11 Best Wrist Wraps in 2025

Want to push your limits and work out easier with progressive loads? Need to promote correct wrist placement and perform high-volume movements without putting stress on the wrist joints? 

This article about the best wrist wraps for powerlifting will assist you in picking up a worthy lifting garment. Get the maximum out of this accessory to hit your personal best. Wear these wrist guards to relieve the strain on your wrists and gain extra support while doing handstands and push-ups.

Our team of professional athletes and certified trainers tested 20 products, assessing their specs considering their 5 main parameters, namely construction, comfort, flexibility, support, and value for money, as well as analyzing online users’ feedback.

After 30 hours of rigorous testing and analyzing the products, only 11 of them made it to the final rating. We update the list regularly, so if you have any comments or suggestions, share your thoughts in the comments section below.

When Do You Need Powerlifting Wrist Wraps?

Wrist wraps are certainly an irreplaceable, affordable, and useful tool for weightlifting, powerlifting, and cross-training athletes. You'll definitely benefit from these accessories, you just need to know how to utilize them to get the most out of your training.

Wrists have quite a complex structure, which is why they should have a high mobility degree to ensure the smooth functioning of the entire hand. However, high mobility can lead to less stability and a higher risk of wrist injury.

When lifting heavy weights, great forces influence the wrist, especially when snatching, jerking, and doing classic strength exercises, such as front squats and push presses. The main purpose of lifting wraps is to stabilize the wrists, reduce the risk of injury, and prevent tension and overload. 

Like lifting straps, wrist wraps can help you to lift more weight. When using straps, you attach them to the bar, while the wraps wrap around your wrist providing more stability. The reason why you can lift more is your ability to keep your wrist closer to a straight, more neutral alignment, allowing more force to be applied through that joint.

Overall, it's easy to wrap the accessory around the wrists. However, you should make sure that they sit well around the wrists: not too deep and not too loose to bring the desired degree of stability.

There are several rules you should keep in mind to use wrist wraps properly:

• Don’t tie them too tight: they should fit snugly but not cut off the blood flow. If you want to limit the motion, try using thicker Velcro wraps that provide better support while dealing with heavier weights overhead.
• Another option is cotton wraps that are thinner and more flexible for lighter weights. They are also suitable when you want the wrists to be more free in the motion ability.
• Don’t place them over the wrist joints. Placing them too far onto the forearm gives minimal support, so there's a possibility that you could get excessive wrist extension. If the wraps cover the joint line, it may cause dysfunctional movement in the wrist extension position, as in a handstand.

5 Benefits of Using Wrist Wraps

Every lifter who treats the training regime will never neglect using lifting garments. The reason is having the proper equipment will improve their performance, eliminate fatigue, and mitigate injury risk. 

Every weightlifter, powerlifter, cross-training athlete, and bodybuilder will use wrist wraps to boost their grip strength, preserve stability, and facilitate stamina while working out with heavier weights. Let's enumerate the benefits of this useful lifting gear:

1. Prevent Muscular Fatigue and Small Muscle Exhaustion

When training not every muscle group loses its strength and function at the same rate. Usually, smaller stabilizing muscles tire out first, then the larger primary movers will be exhausted.

The research on this issue indicated no great age-group differences in wrist joint proprioception rate of change, and total muscle fatigue rate was found. There was a statistically mild correlation between wrist joint position sense rate of change and total muscle fatigue rates.

The study displayed that pre-exercise and post-exercise testing consisted of active wrist joint position sense, hand grip, and wrist extensor strength. Moreover, postexercise wrist joint position sense test scores were much higher than pre-exercise ones. Exercises induced statistically significant total muscle fatigue rates.

Postexercise fatigue greatly reduces wrist joint position sense, while an 18% muscle strength decline results in 215% wrist joint position sense deficit.

Using wrist wraps will preserve the smaller muscle groups from getting tired. Let's analyze a bench press exercise when the load is constantly at 70%. At the start of the set, your wrists will be stacked squarely on top of one another. However, as you continue to perform more sets, the little forearm muscles that stabilize the wrist will fatigue soon.

To avoid this issue, don’t neglect wearing this lifting gear for better grip support, so you’ll be able to train consistently for a longer period. This will lead to increased strength and muscle mass due to enhanced endurance. 

2. Preserving Joint Stability

When lifting weights, our joints experience great strain. Even when slightly angled forward or backward, our wrists are under big tension. The wrist wraps restrict the movement in the wrists, thus supporting it while carrying the weights.

However, when lifting heavy loads, you want to focus on driving the barbell as fast as possible. In this case, your brain is telling the muscles to work and push faster, but unfortunately, your poor wrist mechanics make you step back. 

The better stability you feel in the wrists, the more you can push through the arms. If your wrists are weak and move under the load, it will limit the overall pressing strength. To strengthen the wrists, do not neglect wearing this gear during heavy overhead lifts with low reps, for example, while performing overhead squats to facilitate the body’s balance and core strength. 

3. Enabling to Work Out with Heavier Weights

When you hold the barbell with a firm grip, you'll feel the weight lighter, increasing your self-assurance while lifting heavier loads.

