10mm or 13mm Belt: Choose the Right Size (+ Examples)
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I cover the differences between 10mm vs 13mm belts and the pros and cons of each. I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions regarding different belt sizes and which belt to use.
The use of both 10mm or 13mm belts can be beneficial at different levels. The difference in powerlifting belt thickness affects flexibility, versatility, and the ‘break in’ time. Start with the 10mm belt. Consider progressing to the 13mm belt if you’re an elite-level powerlifter looking for added strength.
What’s the Difference Between 10mm and 13mm Belts?
10mm and 13mm belts are heavily used by amateur and elite level powerlifters for training and competition. Recreational gym users can also be seen using them for day-to-day training in the gym. If your routine contains compound movements, the use of 10mm and 13mm belts can be beneficial at all levels.
Weight lifting belt thickness is measured from the surface that makes contact with your body to the surface facing away from you. Having different levels of thickness will provide different levels of support and flexibility.
The difference between a 10mm vs 13mm belt is the thickness. In terms of belt proportion, the 13mm weightlifting belt is 30% thicker than the 10mm weightlifting belt. The question is, does this translate into a 30% performance improvement?
A weightlifting belt creates intra-abdominal pressure during heavy compound movements. This extra intra-abdominal pressure, generated when the lifter braces against the belt, provides additional support during the movement, helping lifters manage heavier weights.
The weightlifting belt closes tightly around the waist, creating a rigid support for the torso. This allows your core to brace against the belt during compound lifts such as the squat, deadlift, and overhead press. A thicker lifting belt, such as the 13mm one, will provide a firmer surface to brace against, thus offering greater stability and support compared to a 10mm belt.
1. Flexibility
An important difference between the 13mm vs 10mm belts is the flexibility. The 13mm weightlifting belt is more rigid meaning it will dig into your torso more aggressively. In theory, the extra rigidity should help stabilize your torso and increase the amount of weight lifted.
However, you may have to sacrifice comfort for potential added weight. Whilst the 10mm belt won’t be as stiff, the added flexibility can provide benefits in other ways. The amount of comfort lost depends on your body type and the type of exercise performed.
Using a 10mm belt with extra flexibility makes it easier to perform complex movements like the snatch and the clean & jerk.
A thicker belt (e.g., 13mm) can dig right into the ribs, creating discomfort and even pain during these types of lifts. Correct breathing is essential to get the most out of using a belt. If the belt is worn incorrectly, it can hinder your breathing and negatively affect performance output.
2. Time to ‘Break-in’
Most powerlifting belts are made out of leather. Leather is a tough, rigid material that needs to be molded before working correctly. The process of doing this with a belt is known as ‘breaking-in’. This is when the leather starts to become more malleable allowing the belt to mold around the torso tightly. Breaking in a belt that is thicker will take more time.
A 3mm increase in powerlifting belt thickness means more time to break-in. With a 10mm belt, the time to break-in should be fairly quick. Expect it to start fitting around your waist in a matter of days to a month.
The added thickness of the 13mm belt means it may take much longer to break in, often several months until it starts fitting correctly however it will of course depend on how often you will use one.
3. Versatility
Both belts are made for lifters to use when performing heavy, compound movements in the gym and during competition. However, belt thickness can determine which movement you’re going to perform with comfort.
The added thickness of the 13mm belt means it’s made for the powerlifting movements – squat, deadlift, and bench press. For some individuals, the added belt thickness can make lifting uncomfortable in certain positions, especially for Olympic lifts, functional fitness, and some bodybuilding exercises (e.g., bent-over rows, front squats).
The 10mm belt can be worn for all the powerlifting movements and also the non-powerlifting ones such as the overhead press and barbell row.
The added flexibility makes the 10mm belt more versatile than the 13mm, making the 10mm belt suitable for a wider range of movements, including Olympic lifts and functional fitness.
4. Strength Advantage
In the elite level of powerlifting, athletes will put up huge numbers using both the 10mm and 13mm belt. 10mm belts can be used to progress very far. Most people won’t even need to think about switching to a 13mm belt.
However, at the elite level of powerlifting when you’re trying to break some solid records or simply lift really heavy, even small improvements can make the difference between placing and not placing at an event.
As an elite-level powerlifter, you’ve already perfected your bracing and technique. The small increase in belt thickness of 13mm vs 10mm might provide the added edge needed to improve performance.
5. Price
Due to the level of construction, material used, and size of the belt the cost to manufacture the 13mm belt is generally more expensive.
Higher manufacturing costs mean a higher purchase cost. You’re going to pay more for the extra 3mm of thickness the belt provides.
10mm Weightlifting Belt Pros/Cons
Positives:
Could be better:
The 10mm weightlifting belt is the most popular belt used in the powerlifting world. It’s suitable for most body sizes and ability levels.
A 10mm belt is usually the best option for start. The belt thickness allows strength progression without much discomfort and no lengthy break-in period.
