Choosing among the best powerlifting singlets is not easy, especially nowadays when most brands offer multiple options. That’s why we’re here to help you make the best decision for your needs. In this article, we will be taking a look at several different singlets, and we will be ranking them so we can determine the best singlet for powerlifting on the market.
And now, without keeping you waiting, let’s get going.
Top 7 Best Singlets for Powerlifting Reviewed
1. Weightlifting Compression Singlet S-1 – Top Pick
When it comes to the best lifting singlet, we have to note that Warm Body Cold Mind’s Compression Singlet S-1 is everything you want to have in your lifting suit. It’s made from a special material called Supplex Sport, which makes it more durable and ensures that it will last you through many workout sessions. Along with that, in order for you to keep looking your best competition after competition, the brand uses a sublimation process on the side panels, which helps keep the colors bright and crisp, even after you’ve washed the suit several times. This singlet is available in all sizes, from small to XXL, and is shipped internationally.
- Material: Supplex Sport
- Inseam: n/a
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Color palette: Black with Blue/Yellow Print on the sides
Material Quality
As the best weightlifting singlet on our list, this one made from Warm Body Cold Mind is exceptionally durable, thanks to the high-quality materials used for its creation. The brand uses a unique material called Supplex Sport to ensure that the singlet remains intact, even in places where the bar touches it often and typically causes damage.
Sizing
Regardless of whether you need a small, medium, or extra-large size, you can find them all with Warm Body Cold Mind singlets. This one comes in all possible sizes and is suitable for people who weigh from 136lbs to those well over 245lbs. This also makes it one of the market's best women’s powerlifting singlets.
Resistance and Protection
Singlets aren’t meant to provide you with a lot of protection; however, thanks to the innovative material that Warm Body Cold Mind uses, this one can last through multiple competitions and will protect your skin from possible damage from the barbells.
Comfort
This singlet is super comfortable and lightweight. Thanks to its many different sizes, you can find either a looser one or one that fits more tightly, depending on what kind of compression you want to feel.
Design
Warm Body Cold Mind has kept the design fantastic yet simple. There aren’t many colors, just a few logos on the sides, and that’s it.
Value for Money
You will find it difficult to name a better overall product for the price. This singlet has excellent quality; it’s super comfortable, has various sizes, and will remain in good condition over many competitions.
Positives:
Made out of durable, high-quality material
Extra protection ensuring longevity
Designed by Olympian Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Could be better:
Only one design option
2. Virus Elevate V3 Singlet – Runner-Up
In second place, but by a thin margin, comes Virus’s Elevate V3 singlet. Here we have to mention that the brand has worked its hardest to deliver a high-quality product made out of innovative and technical fabrics that ensure the colors last longer and the skin is always protected. The Elevate V3 singlet is made out of a BioCeramic Fabric, and specific parts of it have been additionally strengthened - namely the quad and shoulder panels. Along with that, the singlet has been approved by USPA, IPL, and AAU Strength Sports, so it’s good to wear for all sorts of official competitions.
- Material: BioCeramic Fabric
- Inseam: 8.5 inches
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Color palette: Two color options - blue with black panels and black with camo panels.
Material Quality
As we already mentioned, Virus has worked hard on using only the most advanced technology for its fabrics. When it comes to the Elevate V3 Singlet, it’s made from the highest quality BioCeramic material that can last longer and keep the compression even after multiple uses. Additionally, it has additional panels for the quads and the shoulders so that the barbell doesn’t easily damage these areas.
Sizing
This singlet comes in all sizes, from small to extra large and Virus’s website has an interactive sizing guide that will help you choose the best one for you.
Resistance and Protection
Thanks to the high-quality materials it’s made from, Virus’s singlet ensures your skin won’t be easily scared by the barbell. It also has additional protection for the quad and shoulder areas, which come in contact with the barbell more often during weightlifting competitions.
Comfort
The Elevate V3 single is super comfortable and can be used for a variety of sports, from powerlifting to Olympic weightlifting and even feats of strength
Design
Virus’s top-notch singlet comes in two different designs - a more sleek blue with black panels and a more interesting all-black with camo panels.
Value for Money
While it’s more expensive, Virus’s V3 singlet is definitely worth the investment. Even though you have to spend a bit more money on it, you will know that it will last more than one or two competitions.
Positives:
Made from innovative materials
Extra protection for the quad and shoulder areas
Could be better:
Slightly more expensive than other options on the market
If you’re looking for a sleek and excellent design and you’re also willing to spend a bit more money on your singlet, then this one by Virus is made just for you. Again, as in the previous option, it’s made with their special BioCeramic fabric and has those durable quad and shoulder panels. However, it only comes in all black colors, with the option to have your name printed in the middle if you want to.
