IPF & USAPL-approved gear is essential if you want to compete. So, as competition day is getting closer in 2026, you're working harder than ever to prepare yourself, and you won't want to get disqualified at International Powerlifting Federation or USA Powerlifting events.
That’s why I prepared this guide. For each piece of equipment, I’ll explain the required specifications, provide the full list of approved gear, and mention my best recommendations.
Let’s get going!
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Approved Brands at a Glance
| Brand | Belts | Knee Sleeves | Wrist Wraps | Singlets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBD | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Inzer | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Titan | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| A7 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rogue | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Stoic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Notorious Lift | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (Slippers) |
Important 2026 Updates:
- The USAPL / IPF Split: Please note that the USAPL and IPF are no longer affiliated. The new US affiliate for the IPF is Powerlifting America. If you wish to qualify for IPF Worlds, you must compete in Powerlifting America.
- Approved Gear Lists: USAPL and Powerlifting America maintain separate approved lists. However, most major brands (SBD, Inzer, Titan, A7, Rogue) are approved in both.
- Metal Brand Ban: As of 2020, all Metal Powerlifting Gear is banned in both USAPL and the IPF (Powerlifting America). Do not use Metal gear for any sanctioned meet in these federations.
What Makes Equipment IPF & USAPL Approved?
For any equipment to be approved, it has to meet a unique set of specifications that I’ll discuss later on. Furthermore, for higher-level meets (Nationals/Worlds), the brand itself generally has to be accredited (paid fee) by the federation.
The Risk of Not Having Approved Gear
If you use unapproved gear, you can get disqualified. Both federations have the right to invalidate the whole contest and any records accomplished, even after the competition is finished.
How To Know If Your Gear is Approved
To keep it simple, search for the official “Approved List” PDF on the IPF, Powerlifting America, or USAPL websites.
You can also wear mouth guards in competition. Check out my guide on the 5 Best Mouth Guards For Powerlifting
IPF & USAPL Approved List of Powerlifting Gear For Classic/Raw
In Raw competitions, you’re a bit restricted on the allowed gear. You can use a belt, singlet (costumes, support shirts, etc), wrist wraps, and knee sleeves. What you wear must be made by commercial manufacturers and already approved by the technical committee.
IPF & USAPL Approved Belts
Powerlifting belts decrease the likelihood of injuries by keeping your spine in a natural, unstrained position. Also, having a solid object for your muscles to press against is the shortest way to instantly lift heavier weights.
Inzer Forever Lever Belt 10MM – Best Overall
Without a doubt, Inzer is the gold standard for lifting belts. The Inzer Forever has a sturdy 10mm leather construction that balances between support and comfort. In addition to classic black, it comes in bright pink to fit female lifters.
Rogue Echo 10MM Lifting Belt – Best Budget
If you prefer the old-school prongs, Rogue Echo should be your best bet. Despite its affordable cost, it features a firm leather body with 10 precision-spaced holes to fine-tune the tightness. With a 10mm thickness, it won’t take much time to break-in.
IPF & USAPL Technical Specifications for Belts
- A belt can’t be worn under lifting suits.
- It should be made of leather, vinyl, or any non-stretchable material.
- Laminations are allowed, either glued or stitched.
- It can’t have any padding, bracing, or any other support.
- It can be equipped with a single prong, double prongs, or a lever. (so single or double prong belts are ok)
- The buckle must be securely fixed with stitching or studs.
- The design has to be plain with no logos unless approved by IPF.
- The belt mustn’t be wider than 4” or thicker than 13mm.
Full List of IPF & USAPL Approved Belts
(Note: USA Powerlifting generally accepts these, but always double check specific federation updates for 2026).
SBD
Rogue
A7
Lift.net (Stoic)
- Stoic Single Prong Belt 10mm
- Stoic Lever Belt 13mm
Titan
Inzer
IPF & USAPL Wrist Wraps
I honestly can’t imagine bench presses without wrist wraps. They’re among the most important keys to lift heavier weights with little to no injury risks.
Inzer Gripper 20″ Wrist Wraps – Best Overall
Back again with Inzer, this time with these amazingly-firm wrist wraps. As their name implies, their unique fabric literally grips on itself with every turn you add. With its durable velcro, you won’t have to use additional chalk or stickum.
Titan THP Wrist Wraps – Best Budget
Instead of the velcro, these wraps utilize a different type of a hook-and-loop called Aplix. A lot of athletes prefer it for its tighter support and lower cost. With a 6-month guarantee, Titan definitely puts its competitors into a fierce competition!
IPF & USAPL Technical Specifications for Wrist Wraps
- Wrist wraps should be made from a 1-ply elastic fabric.
- They could be covered with cotton, polyester, or both.
- Wrist wraps mustn’t exceed 1 m in length and 8 cm in width.
- Velcro and securing sleeves must be contained within these dimensions.
