5 Best Singlets for Powerlifting in 2024

You must wear a singlet to participate in any powerlifting competition, but not all singlets are legal or provide adequate support. If you’re looking for a powerlifting singlet, men's or women's, keep reading to learn about our top five products.

So which is the best powerlifting singlet?  The Titan Triumph Singlet is the #1 best powerlifting singlet (for men). The material feels supportive around the hips and thighs, which is especially important in the squat and deadlift. Also, the wide shoulder straps have a matte finish, which grips the bench to stabilize your body while performing the bench press.

If you're a female powerlifter, I recommend the Ascend Singlet over the Titan Triumph Singlet. For women, please read the details on this singlet below.

The best place to buy the Titan Singlet (or any Titan product) is Lifting Large. It's a small, family-owned shop with a loyal following. The company has the best customer service and loves the sport of powerlifting!

But depending on your goals, another singlet may work better. In this article, I’ll review five of the best powerlifting singlets on the market so you can know which one will fit your needs the most.

Featured Products

• Titan Triumph Singlet – Best Overall Singlet for Raw Powerlifting
• Inzer Singlet – Best Budget Powerlifting Singlet
• Ascend Singlet – Best Women’s Powerlifting Singlet

Why Should You Trust Us and How Do We Review Singlets?

We are a team of experienced powerlifting coaches and athletes who have competed in various competitions and worked with other powerlifters at the highest levels. We also love powerlifting for personal goals and enjoyment.

We have tested a selection of lifting singlets to determine which ones are the best. We have looked at their quality and durability to properly compare each product, identify their pros and cons, and offer our expert opinions. Combining our extensive testing process and years of experience in the gym, we can provide credible, in-depth reviews you can trust.

What Singlets Can You Wear at Powerlifting Competitions?

Knowing that you can’t just wear any singlet in a powerlifting competition is important. A singlet is considered legal for competition if:

1. It’s produced by an IPF-approved brand or another brand approved by the federation in which you compete.
2. It follows the technical specifications required by the IPF or the federation in which you compete.

Your singlet must satisfy both points to be allowed on the platform.

For example, Rogue is a certified brand for competition, and you can wear its belts and knee sleeves. However, none of its singlets are legal because the specifications are incorrect.

Additionally, famous sportswear brands, such as Nike and Adidas, are not approved by the IPF, so their singlets are also illegal.

Should you know all the technical rules of singlets? No.

I already researched and reviewed the best singlets for powerlifting on the market so you can save time for the actual training. Nevertheless, you’ll find a full list of the approved brands and the technical requirements right after the reviews.

One more thing: The rest of your gear should also be approved for competitions, not just the singlet. I’ve written separate posts detailing the equipment approved by IPF/USAPL, and USPA.

Make sure to review them before stepping onto the competition platform.

Best 5 Singlets for Powerlifting: Reviews

1. Titan Triumph Singlet – Best Overall Singlet For Raw Powerlifting

Pros

• Excellent support (still legal for Raw events)
• Wide shoulder straps reduce back chafing
• Highly form-fitting
• Concealed yet comfortable crotch area
• The matte finish grips the bench well

Cons

• Limited color variety

Titan has been around forever. It released the Triumph Singlet in 2013. Since then, I’ve compared it to almost all of the famous options, and it always excelled.

The material is the first unique thing about this singlet and what makes it the best singlet for powerlifting. Most singlets are made of sheer lycra, which becomes almost 100% see-through when you squat down to the deepest point. Here, Titan uses a patented fabric called Comprexx.

As the name implies, the Comprexx fabric feels supportive. It stretches up to 600%, so the singlet will fit well regardless of your body shape, provided that you pick the suitable size.

To be honest, I was skeptical of the fabric at first, thinking that it would make the singlet illegal for Raw or Classic competitions. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Titan made sure to provide the maximum support that’s legal for Raw competitions.

