For many powerlifters, a wrist wrap is one of the most important accessories that they will wear. A wrist wraps support and relieves pressure on the wrist.
While they aren't required for all types of lifts, e.g those that do not involve lifting overhead, they are predominantly worn during heavier lifts.
Some powerlifters who are recovering from injury may also wear a wrist wrap to improve their stability.
The market is filled with offerings of wrist wraps from different brands. Because of this, it can be difficult to narrow the selection down to find the best option for your needs.
To make the process easier we have selected and reviewed our top 8 picks of the best wrist wraps available.
Below, we have also included a handy buyer's guide which contains all of our top tips for selecting the best product for your needs. In this section, we identify the benefits associated with wearing a wrist wrap when lifting.
If you are in a hurry we have selected our top pick for you below.
The Rip Toned Professional Grade Wrist Wraps are going to maximize your strength and grip. When wearing these wrist wraps you are bound to notice a development in your performance.
Regardless of whether you are new to powerlifting or you have years of experience behind you they are a worthy option.
These 18" wraps have been made using professional high-grade materials with precise quality stitching. They are also designed with reinforced thumb loops for added security.
The use of high-quality materials creates a durable wrist wrap that is sure to see you through many wears in the future. As they are suitable for machine washing, you can maintain the quality and freshness with ease.
Using the hook and loop velcro fastening you can secure the wraps and alter the tightness accordingly. For beginners, this takes the hassle out of securing and removing a wrap with an overly complex design.
While these wraps are a great choice for powerlifting they can also be worn for an array of other sports including CrossFit, MMA, and strength training.
To accommodate lifters of different levels, these wraps are available in two different variations of stiffness; stiff and less stiff.
The stiffer option is recommended for heavier lifters as they allow very little flexibility, whereas the less stiff option isn't so rigid and is therefore advised for wear during less intense exercise.
Pros
There is a vast selection of color options to choose from.
The hook and loop closure allows you to alter the tightness of the wrap with ease.
They are made using high-quality materials for long lasting wear.
There are two different stiffness options to choose from.
These wraps are backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee should you be dissatisfied with the quality or experience any problems.
Cons
These wraps lack guidance regarding how they are to be fitted correctly.
For those looking for great quality wrist wraps that are going to provide support to the wrist to help them lift more, look no further than the Hustle Athletics Wrist Wraps.
While they are a great option for powerlifters they can also be worn for a range of other exercises including squats, split jerks, and bench presses.
Made using high-quality cotton with an elasticated feel, these wraps are going to contour to the shape of your wrist to avoid injury. The thumb loop will also ensure that they remain securely positioned for the duration of time that they are worn.
By holding your wrists in a neutral position you are likely to notice an improvement in your form and performance.
These wraps have been specifically designed for heavy lifting and there are two different lengths to choose from, a 12" option or an 18" option.
As such, this allows you to invest in the most appropriately sized wrap for your hand size and exercise requirements.
To secure the wraps you will simply need to use the velcro hook and loop fastening. This will also allow you to alter the tightness of the fit so that they can be worn comfortably.
Aside from this, there is an assortment of colors to choose from too.
Pros
The brand provides a lifetime warranty should you be dissatisfied with the wrist wraps you receive.
These wraps are available in two different sizes so you can select the best option.
As they are made from cotton fabric they are going to feel comfortable against the skin.
They are made from high-quality materials for enhanced durability.
They come with left and right tags so it is easier to distinguish between each wrap.
Cons
Unfortunately, the stitching is prone to fraying after a few wears.
Available in two sizes, the DMoose Wrist Wraps cater to different comfort preferences and thickness requirements. While the minimalistic inclusion of material on the 12" option may be sought after by some, others may prefer the longer 18" option.
They are also wider than many other offerings and because of this, they provide a greater amount of support.
As versatile wrist wraps they can be worn for many sports besides powerlifting. This includes martial arts, bodybuilding, MMA, and more.
Designed for heavy lifting, the wrap will keep your wrist straight allowing you to improve your form and deliver a more powerful performance.
These wraps are an ideal choice for beginners in particular who have yet to build strong foundations in their wrists.
Made from sweat resistant cotton polyester they are going to feel comfortable against the skin. The double stitching also reinforces the durability for long lasting support.
The thumb loop secures the wraps in place to ensure that they refrain from sliding down your wrists as you are lifting. Using the velcro you can also adjust the tightness of the wrap so that it fits as you require.
The adjustability of the design provides flexibility while ensuring that your wrists remain supported.
Pros
These wraps are covered by a lifetime satisfaction warranty should you experience any issues.
There is a selection of exciting colors and patterns to choose from.
As heavy-duty wrist wraps, they are durable and suitable for long lasting wear.
As affordably priced wrist wraps they are a great value option.