- Material: BioCeramic Fabric
- Inseam: 8.5 inches
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Color palette: All black
- Design: One color, only black singlet with Virus’s logo in the middle.
Material Quality
We already discussed Virus’s BioCeramic fabric in the previous paragraph, and this singlet is also made with it. That makes it high-quality and super durable, so you can’t expect anything but top-notch quality here as well.
Sizing
The Ascend singlet comes in all sizes, from S to XXL, and you can use Virus’s system to find which one is the best option for you.
Resistance and Protection
Again, this singlet is made from high-quality, durable material, and it has that famous double padding on the quads and shoulders to ensure even better protection from the barbell.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Ascend singlet delivers. It’s lightweight and breathable and it also has a no-slip thigh grip.
Design
For all lovers of a more minimalistic style, this singlet has the best possible design. It’s all black with minimal logos and slogans.
Value for Money
The only downside to this incredible product is its price. It’s slightly higher than the previous singlets we discussed, even though the quality is not better.
Positives:
Created with high-quality, technical fabrics
Approved by USPA, IPL, and AAU Strength Sports
Extra protection for the quad and shoulder areas
Could be better:
You can get a singlet of the same quality, but for less money, than if you buy the Virus Elevate V3 singlet.
Nike is a brand that requires no introduction, especially to people who are athletes. And as you can imagine, the biggest company for sports-related equipment has its own version of the singlet that comes in three colors - black, blue and red. Nike’s singlet is a traditional Olympic weightlifting one. However, it looks kind of like a wrestling singlet for powerlifting. It’s made of moisture-wicking, breathable fabric and has abrasion-resistant quad construction - it does its best to combine comfort and performance.
- Material: Polyester and Spandex
- Inseam: N/A
- Sizes: XS to 2XL
- Color palette: Black, Red, and Blue
Material Quality
Nike’s singlet is made from high-quality materials, designed to absorb sweat and be more breathable. Along with that, the brand has an abrasion-resistant quad construction so that the material can last through many competitions.
Sizing
Nike outdid everyone by having all possible sizes from extra small to 2XL - something that none of the brands we’ve discussed is able to offer.
Resistance and Protection
There’s nothing unique about the materials Nike uses regarding resistance and protection. The only upside is the abrasion-resistant quad area, as we know that the bar often comes in contact with the athlete’s quad area in weightlifting competitions.
Comfort
Nike has put the work in when it comes to comfort, and this breathable, lightweight singlet is one of the most comfortable ones you can find on the market.
Design
This singlet’s design is simple and feels familiar, as you’ve likely seen it in many Olympic weightlifting competitions.
Value for Money
As with all big brands, this singlet is expensive, but not because of the outstanding quality, simply because it carries a popular brand name.
Positives:
Three different color options
Made from comfortable, breathable materials
Long-lasting - can be used for multiple competitions
Could be better:
The price is pretty high, considering you’re not getting anything special out of the product.
After Nike, it’s Adidas’s turn to take the stage with their singlet. And as much as we hate to say it, theirs is an excellent option if you’re not sure you will need to use it more than once. It’s made from solid materials. However, it offers nothing new and fresh, and it has no additional protection for the areas which come in contact with the barbell more often. Along with that, it only comes in one color - all black.
- Material: Polyester and Elasthane
- Inseam: N/A
- Sizes: XS to 2XL
- Color palette: Black
Material Quality
Adidas’s singlet is made from good quality polyester and elastane, and it can be a good option for those of you who’re not sure you will need a singlet in the long run. It’s good enough to last through one or two competitions; however, it definitely lacks in comparison to all the other options we’ve discussed.
Sizing
When it comes to sizing, Adidas, like Nike, has it all - from XS to 2XL.
Resistance and Protection
There’s no additional protection or resistance with this singlet.
Comfort
It’s super comfortable, lightweight, and easy to wash.
Design
The most minimalistic design we’ve seen yet - all black with only a small Adidas logo on the quad. A dream for all those of you who don’t enjoy standing out.
Value for Money
Good value for money. This singlet doesn’t offer anything all that unique, and the price reflects that perfectly.
Positives:
Sleek-looking all-black design
Great price
Excellent choice for beginners or people who aren’t sure they will be doing loads of competitions
Could be better:
Probably won't serve you as long as other options
6. Ascend Singlet - Best for Women
Virus's Ascend takes the win when it comes to the best women's weightlifting singlet on the market. Similarly to the male model, it’s made from high-quality, innovative BioCeramic fabric has extra protection on the quad and shoulder areas, and comes in all possible sizes from XS to 2XL.
- Material: BioCeramic Fabric
- Inseam: 5 inches
- Sizes: XS to 2XL
- Color palette: Black
Material Quality
The Ascend singlet for women is made with their signature BioCeramic material - which means that it’s high-quality and durable. Along with that, much like the men's model, it has extra protection for the quad and shoulder areas.
