements like the How to Perform the Jefferson Squat Safely and Effectively, should you use similar mechanics in training.
Types of Singlets
Men’s vs Women’s Cuts
While many singlets are unisex, there are distinct differences in men’s vs women’s powerlifting singlets. Women’s cuts often feature a shorter torso length, a more tapered waist, and different leg openings to accommodate wider hips. Men’s cuts generally provide more room in the crotch and a straighter torso fit.
Some manufacturers offer a “legless” variation, though the standard cut is far more common. When debating legless vs standard cut, the standard cut is generally preferred as it prevents the fabric from riding up into the groin area during the squat.
Durability and Thickness
Lifting singlet durability is vital. The knurling on a powerlifting bar is aggressive and can tear thin fabrics, particularly during the deadlift when the bar drags against the thighs. Look for heavyweight fabrics (often denoted in GSM – grams per square metre).
If you train with movements that are abrasive, such as Rack Pulls vs Deadlifts: Which is Better for Back Development?, you know how easily gear can be damaged. Your competition singlet should be reserved for meet day or mock meets to preserve its integrity.
Top Tips for Your Purchase
When looking for the best powerlifting singlet brands, names like SBD, Titan, Inzer, and A7 often top the list. These are generally IPF-approved and trusted by elite lifters.
- Check the Return Policy: Sizing is tricky. Ensure you can exchange it if the fit is off.
- Test It in Training: Do not wear your singlet for the first time on meet day. Wear it for a heavy session to ensure it doesn’t pinch or restrict you. This is a crucial item on your first powerlifting competition checklist.
- Mind the Undergarments: Federation rules also dictate what you can wear under the singlet. Generally, legless cotton briefs are required. Boxers or compression shorts are often banned in non-supportive lifting gear divisions. Check the British Powerlifting rulebook for UK-specifics.
Managing Meet Day Anxiety
Wearing a singlet can make some athletes feel self-conscious. This is normal. Focus on the functionality. The singlet is your uniform. It signals to your brain that it is time to perform.
Psychological readiness is as important as physical readiness. Studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggest that “enclothed cognition”—the influence that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes—can impact confidence and focus.
To build this confidence physically, ensure your training has prepared you for the specific demands of the platform. Techniques like The Science of Isometric Holds for Building Functional Strength can help you prepare for the “commands” (like holding the bench press at the top), while understanding How Eccentric Loading Can Accelerate Muscle Growth and Repair ensures your muscles can handle the heavy negatives.
Care and Maintenance
Powerlifting singlets are synthetic and can retain odours. However, high heat destroys the elastic fibres.
- Wash Cold: Hand wash or use a delicate cycle with cold water.
- Air Dry: Never put your singlet in the tumble dryer. Heat will ruin the Lycra/Spandex blend.
- Hygiene: According to the Mayo Clinic, proper hygiene with workout gear prevents skin infections. Wash it immediately after the meet.
Integration with Training
Your singlet is the final piece of the puzzle. It complements the physique you have built. Whether you have been focusing on Understanding Tempo Lifting for Maximised Muscle Hypertrophy or pushing your absolute max via Using Pin Squats to Overcome Training Plateaus and Build Power, the singlet is there to showcase that work legally.
Remember to factor in your weight class. If you are cutting weight, your singlet size might change. Understanding Why Relative Strength Matters for Athletes and Daily Function can help you decide which weight class—and consequently which singlet size—is best for you.
The Bottom Line
Your powerlifting meet attire is more than just clothing; it is a prerequisite for a fair and safe competition. By choosing an IPF approved singlet with the right fit and durability, you avoid unnecessary stress on meet day.
Prioritise comfort and adherence to the rules over aesthetics. A well-fitted singlet allows you to perform lifts like the Floor Press: Benefits, Proper Form, and Muscle Groups Targeted (often used as an accessory for the competition bench) without fabric bunching or interference.
For more information on strength standards and gear, resources like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) offer excellent guides on equipment and safety.
Additional resources for athlete health can be found via the NHS and the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Always ensure your gear complies with anti-doping regulations regarding tampering, as overseen by WADA.
Choose wisely, train hard, and wear your singlet with pride.