The sweat resistant fabric creates a breathable wrist wrap that is comfortable to wear.
Cons
The quality of the velcro could be improved as some customers have reported that after a few wears it begins to lose its stick.
The Nordic Wrist Wraps have been designed to strengthen and support the wrists to protect them from injury. Unlike our previous picks, these wraps adopt a one size fits all design, however, they are generously sized at 14" in length and 3" wide.
Each of the wraps can be worn on the left or right hand too.
These straps are a great option for beginners and advanced lifters alike. Made using high quality, durable materials, these wrist wraps are sure to see you through many uses without easily breaking or tearing.
They also feature reinforced stitching which is going to remain intact even when the wraps are worn during intense workouts.
Designed with a hook and loop fastening these wraps can easily be secured to your wrists and you can alter the tightness so that they feel comfortable and not too restricting. The use of industrial strength velcro to create these fasteners ensures that they boast excellent strength and support to your wrists.
When you purchase these wrist wraps you will be supplied with two pairs. Ideal should you require a backup option or you accidentally lose your current pair.
There is also a selection of colors to choose from so you can choose your preferred option.
Pros
You are provided with two pairs so you have a backup option available.
The industrial strength velcro is tough and robust and effective in securing the wraps.
They are covered by a 1 year warranty should you experience any issues.
They are suitable for wear for a range of exercises.
They provide great support and are effective in alleviating pain.
Cons
Some may find the wraps to be too short or soft for their needs.
The Stoic Professional Grade Powerlifting Wrist Wraps are an ideal choice for lifters at an advanced level. Made using high-grade nylon, these wraps have been designed to endure intense training without breaking or tearing.
The use of heavy-duty materials creates wrist wraps that are going to help to improve your performance.
Measuring 18" in length, there is a generous amount of material that enables you to wrap the material to your desired tightness while also providing you with the flexibility to loosen the fit if you require.
The elasticated feel of the wraps provides plenty of support while ensuring that you still have the freedom to move your wrist.
Designed with a high-quality thumb loop, the wraps are going to remain positioned on your wrists without moving as you train. They also incorporate a hook and loop closure which will secure the wraps in place to prevent them from moving unexpectedly.
For improved durability, this fastening has been double stitched to ensure that it does not fray or tear.
For those who are likely to be participating in competitions, their wraps must be legally approved as suitable for wear. Impressively, these wraps are IPF, USAPL and USPA approved so they meet the expected standards of competitive attire.
Pros
Made from durable materials, these wraps are bound to last for a long time.
They can be worn by professional lifters as they are competition legal.
The velcro is very strong and effective in securing the wraps.
The length of the wraps allows you to alter the tightness of the fit.
The strong thumb straps restrict the wrap from moving unnecessarily.
Cons
They are quite stiff and may not suit the needs of all powerlifters.
Boasting a premium quality design, the Iron Bull Strength Wrist Wraps will provide you with all of the support and stability that you require. The Wrap measures 20" long and is 3" wide.
The longevity of the material provides you with plenty of material allowing you to achieve the required amount of tension by wrapping it looser or tighter.
The wraps have been made from heavy-duty, thick cotton which is not only super durable against damage and tearing but comfortable against the skin too. The key areas have also been double stitched to ensure that they do not fray, even when worn during intense sessions.
Aside from this, the wraps are also lightweight so they aren't going to feel heavy when secured on your wrists.
Just like our previous picks, these wraps feature a heavy-duty velcro fastening which can be used to put on and remove the wraps. The strength of the velcro will ensure that the wraps remain on your wrists even when subject to a lot of pressure.
It also allows you to customize the fit so that you can make the wraps tighter or looser depending on your preference.
The extra thick thumb loop will ensure that the wraps are positioned correctly and are resistant to any unwanted movement which could potentially hinder your performance.
For those looking for competition suitable wrist wraps you will be pleased to know that this offering is USPA and IPL approved.
Pros
These wraps are covered by a money back guarantee.
As USPA and IPF approved wrist wraps they can be worn during competitions.
There is a selection of colors to choose from.
They are robustly made to offer plenty of stability and support.
They are comfortable to wear.
Cons
Some customers have reported that the thumb loop is a little tight and some may find this uncomfortable.
Designed for athletes, the Gymreapers Professional Powerlifting Wrist Wraps boast the heavy-duty construction that you would expect from such an accessory.
While they are a great choice for powerlifting, they can also be worn for specific exercises too such as bench press and shoulder pressing. The elasticated feel provides sufficient support but they also still allow you to move your wrist joint comfortably.
These wraps are 18" long and provide you with plenty of material to achieve the desired fit. While some lifters may prefer tighter restriction, others may prefer looser wraps and this is also going to be influenced by the weights that you will be lifting.
