A singlet is one of those pieces of kit that people either overthink or completely ignore until the week before their first competition. Neither approach is ideal. The right singlet doesn't just keep you compliant with federation rules — it affects how you move, how you feel under the bar, and whether the fabric is working with your lift or against it.
This guide covers everything: why singlet choice matters, what the material and construction actually do, the difference between unisex and women's cut, and which Strength Shop singlet fits which athlete and sport.
Why Your Singlet Choice Actually Matters
Competition compliance. If you're competing in IPF-sanctioned powerlifting — or any federation that follows IPF equipment standards — your singlet must be on the approved list. Showing up with non-approved kit means your attempts don't count. Full stop. Both Strength Shop singlets are IPF approved, which also means they meet the requirements of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for Olympic weightlifting competition.
Deadlift performance. The amount of fabric covering your thighs directly affects how the bar travels during a deadlift. More fabric = more friction surface between your legs and the bar = more drag on the way up. The Strength Shop singlets feature a shorter leg length specifically to reduce this friction surface. Less drag. Cleaner pull.
Staying put. Silicone grippers on the inside of the leg cuffs prevent the leg from riding up during the lift. In a heavy squat or deadlift where everything is focused on the bar, the last thing you need is fabric sliding around.
Not see-through. Worth stating directly: despite the stretch, the 330GSM nylon-spandex blend is a tightly woven, high-density fabric. It does not reveal what you're wearing underneath. Squat-proof. Confirmed.
The Material: 330GSM Nylon-Spandex, 80/20
Both singlets use the same fabric: 80% nylon, 20% spandex, 330GSM.
Why nylon? Nylon is durable, quick-drying, and long-lasting. It holds its shape after repeated washing and heavy use — a singlet that stretches out after six months of training and washing is a singlet you'll replace. Nylon doesn't.
Why spandex? Spandex provides the stretch and recovery that allows the singlet to move with the body. In a squat at depth, in the catch position of a clean, in the lockout of a deadlift — the fabric expands with the movement and returns to shape without restriction.
Why 330GSM? GSM (grams per square metre) is the measure of fabric density. At 330GSM, this is a substantial fabric — not a thin competition-only layer, but a genuinely dense weave that provides opacity, structure, and durability. The matte surface finish is a deliberate choice: it looks better under competition lighting than shiny alternatives, and the matte texture is what allows the chalk-resistant surface.
No irritating labels. Both singlets are label-free — the specs are printed directly onto the fabric. In a heavy competition lift where every sensation matters, a label rubbing against the skin is an unnecessary distraction.
The Two Cuts: Unisex vs Women's
Unisex Singlet — Black
The standard competition singlet. Neutral cut, designed to fit a broad range of body types across all genders. Straight lines at the midsection, standard back cut.
The unisex cut is the workhorse of the range — it's what most powerlifters, weightlifters, and functional fitness athletes reach for because it fits, complies, and gets out of the way of the training.
Sizing: XS (45–55kg) through 5XL (160–185kg) — one of the broadest size ranges available for a competition singlet. This matters because powerlifting and strongman athletes range enormously in bodyweight, and a singlet that only runs to XL is useless for the majority of strength sport athletes.
Also available in:
- Black with grey logo — same specs, subtle logo variation
- Navy blue — for athletes who want a colour option while staying competition-compliant
Women's Singlet — Black
Developed specifically for female athletes, the women's cut addresses the fit issues that a unisex design doesn't solve. The key differences:
Waisted midsection. The women's cut follows the natural waist curve — rather than the straight-sided unisex fit. This means the singlet sits correctly against the body without excess fabric at the waist or pulling at the hips during lifts.
Racer back. The back cut follows a racerback shape, which eliminates the shoulder strap slipping that can occur with standard straps during overhead movements and pressing. For weightlifters specifically, where the bar travels overhead and shoulder positioning is precise, this is a meaningful functional difference.
Soft leg cuff. The leg cuff construction in the women's version is specifically designed to avoid digging or cutting into the thighs — a common discomfort issue with singlets that use a firmer elastic cuff.
Same fabric, same compliance. 80/20 nylon-spandex, 330GSM, IPF approved, IWF approved, chalk-resistant matte surface, no labels.