Because the fabric is made of polyester and nylon, it’s thick enough to conceal your skin. And to provide even more privacy, the crotch area is reinforced with an extra layer. But don’t worry, that reinforced area doesn’t dig in or bunch up, unlike the Inzer singlet, which I’ll review next.

At the top, the Titan Triumph has extra-wide shoulder straps — probably the widest on the market. I prefer having wide straps because they support the bar really well, especially during low bar squats (i.e. you won’t feel like the bar will roll off your back).

I also like the matte texture because it enhances the grip when performing bench presses.

At the time of writing, Titan produces this singlet in only one color: Black. However, you can also find alternative versions with colored side panels — the available colors are blue and red. Alternative versions are also available in fun prints, such as Blue Inferno or Hot Rod.

2. Inzer Singlet – Best Budget Powerlifting Singlet

Pros

• The cheapest professional singlet
• Feels smooth against bare skin
• Thick material conceals the skin

Cons

• Super tight crotch and small legs
• Not supportive enough

Inzer isn’t usually synonyms with “cheap — the Inzer Forever is the most expensive lifting belt on the market, for example. However, Inzer decided to cater to more audiences by introducing the cheapest IPF-approved singlet on the market.

Inzer doesn’t specify the actual materials used in this singlet. But judging by how smooth it feels, I think it’s mostly made of lycra with a bit of polyester. It’s less of a compressive singlet than those offered by other brands.

In terms of support, this singlet disappointed me. The fabric doesn’t really compress against the upper body. Inzer couldn’t provide the perfect stretchiness:comfort ratio that Titan offers.

I also didn’t appreciate the thin shoulder straps. If you have a long torso, it’ll be pretty challenging to raise the straps over your shoulders, and they’ll dig into your skin when you manage to do it.

The worst thing about this singlet is that it runs pretty small in the crotch area. Its legs are shorter than normal, which makes it dig too much between the thighs, especially when you squat.

Although the material is thick enough to conceal the skin, the excessively tight crotch makes it too revealing, particularly for men.

You probably won’t find it that annoying if you're a woman, but I think you’ll love the following singlet more.

3. Ascend Singlet – Best Women’s Powerlifting Singlet

Pros

• Highly form-fitting to females
• Comfortable crotch with five-inch seam
• Approved for IPL, USPA, and AAU strength sports

Cons

• On the expensive side

The Ascend Singlet offered by Virus is one of the few singlets that fit the female figure well, which is why it’s the best women’s powerlifting singlet.

I suggested it to many lifters I coach. They said it fits nicely over the bra/chest and doesn’t reveal anything when you squat. Although the legs seem a bit short, they don’t ride up as you lift, thanks to their five-inch inseam and no-slip thigh grip.

I would even say the Ascend Singlet is one of the only singlets made from the ground up with women in mind. Most other singlets for women are just smaller men's singlets with the same cut. But with the Ascend women’s singlet, you won’t find a better fit for a female lifter. The singlet is also available in a great range of sizes.

Because the fabric is made of 75% nylon and 25% spandex, it provides support. Truth be told, it’s not as supportive as the Titan Triumph, but does this mean you'll lift less weight because you opted for the Ascend Singlet? Absolutely not.

This singlet is approved for use in IPL, USPA, and AAU strength sports.  

4. Classic STrong Singlet 2.0 – Honorable Mention

Pros

• Moderate support
• Available in XS to 3XL
• IPF/USAPL/USPA approved

Cons

• Can fit tightly

The Classic 2.0 singlet is a new version of the STrong singlet by Mark Bell Sling Shot. It’s made out of high-quality double-knit nylon that offers moderate support but can fit quite snugly, especially if you’re taller or heavier.

Several federations, including IPF, USAPL, and USPA approve this product. It’s available in a wide range of sizes (XS to 3XL) and comes in black and navy. It’s a decent option for heavy powerlifting.

You’ll need to be careful not to damage your singlet during use, as there is no manufacturer warranty on apparel.