- Tightening loops mustn’t be over your thumb or fingers while you’re lifting.
Full List of IPF & USAPL Approved Wrist Wraps
- SBD: SBD Wrist Wraps
- A7: A7 Flex Wrist Wraps
- Lift.net (Stoic): Stoic Wrist Wraps
- Titan: Signature Gold, Titanium, THP, MAX RPM
- Inzer: W40 True Black, W50 Gripper, W70 Black Beauty, Iron Wrist Wraps Z, Atomic Wraps
- Iron Tanks: Iron Klad Strong
- Strength Shop: Zeus Stiff, Thor Super Stiff
- Super Training: Gangsta Wrist Wraps, Strong Wrist Wraps
- Rogue: Rogue Wrist Wraps (White Series, etc.)
IPF & USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves
400-lbs squats are practically impossible without the right knee sleeves. Their neoprene construction makes sure your knees stay secure as you’re lifting.
Titan 7MM 3rd Generation Yellow Jackets – Best Overall
Being named after the famously fierce yellowjackets, these sleeves provide the maximum support allowed. Instead of the classic solid cylinders, Titan designed them with X-shaped seams that meet right above your knee cap.
Rogue 5MM Knee Sleeves – Best Budget
If you don’t like how firm 7-mm-thick sleeves feel, Rouge’s 5mm sleeves should satisfy your needs. Thanks to their anatomical seams, they successfully balance between comfort and support.
IPF & USAPL Technical Specifications for Knee Sleeves
- You can’t wear knee sleeves and wraps together.
- Knee sleeves must be made of 1-ply neoprene.
- Velcros, straps, drawstrings, and paddings aren’t allowed.
- Knee sleeves mustn’t provide a significant rebound to the lifter’s knees.
- They can’t exceed a width of 7 mm and a length of 30 cm.
Full List of IPF & USAPL Approved Knee Sleeves
- SBD: 7mm Knee Sleeves, 2019 Dynamic Sleeves
- Eleiko: 5mm Knee Sleeves
- Rogue: 5mm & 7mm Knee Sleeves
- A7: Cone Knee Sleeves
- Unbroken Designs: Various printed designs (Stars and Stripes, etc.)
- Lift.net (Stoic): Stoic Knee Sleeves
- Rehband: 7084 Blue, 7051 Original, RX Knee Sleeve
- Titan: Yellow Jackets, TKS
- Inzer: Knee Sleeves XT, ErgoPro
- Super Training: STrong Knee Sleeves
IPF & USAPL Approved Singlets
As you might already know, singlets are mandatory in powerlifting competitions. Judges must see your legs and arms at all times to give fair and accurate scores.
Titan Triumph Powerlifting Singlet – Best Overall
Titan Triumph is my favorite singlet mainly because of its wide-cut shoulder straps. They fit comfortably over your body without interfering with your muscles. The crotch area is reinforced with a double-ply fabric to make sure nothing shows through during a deep movement.
Inzer Powerlifting Singlet – Best Budget
If you prefer thin straps, consider this singlet from Inzer. Although Inzer’s gear tends to cost more than others, they managed to make this singlet with the same high standard at a notably affordable cost.
IPF & USAPL Technical Specifications for Singlets
- Non-supportive singlets can be worn in both Raw and Equipped competitions.
- The singlet legs shouldn’t be longer than 25 cm or shorter than 3 cm.
Full List of IPF & USAPL Approved Singlets
- SBD: SBD Singlet, Eclipse Singlet
- A7: A7 Black Singlet
- Stoic: Stoic Singlet
- Titan: Titan Singlet (various colors)
- Inzer: Power Singlet
- Strength Shop: Strength Shop Singlet
- Beast Genetics: Soft Suits
- Rogue: Rogue Singlet
IPF & USAPL Approved List of Powerlifting Gear For Equipped
In equipped competitions, athletes use all sorts of supportive gear to leverage their lifting power. In addition to the Raw gear, you’re allowed to use elastic knee wraps, a squat suit, deadlift suit, bench press shirt, and an erector shirt.
IPF & USAPL Approved Knee Wraps
Unlike knee sleeves, knee wraps actively enhance your lifting. During a squat, their elastic fibers store energy to give you a push every time you’re going back up.
Titan Signature Series Gold Knee Wraps – Best Overall
Titan Signature wraps are a true marvel when it comes to firmness. In fact, some lifters may find them unreasonably painful for small weights. That should tell you how much support they can give when you’re trying to break a record.
Inzer Iron Z Knee Wraps – Best Budget
Just like the Inzer Gripper 20“ wrist wraps, Iron Z wraps firmly grips on your skin without chalk. And again, having Inzer quality at this affordable price gives the best bang for the buck.