Sizing: XS (45–55kg) through 3XL (120–145kg).
Also available in:
- Black with grey logo — same cut, subtle logo variation
Which Singlet for Which Sport
Powerlifting
Both singlets are IPF approved — the highest equipment compliance standard in powerlifting. Whether you're competing at club level, national level, or aiming for an international platform, these singlets keep you on the right side of the equipment check.
The shorter leg length and chalk-resistant surface are specifically relevant to powerlifting. In the deadlift particularly, the combination of less friction surface and a fabric that doesn't grip chalk means the bar path is cleaner. In the squat, the silicone leg grippers prevent the singlet from riding up as you break parallel.
For powerbuilding athletes who train across both powerlifting and hypertrophy work — the singlet functions equally well for training use as competition use.
Olympic Weightlifting
Both singlets meet IWF requirements for competition. For weightlifters, the functional considerations are slightly different from powerlifting: freedom of movement in the catch position, stability under overhead load, and shoulder strap security during the snatch and clean & jerk.
The women's racerback is particularly relevant here — it eliminates the shoulder strap instability that can occur when the arms are extended overhead or in the receiving position of the snatch.
The 80/20 nylon-spandex blend stretches with the deep squat catch position and returns to shape without restricting the upward drive on the recovery.
Functional Fitness
IPF and IWF compliance means these singlets are also approved for the regulated functional fitness competition formats that follow those equipment standards. The matte non-stick surface, absence of labels, and secure leg cuff make them appropriate for the variety of movements — squats, cleans, deadlifts, overhead work — that appear in functional fitness competition formats.
The quick-dry property of nylon is specifically relevant in high-volume conditioning sessions where perspiration is higher than in standard strength sport competition.
Strongman and Strongwoman
Both singlets explicitly cover strongman and strongwoman competition use. The robust 330GSM construction handles the demands of odd-object work, carries, and loading events — movement patterns that put different stresses on a singlet than a standard barbell lift.
Sizing: How to Choose
Both singlets size by bodyweight rather than standard clothing sizes, which is the correct approach for competition gear — the singlet needs to fit the body in motion, not just in a changing room.
Unisex sizing:
| Size | kg |
|---|---|
| XS | 45–55 |
| S | 55–65 |
| M | 65–75 |
| L | 75–85 |
| XL | 85–110 |
| 2XL | 105–125 |
| 3XL | 120–145 |
| 4XL | 140–165 |
| 5XL | 160–185 |
Women's sizing:
| Size | kg |
|---|---|
| XS | 45–55 |
| S | 55–65 |
| M | 65–75 |
| L | 75–85 |
| XL | 85–110 |
| 2XL | 105–125 |
| 3XL | 120–145 |
Fit guidance: For competition, size to your competition bodyweight. The nylon-spandex blend has stretch — it will fit snugly and move with the body. A singlet that is too loose will bunch under a belt or shift during the lift; the correct size sits securely against the body throughout the full range of motion.
Common Questions
Do I need a singlet for powerlifting training? No — a singlet is not required for training. Where it becomes necessary is competition: most federations mandate approved competition gear, and the IPF is explicit about this. Training in a singlet before your first competition is worth doing so the fit and feel aren't new variables on the day.
Is the singlet suitable for training, not just competition? Yes. The durability of the nylon-spandex blend and the construction quality make these appropriate for regular training use. Many athletes train in their competition singlet to maintain the feel of competition gear.
Can I wear this for functional fitness training and competition? Yes, for both training and regulated competition formats that follow IPF equipment standards.
What do I wear under it? For competition, federation rules typically specify that shorts or a t-shirt must be worn under the singlet. In training, personal preference. The 330GSM density means the fabric is opaque regardless.
The Short Version
A competition singlet is not optional for most regulated strength sport competition. The Strength Shop singlets are IPF and IWF approved, built from a 330GSM matte nylon-spandex blend that is non-see-through, chalk-resistant, quick-drying, and durable. The unisex cut covers the broadest size range. The women's cut addresses the specific fit requirements that a neutral cut doesn't — waisted midsection, racerback, and soft leg cuff.
Both do the job. Both keep you competition-legal. Which one fits better depends on your body.
Unisex Singlet — Black Women's Singlet — Black Full Singlet Range