If you’re a beginner lifter, start with a 10mm belt and focus more on the important fundamentals of training such as technique and effective programming.
10mm belts are ideal for:
- Beginner lifters
- Recreational gym goers
- Novice powerlifters
- Strength and conditioning athletes
- Strongman competitors
A 10mm belt can and will take you far in the sport of powerlifting, with many great options on the market.
WBCM Leather Weightlifting Belt
- Best for: Olympic Lifting, Weight training
- Closure Type: Double prong belt buckle
- Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
- Waist Size Range: 28” (72 cm) up to 51” (131 cm)
- Width: 4 inches
- Thickness: 6 mm
- Material: Genuine Leather
- Certification: IPF & USAPL approved
Our recommended 10mm belt is the WARM BODY COLD MIND Leather Belt.
It offers a strong and durable design made with solid steel and artificial leather with 3 rows of stitching and a steel lever buckle with quick release. The 10mm belt thickness with 4-inch back support provides added tension with comfort when lifting.
13mm Weightlifting Belt Pros/Cons
Positives:
Could be better:
A 13mm belt is a good option if you plan to compete or lift very heavy loads and require that extra support. The trade-off to this though may be many months of discomfort and reduced flexibility.
If you’re an elite lifter, switching from a 10mm to a 13mm belt may give you the added support and performance you’re looking for.
13mm belts are ideal for:
- Competitive powerlifters
- Heavy larger powerlifters
- Strongman competitors
Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Lever Belt
- Available sizes: S/M/L/XL/XXL
- Waist size range: 25”-50”
- Width: 4”
- Thickness: 0.5”
- Material: Leather
- Certification: IPL, USPA
Our recommended 13mm belt is the Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Lever Belt – 13mm Power Weight Belt
Its heavy-duty design makes it suitable for extreme weightlifting. It’s made with 13mm thick premium suede leather with double row stitching and a heavy-duty steel lever. The lever is easily adjustable to fit different waist sizes by removing 2 screws.
The 13mm belt thickness with 4-inch height across its length provides maximum back support for elite-level powerlifters looking for an extra edge.
The belt is USPA and IPL approved and also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
If you’re an intermediate lifter, you probably still be more than fine with a 10mm belt. You may have good posture and technique and are looking to switch to a 13mm belt to test out the extra support.
If you’re considering switching from a 10mm to 13mm belt, make sure you have a true reason for that. If you have an adequate base of strength training and several years of experience using the 10mm belt, switching to the 13mm belt might be the right choice.
FAQ
How Thick Should My Lifting Belt Be?
Both the 10mm and 13mm belts can be used with success in the gym and for competition. If you’re a recreational powerlifter, using a 10mm belt is the best option as it feels more comfortable and doesn’t take as long to ‘break-in’. Only consider using a 13mm belt if you’re at the elite level of powerlifting and looking to find an extra aid for performance improvements.
How Do You Break in a 13mm Belt?
Common ways to break in a 13mm belt include rolling it up tightly, wearing it often, placing heavy objects on top, warming it up, and applying olive oil or rubbing alcohol. Depending on the belt material and thickness it can take a few days to several months.
Use these different methods often to speed up the breaking-in process. Once broken in, the 13mm belt level can be adjusted as required.
Is a 7mm Belt Good?
A 7mm belt is a good choice if you want greater mobility and range of motion when lifting compared to the thicker belt choices. However, it may not provide as much support when performing repeated heavy lifts. Can still be a great option for bodybuilding or Olympic weightlifting, depending on belt quality of course.
Conclusion
For most lifters, the 10mm belt is the more suitable choice. If your focus is on getting stronger, this belt thickness will allow for ample progress without the possible downfalls of a thicker belt.
Consider a 13mm belt if you’re a larger athlete or competing at an elite level. Significant benefits gained from the increased belt thickness can improve performance giving you the extra edge needed during competition however changing 10mm belt for 13mm won’t automatically mean you can lift heavier.
What lifting belt do you prefer to use and why? Share your experiences with both belts in the comments.
Also read:
- Best Weightlifting Belt
- Powerlifting Belt vs Weightlifting Belt
- Lever Belt vs Prong Belt
- Nylon vs Leather Lifting Belt
- Best Weight Lifting Belt for Women
- Best Lever Belt
- Best Weight Lifting Belt for Big Guys
- Eleiko Weightlifting Belt Review
References:
- The Ultimate Weightlifting Belt Guide
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/the-ultimate-weightlifting-belt-guide.html - Lessons in Weight Belts: How and Why to Use Them
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/lessons-in-weight-belts-how-and-why-to-use-them.html - All photos are made by our Torokhtiy Media Team
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Author: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
Still have questions after reading our article? Unlock your full potential by engaging with our experts and community! Don’t hesitate — leave a comment below and Oleksiy Torokhtiy will provide a personalized answer and insights to help you reach your goals.