Aside from this, the wraps themselves have been made from high-quality materials and so they aren't going to damage easily.
Incorporating a thick reinforced thumb loop, the wraps will be securely fitted for the duration of time that they are worn. This loop will prevent the wraps from moving as you lift the equipment but they aren't too restricting that they present the issue of pain or discomfort.
To secure the wraps, you can use the velcro hook and loop fastening. This makes this easier to put on and take off and also allows you to alter the tightness of the fit with ease too.
Again, these wraps are available in a selection of colors to cater to different preferences.
Pros
They are backed by a 60 day returns policy if you are unhappy with the quality of the product that you receive.
The thick thumb loop ensures that the wrap remains in place.
All equipment produced by the brand is USPA approved.
There are 8 different colors available.
As they help to stabilize the wrist they are an ideal choice for those recovering from injury.
Cons
The stitching is prone to fraying after a few wears.
The MANIMAL Wrist Wraps have been made for beginner lifter and advanced athletes alike. Durably constructed, the brand claims that these wrist wraps will endure 3 years of regular use before deteriorating in quality. This is great knowledge for those who partake in frequent training sessions.
In regards to the quality, the hook and loop enclosure has been made using high-grade Japanese velcro which is going to be effective in securing the wraps to prevent them from falling off unexpectedly as you lift.
Additionally, the use of velcro makes it much easier to adjust the restrictiveness of the fit.
Courtesy of the reinforced stitching, the wraps are going to resist damage caused by fraying or tearing, even when worn during intense sessions.
The stretch of the material used to create these wraps provides you with the freedom to move your wrist but also ensures that your joints are adequately protected against injury.
Similar to our previous picks, these wraps feature a thick thumb loop which makes the wraps easier to put on but it also prevents them from moving around when you are lifting the weights too.
Additionally, these wraps are available in three fun colors so you can easily distinguish yours amongst others sharing the same gym space.
Pros
These wraps have been made by experts who know what lifters are looking for in their wraps.
They claim to endure 3 years of regular wear without breaking or tearing.
They have been durably constructed using high-quality materials.
They offer plenty of support and stability to the wrist joints.
The heavy-duty stitching is resistant to tearing.
Cons
They retail within a higher price range than our previous picks which may be off-putting to some.
Best Wrist Wraps For Powerlifting Buying Guide
There are many wrist wraps available. For this reason, it is important to consider the following criteria to ensure that your purchase accommodates your needs.
What are the benefits of wearing a wrist wrap?
Before we discuss the factors that influence whether the wrist strap is worthy of your purchase, it is important to understand the benefits of wearing a wrist wrap when powerlifting.
Enhanced Wrist Stability
The joints of the wrist are composed of many bones and tendons which become stronger with training.
One of the main benefits associated with wearing a wrist wrap is that they stabilize the wrist and ensure that it is correctly placed under the bar.
Faster Recovery from injuries
Wrist wraps are often worn by lifters who are recovering from an injury. This is because it will support the joints in your wrist by holding it in a neutral position.
As such the wear of a wrap removes any pressure that is going to be felt by your wrists.
Factors to consider before making your purchase
The Material
The quality of the material used to create the wrist wrap is going to be a deciding factor regarding how long they are going to last.
While some are made from soft cotton, others will be made from stronger materials like nylon or leather. The strength of the material is going to be influenced by the weights that you will be lifting.
The quality of the stitching will also determine how well these wraps last without becoming damaged, even when frequently worn during intense sessions. Materials such as nylon will ensure that you can perform to the best of your ability without having to worry about them deteriorating in quality.
Cotton is also a commonly used material that offers the strength needed to support your wrist while remaining comfortable against the skin.
The Length
The most common length of wrist wraps is 12" or 18" long, however, there are also some options that are 36" long. Shorter wraps are the preferred option amongst those with smaller hands who don't want the bulk of a lot of material.
Longer wraps are more accommodating for those who have wider arms and wrists as you have more material to work with. Longer wraps need to be rotated around the wrist more to secure all the material and because there is going to be more material they will feel stiffer when secured.
It is important to choose the length of the wrap according to the size of your hands and also the weight that you will be lifting.
The Stiffness
Some wraps are stiffer than others and the stiffness that you require depends on the weight that you are lifting. For heavier weights, a stiffer wrap is recommended as it will be tighter and therefore more effective in supporting and keeping it neutral.
Those that are less stiff provide more freedom to move your wrist and they are recommended for those who are engaging in less intense exercises. Simply put, a stiffer wrap will allow you to lift more with ease.
Those that are too stiff are going to be more restrictive and uncomfortable so it is important to make your selection wisely.
The Thumb Loop
The thumb loop is an essential part of a wrist wrap. Not only do they make the wrap much easier to put on and tighten, but this feature also prevents the wrap from moving around on your wrist as you lift the weights.