5. SBD Powerlifting Singlet – Best for Flexibility

Pros

• Breathable, moisture-wicking, durable fabric
• Wide range of sizes for both men and women
• Approved for competitions

Cons

• Very lightweight and may not be as compressive as some lifters desire

This SBD powerlifting singlet is made out of abrasion-resistant, breathable fabric that enables you to achieve maximum range of motion in your lifts.

This singlet comes in two ‘fits’ – men’s and women’s, with the former offered in XS-5XL and the latter being available in XS-3XL. With such a wide range of sizes available, most lifters can find a size that fits their body shape well.

With a fabric composition of Meryl and lycra, it offers support and compression without being overly restrictive. The material is durable and breathable and built for heavy lifting.

One of the only complaints I have about this singlet is that the material is stretchier and more lightweight than those used in other powerlifting singlets from other brands. It might not provide as much support as other singlets on the market.

IPF Approved Powerlifting Singlet Brands

If you already found a lifting singlet you like from the previous reviews, congratulations! Now you can get back to your training and prepare for the meet.

But if you still want to explore more options, here’s a full list of all the IPF-approved powerlifting singlets.

• A7 Black Singlet
• Beast Genetics Singlet
• Eleiko Women’s Singlet
• Eleiko Men’s Singlet
• Stoic Singlet
• Inzer Power Singlet
• Iron Tanks Conquer Soft Suit Singlet
• Lifting Large Basic Singlet
• ONI Singlet
• Titan Triumph Singlet 
• SBD Singlet
• SBD Men’s and Women’s Eclipse Powerlifting Singlet
• Strength Shop Singlet
• Strength Shop Unbranded Powerlifting Singlet
• Strength Shop Red/Black Powerlifting Singlet
• Strength Shop Camo Powerlifting Singlet
• Classic STrong Singlet

Powerlifting Singlets vs. Olympic Weightlifting Singlets

To know the difference between powerlifting singlets and weightlifting singlets, you should understand the technical rules required by the respective organizations.

Here are the singlet requirements as seen in IPF Rules Book:

• The singlet must be made of 1-ply, non-compressible fabric.
• The whole singlet must have a uniform thickness.
• It must fit tightly on your body without any loose areas.
• The crotch area can be covered by an additional layer, measuring 12×24 cm at most.
• The suit’s legs must be longer than 3 cm yet shorter than 25 cm.
• The allowed logos are your name, your nation, and the manufacturer.
• The shoulder straps must be worn over your shoulders at all times.
• You must stick to the approved brands.

And now let’s see what the International Weightlifting Federation says in their Handbook:

• The singlet must be one piece.
• It must be collarless.
• It must not cover the elbows or the knees.
• You can pick any color and any brand.

So, your powerlifting singlet will do if you’re planning to switch to weightlifting, but the opposite probably won’t work out.

Two of the most popular weightlifting singlets are made by Nike and Adidas. You can check out my Nike Weightlifting Singlet Review and Adidas Weightlifting Singlet Review if you're interested to learn more.

What to Look For in a Powerlifting Singlet

When you’re shopping for a powerlifting singlet, there are a number of factors to consider.

The first is fit. The best powerlifting singlet should be form-fitting. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose on any area of your body. When you’re powerlifting, you need to feel as comfortable as possible in your workout gear so that you can focus all of your attention on your lifts.

The powerlifting singlet shouldn’t bunch up at the thighs either, as this will throw you off during your lifts.

Any great powerlifting singlet should be made using high-quality, breathable fabrics and sweat-wicking materials. It must be thin enough to be non-restrictive but also thick enough that it isn’t sheer.

Of course, price is also an important consideration to keep in mind. If you’re shopping on a budget, you’ll need to find a powerlifting singlet that is priced suitably.

How Should a Powerlifting Singlet Fit?

First of all, when choosing a powerlifting singlet, you should pick your size according to the manufacturer’s sizing chart, which is typically based on body weight.

When you try it on, it should fit tightly, yet it must not constrict your movement, especially when you squat.

