Equipment Guide
What you wear and use on the platform at a sanctioned Powerlifting America meet, Classic and Equipped.
What Every Lifter Wears
Singlet
Required for every lifter, with the straps over the shoulders on all three lifts.
T-Shirt
Worn under the singlet on all three lifts. Equipped lifters may wear a bench shirt in its place.
Socks
Socks that cover the shins are required for the deadlift. They may not touch knee sleeves or wraps.
Shoes
Lifting shoes or indoor sports shoes, with a flat sole no higher than 5 cm. Laces or straps must be fastened.
Allowed in Classic
Belt
Optional. Many lifters compete in their first meet without one.
Knee Sleeves
Optional. Sleeves are the knee support allowed in Classic. Knee wraps are Equipped only.
Wrist Wraps
Optional, in both Classic and Equipped. Up to 1 m long and 8 cm wide.
Equipped Gear
Equipped lifting adds supportive suits for the squat and deadlift, bench shirts, and knee wraps up to 2 m long. Equipped meets, records and national teams are separate from Classic.
The IPF Approved List
The IPF Approved List names the manufacturers of approved singlets, supportive suits and shirts, belts, knee sleeves and wraps. T-shirts, socks and shoes are not on the list. The list is public and searchable.
Browse the Approved ListIPF-Approved Gear from A7
A7, presenting partner of Powerlifting America's national championships, makes IPF-approved singlets, sleeves and wraps.