Instead keeping it in a secure and stable position.
Wider thumb loops are preferable as they are going to be much more comfortable and less restricting against your skin.
The Hook and Loop Closure
The hook and loop closure typically tends to be made from velcro. This allows you to put the wraps on quickly with little hassle. Using the velcro you can also then alter the restrictiveness of the wraps.
Ideally, the wraps should be made from high-grade velcro as this will maintain its quality even when exposed to frequent wear.
Durability
Your wrist wrap must be durably constructed to ensure that it delivers long lasting wear without breaking or tearing. When frequently worn during intense workout sessions, the wraps are subject to a greater amount of pressure and those that have been poorly designed are going to begin to deteriorate.
The wrist strap should incorporate reinforced stitching on the regions that are most likely to tear and fray. The velcro that secures the wraps should also be durable as some are prone to losing their stick when subject to frequent wear.
The quality of the velcro is going to determine how effective it is in keeping the wraps securely positioned.
Competition Approved
Not all wrist wraps are approved for competitive wear but those that are will have a rating that states they are suitable to do so. Wrist wraps that are competition approved meet the specifications outlined by a given powerlifting federation.
This will often be a USPA approval rating or an IFL approval rating. For those that do not intend to participate in powerlifting competitions but engage in the sport for casual enjoyment, this isn't going to be of significant concern.
Those who power lift at a professional standard and are going to be engaging in said competitions will need to ensure that the specifications state that they are legal for wear.
Experience
When browsing through the selection of wrist wraps on offer it is important to consider your experience.
While some wrist wraps are better suited to more advanced, professional powerlifters, others provide an ideal choice for those who are at a beginner level.
As beginners are likely to be more unfamiliar with fitting wrist wraps they should adopt a simple design that takes the hassle out of the process.
They should also provide the support that is required while the strength in your joints develops and you familiarize yourself with the sport.
The Comfort
Your wrist wrap should be comfortable to wear. Those that are made from tougher materials are going to be rougher against the skin and much more irritable and uncomfortable which may distract from your performance.
Softer materials such as cotton offer the support that is required while remaining comfortable against the skin.
The Color
Though the color may not be of significant concern for some, others may appreciate a broader selection that allows them to select their preferred pattern or color.
While some brands solely produce their wraps in more neutral colors like black, others offer a more expansive and exciting variety.
If you are someone who enjoys participating in more than one type of sport the versatility of the wraps will ensure that your wrists are supported at all times.
Many can be worn during weightlifting and bodybuilding but also more specific types of exercises.
The Price
Wrist wraps tend to be a rather affordable purchase with the majority retailing below the $20 price range. Because of this, you do not need to break the bank to invest in a high-quality wrist wrap.
Those that appear particularly cheap may compromise on the quality of the materials that have been used to make them.
You must ensure that your chosen wrist wraps offer the longevity to see you through many future wears without breaking and requiring you to invest in a new option more frequently than you would like.
Warranty/ Guarantee
Many of the wrist waps included in the guide above are covered by a warranty or guarantee.
Should you experience any problems concerning the quality of the wraps that you receive the provision of such policy will provide you with rectification to the issue.
Some manufacturers offer longer warranties than others and some do not offer a warranty with their products at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wrist wraps legal in powerlifting?
Unlike wrist straps, wrist wraps are permitted in powerlifting. They are used by lifters when lifting heavy loads to prevent them from straining.
Do wrist wraps make your wrists weaker?
The use of a wrist wrap does not weaken your wrist but instead provides the support that is required to maintain the stability of your wrist to ensure that it remains in a neutral position.
Lifters who wear wrist straps must continue to practice wrist strengthening exercises as doing so will help to develop the strength of their joints.
How tight should a wrist wrap be?
The tightness of the wrist wrap is going to be decided by your personal preference.
While it needs to be tight enough to apply the necessary pressure to ensure that it remains stable and secure you must ensure that it isn't too tight as this is likely to be uncomfortable.
A wrist wrap that is too loose is more likely to slip off your wrist. It also depends on the weight that you are lifting. Tightening the wrap when handling heavier weights will enhance the support that you are provided with.
Hi, I’m Kevin Harris and my interest in bodybuilding began when I first saw Arnold Schwarzenegger wielding a sword on-screen as ‘Conan the Barbarian’. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be all that I could be, and that I wanted to be like Arnold. As soon as the movie finished, I joined my first gym.
Nothing in life is easy, but the lessons that I’ve learned from the time that I’ve spent lifting weights and pushing myself in the gym have served me well - that’s why I want to share them with you.
I want you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, and I hope that my site will help to inspire you to reach that goal and meet every challenge that you encounter head-on.
Thanks for spending some time on my site and with me, and maybe one day we can spot each other while we’re reaching for perfection.