It shouldn’t be loose, not even around the sides. Most singlets aren’t meant to be super comfortable and baggy, as any loose area might make the whole singlet illegal.

I wrote an entire article on How Tight Should A Powerlifting Singlet Be, so check it out.

How to Find the Best Size for a Powerlifting Singlet

The most appropriate size of your powerlifting singlet depends on various factors, including your height, weight, and personal preferences. You also need to consider the rules and regulations of the federation if you’re competing.

Most powerlifting singlet brands provide size charts with their products to help you find the most suitable option. However, there are always small variations between different brands and even between the different powerlifting singlets each brand offers.

You can also look at the weight classifications to determine the best size. Generally, individuals in weight categories will fit into the same size of powerlifting or weightlifting singlets. I’ve summarized the measurements in the table below.

Top Tips for Finding the Best Powerlifting Singlet

Every powerlifting singlet is made robe form-fitting, but some are tighter than others. The level of compression that each one offers can vary from brand to brand. They may also vary slightly in size and length, making it difficult to find the best powerlifting singlet.

Here are some top tips to help you choose the most suitable singlet for powerlifting that fits your needs:

• Check size charts according to your weight classification.
• Check the material of the singlet and find one that is made using a combination of Lycra, nylon, or polyester with spandex.
• Read third-party reviews of multiple powerlifting singlets.

Can Powerlifting Singlets Be Customized?

It depends. The IPF clearly states that any alteration that violates the approved widths, lengths, or thickness will make the suit illegal for competition.

Below are some guidelines to follow if you want to alter your powerlifting singlet:

You Can Tighten the Singlet

You can sew over the powerlifting singlet’s original seams to make it tighter.

However, the resultant pleats must be positioned inside the singlet. Also, you can’t sew these pleats back into the original fabric; they’ll have to hang loose inside.

If you’re tightening the shoulder straps, you can leave the pleats hanging outside if they measure less than 3 cm. Otherwise, you must place them inside, and you can’t sew them back to the straps.

You Can’t Customize Logos Without Official Permission

By default, for IPF competitions, your powerlifting singlet is allowed to have three logos:

• The approved manufacturer of the suit
• The lifter’s nation
• The lifter’s name

Suppose you want to include additional logos to represent your sponsors. In that case, you’ll have to submit an official request to the IPF Secretary-General, accompanied by a variable fee (usually €500 or $531 per year).

The IPF will then consider your request. It may decline the logo if, and I quote, “it compromises any commercial interest of the IPF or fails to meet standards of good taste.”

If the IPF approves your logo, it’ll send you an official letter stating the approval date.

Check out my complete list of Powerlifting Equipment For Women, which includes 9 must-have items if you're a competitive lifter.

Should You Wear Powerlifting Singlets During Training?

In general, a powerlifting singlet won’t add much to your lifting. Even if the fabric is supportive, it doesn’t help you get up from a squat as a squat suit does.

However, I highly recommend wearing your singlet in the last few weeks leading into a meet.

This will ensure that you get used to how the singlet feels under heavier weights. And this would also be your last chance to determine whether the singlet fits you well.

Learn more Why Do Powerlifters Wear Singlets? (5 Reasons Explained).

How Should You Wash Powerlifting Singlets?

I recommend checking your singlet’s care label for the ideal washing method. For the most part, you’ll need to use mild detergent during the washing process and will likely need to air dry your powerlifting singlet.

Generally, you should wash your singlet in a cold, gentle cycle after the meet ends. Avoid very warm water or boiling water, as this will damage the material. You shouldn’t subject the fabric to any heat or chemical sources — no ironing, dryer, dry cleaning, bleach, or fabric softener.

Why Do Powerlifters Wear Singlets?

Powerlifters wear singlets because it’s required for competition in any serious powerlifting federation. This is so lifters can't gain an advantage with their apparel over and above another athlete. As well, wearing a singlet helps referees view your lifting mechanics, which factor into whether a lift is successful.