Full List of IPF & USAPL Approved Knee Wraps
- SBD: SBD Knee Wraps
- Titan: THP, Max RPM, Titanium, Signature Gold
- Inzer: Iron Z, W40 True Black, W50 Gripper, W70 Black Beauty, Atomic Wraps
- Super Training: Sling Shot Knee Wraps, World Record Wraps, STrong Knee Wraps
IPF & USAPL Approved Squat Suits
Titan Centurion Squat Suit – Best Overall
If you’re willing to invest in a high-end squat suit, the Centurion should be the perfect pick. Titan made it from NXG Super Plus, one of the strongest fabrics currently known.
Full List of Approved Squat Suits
- Titan: Centurion, Super Centurion, Spartan, Superior
- Inzer: TRX, Megathrust
IPF & USAPL Approved Bench Shirts
Titan Super Katana A/S Bench Shirt – Best Overall
With an NGX construction, this shirt is guaranteed to deliver an exploding rebound as you’re trying to push the weight back.
Full List of Approved Bench Shirts
- Titan: Fury, F6 Tornado, Super Katana, Katana
- Inzer: The Rage, Rage X, Phenom, Bolt, CB, XB, The Wrath
IPF & USAPL Approved Deadlift Suits
Titan Velocity Deadlift Suit – Best Overall
Titan designed the Velocity suit with a unique fabric pattern that resembles a harness. This way, it firmly supports your posture even with the heaviest weights.
Full List of IPF & USAPL Deadlift Suits
- Titan: Velocity Conventional, Velocity Sumo
- Inzer: MAX DL, Fusion DL, XDL
IPF & USAPL Approved List of Bars, Plates, and Racks
Training with competition-approved gear can give you an advantage over athletes who’ll see them for the first time on the competition day.
IPF & USAPL Approved Bars
Rogue 20KG Ohio Stainless Steel Bar – Best Overall
With friction-welded sleeves, this bar is well known for its unique strength and excellent fatigue resistance.
Full List of Approved Bars
- Ivanko OBX 20 KG 29 MM Competition Powerlifting Bar
- Leoko Official 20 KG 29 MM Powerlifting Bar
- Pallini B256 20 KG Chrome Male Powerlifting Bar
- Rogue Ohio Black Zinc Power Bar
- Rogue Ohio Stainless Steel Power Bar
- Uesaka Men’s Powerlifting Bar
- Zaoba Bull Powerlifting Barbell
IPF & USAPL Approved Plates
Rogue Calibrated Steel Plates – Best Overall
Thanks to Rogue’s machine calibration, these plates are amazingly accurate to within 10 grams. Their high loading capacity offers the most space-efficient plates.
Full List of Approved Plates
- Eleiko Powerlifting Competition Change Plates
- Ivanko Olympic Calibrated Powerlifting Plates
- Leoko Calibrated Powerlifting Plates
- Pallini Steel Powerlifting Plates
- Rogue Calibrated Kg Steel Plates
- Uesaka Competition Bumpers
- Titex Calibrated Powerlifting Plates
Do Shoes & Socks Need To Be USAPL & IPF Approved?
Well, not exactly. There are no brands that you need to stick to like the rest of the gear (unless using deadlift slippers, which sometimes require specific approval). However, there are certain rules that have to be met.
First and foremost, your shoes have to be designed for indoor sports, like wrestling and basketball. Outdoor shoes, like hiking boots, might not be allowed.
Adidas Powerlift 5 – Best Squat Shoe
(Updated for 2026: Replaces the Powerlift 4)
With a raised heel and a sturdy midfoot strap, these squat shoes haven’t failed to impress me. Their synthetic leather upper offers an awesome balance between durability and breathability.
Notorious Lift Slippers – Best Deadlift Shoe
In 2026, Notorious Lift has become the gold standard for deadlift footwear. These slippers have an ultra-thin sole that gets you closer to the bar, reducing your range of motion. They are fully approved for IPF and USAPL competition.
Sabo Deadlift Shoes – Alternative Pick
To enhance your deadlifts, these deadlift shoes have 2 support straps, one over the midfoot and one over the heel. Its high-cut upper is utterly effective in cementing your feet to the ground.
Other USAPL & IPF Equipment Rules
First and foremost, hats are never allowed on the platform. Watches, jewelry, eyewear, and other accessories can be permitted or disapproved by referees.
Headphones Rule: Most federations now strictly prohibit wearing headphones on the platform, even during your setup.
You can wear any plain t-shirt under your suit as long as it doesn’t have a stretchy fabric (cotton/polyester blend is usually best).
Final Thoughts
Buying the right IPF and USAPL-approved gear is essential for participating in powerlifting competitions in 2026. This comprehensive guide emphasizes the significance of using approved gear, ensuring athletes like yourself don't face disqualification.
Remember the key update for 2026: The USAPL and IPF are separate. If you are competing in Powerlifting America (IPF affiliate), you must strictly follow the IPF list. If you are in USAPL, follow their specific bylaws.