Sizing
This model has all the sizes you can think of, from extra small to 2XL.
Resistance and Protection
Thanks to the great materials it's made from, this singlet already offers a ton of protection to the skin. It has also added one for the areas that most often come in contact with the barbell in weightlifting - the quads and shoulders.
Comfort
Comfortable to wear, with many sizing options available to fit your body best.
Design
Sleek, minimalistic design, with the option to have your name printed across the chest.
Value for Money
Slightly more expensive but worth it as the best option for women on the market.
Positives:
Minimalistic all-black design
Made from a technical, innovative materialFashionable and modern-looking, unlike the other more traditional options on the market.
Could be better:
Pricey in comparison to other options
In second place, we have another singlet from Virus - the Elevate V2. It has a more classic weightlifting look and comes in all black again. It’s made with their signature fabric BioCeramic and has the well-known double-padding on the quads and shoulders.
- Material: BioCeramic
- Inseam: 4.5 inches
- Sizes: XS to 2XL
- Color palette: Black
Material Quality
Similarly to all the other Virus products we’ve discussed, this singlet is again made with quality materials, the brand’s innovative signature fabric, and has durable panels on the quad and shoulder areas.
Sizing
This model has all the sizes you can think of, from extra small to 2XL.
Resistance and Protection
Unlike the previous model, in this one, the design leaves the shoulder slightly more unprotected as the straps are thinner. However, we get the durable panels on the shoulders and quads again, so it still feels protective.
Comfort
Comfortable to wear with a classic weightlifting design.
Design
Sleek, minimalistic design, typical for Olympic weightlifting and with only one color option - all black.
Value for Money
Similarly to the Ascend model, this one is also more expensive than other options you have on the market.
Positives:
Classic weightlifting style
Made from technical, innovative material
Great sizing options
Could be better:
Design could be better - this one looks more a classic model for men.
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Why Do Powerlifters Wear Singlets
You’re likely used to seeing singlets being worn by Olympic weightlifters in competitions. However, have you noticed that powerlifters wear them as well? Let’s find out why.
Because of Rules
Wearing a singlet is a rule for all powerlifting competitions. And rules don’t always have to make functional sense. It’s also vital to note that different powerlifting competitions have various requirements for how singlets should fit and what they must look like.
To Make the Job of the Judge Easier
When you’re wearing a singlet, it becomes easier for the judge to see your squat depth, which is one reason why all federations require them. Along with the squat, there’s another exercise that requires perfect visibility for judges - the bench. During the bench press, you’re required to have your butt on the bench at all times, which is also easier to judge when you’re wearing a singlet.
Provides Some Support
Unlike loose-fitting clothes, the skin-tight singlet can provide some additional support to you during particular exercises. Let’s take the squat as an example; when you’re at the bottom of the squat, a tight, compressive singlet will feel much more supportive than a pair of loose basketball shorts. And even though it won’t make that much of a difference performance-wise, it’s still good to know you’re getting some extra support.
What to Look For in Powerlifting Singlet
Now that you know why powerlifters wear them, let’s take a look at what a powerlifting singlet must have in order to be a good fit.
High-Quality Materials
Singlets are not cheap by any means, and if you’re looking to buy one, you have to look for high-quality materials that will last more than one or two competitions.
Compression
Compression can give you additional support when performing particular exercises, and it also helps keep your muscles warm in-between sets. Thus, having a singlet that offers good compression is key.
Sizing
It’s good to look for singlets that come in many sizes as that gives you the best chance to find the right fit just for you. Remember, if a singlet doesn’t fit correctly, it won’t offer the needed compression, and you won’t feel comfortable performing in it.
FAQs
Do singlets help in powerlifting?
They might help you feel more supported in some exercises, but in general, singlets don’t improve your performance in any way.
How tight should a powerlifting singlet be?
Tight enough so you feel the compression, but not so tight that you fight it difficult to move and perform all the exercises.
What do you wear under a powerlifting singlet?
You can be naked underneath the singlet or choose to wear a wrestling brief or or t-shirt - the choice is up to you.
What size singlet should I get?
You should aim to get a singlet that fits you just right - not too tight, but not too loose. The size you should get varies depending on your height and body weight; there’s no one size fits all option.
In Conclusion
Getting the best possible weightlifting singlet is not an easy task, especially with so many options on the market. However, we’re certain that our top pick from Warm Body Cold Mind ticks all the boxes we’ve discussed. It’s made from high-quality materials, durable, and looks great - what more could you want from your singlet? With that said, share with us in the comments what your favorite singlet on the market is and how you feel about wearing one.
References:
- Beginner's Guide to Powerlifting - Lifts, Competitions, Judges // ISSA:
https://www.issaonline.com/blog/post/beginners-guide-to-powerlifting-lifts-competitions-judges
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.