• It’s a Rule: Powerlifters wear singlets because it's a rule in most powerlifting federations. Each federation has specific rules regarding singlet requirements; compliance is necessary to participate in competitions. For example, the USAPL and USPA both have rules on singlet specifications.
• The Judges Can See Squat Depth More Easily: Singlets make it easier for judges to assess squat depth, a crucial aspect of powerlifting competitions. The singlet's form-fitting design ensures that referees can clearly see if the crease of the hip passes below the top of the knee during squats, helping maintain fair judging.
• The Judges Can See Your Butt Staying on the Bench During the Bench Press: During bench presses, it's essential that lifters keep their butt in contact with the bench. Singlets enable judges to monitor this rule effectively, as they can easily see if a lifter's butt lifts off the bench, ensuring fair competition.
• It Provides Uniform Competition Attire: Singlets create a standardized uniform for all lifters, eliminating the possibility of unfair advantages due to attire. They ensure that every lifter competes under the same conditions, adhering to the level playing field principle.
• It Provides a Level of Support: While not excessively supportive, singlets offer some support and comfort during lifts. They provide a secure fit and help lifters maintain proper form, making them preferable to loose training clothes for competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Wear Under a Powerlifting Singlet?

You must wear a t-shirt that covers your shoulders but not your elbows. You can choose polyester, cotton, or even both. Zippers, pockets, and buttons aren’t allowed. Some lifters may tell you that you take off the shirt before deadlifts, but that changed in 2019. Now you must wear a t-shirt under the singlet for all lifts.

Why Do Powerlifters Wear Singlets?

Powerlifters wear singlets simply because almost all powerlifting federations require it. In fact, a lot of lifters don’t like how “revealing” singlets can be, but it’s crucial for judges to see your bare legs and arms to evaluate you fair and square.

Can You Wear a Wrestling Singlet for Powerlifting?

No. Wrestling singlets will clearly violate the IPF’s technical rules. Almost all wrestling singlets don’t follow the technical rules required by the International Powerlifting Federation. Even if you find a compliant design, the brand itself needs to be IPF-approved. The IPF doesn’t approve any wrestling singlet brands.

Can You Wear the Metal Singlet at Professional Competitions?

Metal was officially banned after its owner released a racist tweet. But because this sudden ban harmed many lifters, IPF decided to temporarily allow Metal gear until December 31, 2021. If you haven’t bought a singlet yet, I highly recommend steering clear of Metal.

Are Singlets Allowed in Raw Powerlifting?

Powerlifting singlets are mandatory by law for all powerlifting competitions. Each federation has different rules for singlets regarding their supportiveness, the material thickness, and the amount of coverage. For raw powerlifting competitions, your singlet must be approved by the specific powerlifting federation overseeing the competition you’re participating in.

Are Powerlifting and Wrestling Singlets the Same?

Powerlifting and wrestling singlets are made from similar materials (spandex, lycra, or nylon) but differ in other ways. Powerlifting singlets are more supportive, made with thicker material, and cover more skin. Wrestling singlets are only available in red or blue, but powerlifting singlets have more color options.

Wrestlers are also able to display more sponsor logos on their singlets.

When Powerlifting, How Tight Should My Singlet Be?

Powerlifting singlets should be form-fitting. They should be sculpted to the shape of your body without bunching around your buttocks or thighs. A correctly-fitting powerlifting singlet enables you to get as much leverage as possible without being restrictive.

Do Singlets Help in Powerlifting?

Singlets are helpful for powerlifting as they can help you to lift more weight without resitricting your movement or getting caught on anything during your lifts. Singlets are also helpful for judges at powerlifting meets because they can clearly see each competitor’s movements as the athlete performs their lifts.

The Final Word

Based on my experience, I think the Titan Triumph is the best singlet for powerlifting. It supports your muscles well, doesn’t dig into your shoulders or crotch, and it’s reasonably priced.

Remember, all the gear you’ll use at the meet must be approved by the organizing federation. Take a look at my top professional recommendations if you’re pressed for time.

Good luck!