The History and Evolution of Powerlifting Gear

From raw strength in a t-shirt to the high-tech suits of modern equipped lifting, the history of powerlifting gear is a fascinating story of innovation, controversy, and the relentless pursuit of bigger numbers. The equipment we use today didn't appear overnight; it evolved over decades, fundamentally shaping the sport along the way. This guide will take you through the evolution of powerlifting's most iconic pieces of gear.

The Early Days (1960s-1970s): The Birth of Support

In the early days of powerlifting, "support" was minimal.

• The Belt: The first piece of specialized gear to become common was the weightlifting belt. Early lifters, often coming from an Olympic weightlifting background, used thin belts. The wide, thick powerlifting belt we know today was developed to provide a better surface to brace the abdomen against, maximizing intra-abdominal pressure.
• Knee Wraps (and Ace Bandages): Lifters quickly discovered that wrapping their knees tightly could provide support and a "rebound" effect out of the bottom of the squat. In the very early days, this was often done with simple Ace bandages from a pharmacy.

The Polyester Revolution (1980s): The Rise of Equipped Lifting

The 1980s was the decade that changed everything. This is when the first supportive suits and shirts, made from stiff polyester, were introduced.

• The Squat Suit: The first squat suits were essentially very tight, single-ply wrestling singlets. Lifters found they provided significant support in the hips and allowed them to squat more weight. This marked the true beginning of equipped powerlifting.
• The Bench Shirt: Following the squat suit, the first bench shirts were developed. These early shirts were also single-ply and provided a moderate boost, but they laid the groundwork for the multi-ply behemoths to come.

As documented by resources like Powerlifting History USA, this era saw a dramatic spike in world records as lifters learned to master the new gear.

The Multi-Ply Era (1990s-2000s): Pushing the Limits

Technology and materials continued to improve, leading to the era of multi-ply lifting.

• Multi-Ply Suits and Shirts: Gear manufacturers began creating suits and shirts with multiple layers of canvas and polyester, making them incredibly stiff and supportive. This is when the totals in equipped lifting exploded, with bench shirts adding hundreds of pounds to a lifter's press.
• The Raw vs. Equipped Divide: The increasing effectiveness of the gear led to a philosophical split in the sport. Many lifters felt that multi-ply lifting had moved too far away from a true test of raw strength, which led to the rise of "raw" competitions.

The Modern "Raw" Era (2010s-Present): The Rise of Neoprene and Nylon

With the explosion in popularity of raw powerlifting, the focus of gear innovation shifted from supportive suits to refined supportive wear.

• 7mm Neoprene Knee Sleeves: While early lifters used simple elastic bandages, the development of high-quality, 7mm neoprene knee sleeves provided a new level of support and compression that was legal for raw competition. Brands like SBD pioneered designs that offered a perfect balance of support and comfort.
• Advanced Belts: The refinement of the lever belt mechanism made it a staple for competitive lifters.
• High-Tech Fabrics: Modern singlets and sleeves are made from advanced, durable fabrics that offer comfort and longevity.

The evolution of powerlifting gear is a story of human ingenuity in the quest for strength. From simple leather belts to multi-layered bench shirts and modern neoprene sleeves, each innovation has shaped how lifters train and compete. Understanding this history gives us a deeper appreciation for the different philosophies within the sport and the incredible technology behind the gear we use today.