The sense of proprioception is the body’s awareness of its surroundings, particularly when holding a barbell, which means that the weight and our position in space are communicating with our brain. Stiff muscles help to develop better proprioception. Thus, wrist wraps will ensure a firm grip to feel the weight better.

4. Mitigating Muscle Strain and Preventing Injuries

Wrist wraps will help to feel less strain on the forearm area and also get a firmer grip on the bar, contributing to managing the sense of weight in your hands while you lift. Wrist strains are a common injury in weightlifters and cross-trainers. Fortunately, the wrist is a resilient joint, and after proper rest and mobilization, you can begin putting loads back on it.

A benefit of wrist wraps is that they can facilitate the recovery process by supporting good form. A good wrap will both improve wrist stability and take strain off your wrist joints. As injury swelling and tension go away, you can stop using wraps and let your wrists continue to heal and strengthen themselves.

5. Minimizing Wrist Bending during the Dynamic Workout

Such exercises like snatches, cleans, and jerks require better wrist support that wrist wraps can easily provide if worn properly. Proper lifting garments are lifting accessories that provide the best wrist support for powerlifting and help athletes lift weights while experiencing some level of pain or discomfort in the wrists.

The reason for this pain is wrist bending or flexing, and wraps can provide the rigidity that is necessary to keep the joints neutral. 

How Often Can You Wear Wrist Wraps in the Gym? 

It's recommended to wear gym wrist wraps during heavy sets and high loads. Avoid using them when you're warming up as this lifting gear serves well to prevent overloads. So, you'd better not carry them during the whole workout.

When doing cleans or front squats, mobility, and stability work together and complement each other. If you have poor mobility skills, simply using wrist wraps or bandages won't improve it. Thus, you should work on improving wrist and shoulder mobility.

The thing is that our wrists are designed to move into the extension position required to hold a barbell, a handstand, or a push-up position. They're also designed to withstand compressive loads (for example, while handstanding). 

If you have an injury or the weight is too heavy, you’d better use the wrist support. However, generally, wait until you get accustomed to the load to avoid wearing wrist wraps, just not to become reliant on them.

Are Wrist Wraps Approved for Competition?

In powerlifting, every federation has its own rules regarding what is allowed and what isn't forbidden to wear for competitions. So, it may seem a little bit confusing. 

When it comes to discussing the rules regarding powerlifting gear, an athlete should know well which apparel and accessories are allowed to wear and use for competitions. Every federation allows using wrist wraps in powerlifting for safety, support, and performance benefits. However, the length, width, and brands may vary.

Speaking about wrist wraps usage and criteria, keep in mind the following details:

• They may be used so long as they don't exceed 1m in length (about 39") or 8cm (around 3") in width (except the 100% Raw Federation which only allows a length of 61cm). 
• Wrist wraps may be worn no higher than 2cm (around 1”) above the wrist joint (towards the hand).
• Do not wrap them across the “meaty” part of the hand, as such a lift won’t be considered.
• Not all brands are approved for powerlifting competitions.
• You need to know how to wear wrist wraps correctly; ensure they are neither too high nor too low on the wrist. 

So, these are wrist wraps allowed in powerlifting. By the way, the IPF allows 12 cm standard sweatbands instead of wrist wraps. However, they would not provide any support in comparison to a wrist wrap.

Regarding the material, wrist wraps must be made of a one-ply woven elastic covered with polyester, cotton, or their combination. No federation allows multi-ply material. Due to these material requirements, a boxer wrist wrap would not be approved in the IPF.

Some high-level IPF competitions provide the “approved list” of particular equipment of the defined brand an athlete can use in the competition.

How to Choose the Best Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting?

Before buying powerlifting wraps, you should consider several factors to make sure that you’re choosing a decent lifting garment.

1. Material

The majority of wrist wraps are made of elastic and a blend of cotton, nylon, or polyester. By combining fabrics with elastic, wrist wraps can provide great support and grip activity with enough wrist flexibility making them comfortable and easy to use. While some wrist wraps may be made of leather, making them very durable, but less comfortable.

Pro Tip:

"There are two popular types of wraps on the market: thinner and more flexible cotton wrap and thicker Velcro powerlifting-style wraps, which offer greater wrist support. Wear the thicker wraps if you intend to maximize your lifting movements, such as bench and shoulder presses.

However, if you aim to gain your maximum in Clean & Jerk or Snatch, the thinner wraps may be a better option. They provide more range of motion at the wrist. You must be able to extend your wrist, and the wrist will be slightly extended at the finish position of both the Snatch and Jerk."

2. Length

When you choose the length of the wrist wraps for lifting weights, consider your wrist size. There are wraps between 12” and 36” in length. The longer the wraps, the more turns you need to make to secure it around the wrists. As usual, longer wraps will always be stiffer than shorter ones.

3. Stiffness

Wrap stiffness may vary depending on the number of elastic fibers they feature. Remember: the stiffer the wraps, the more weight you can lift. However, stiff wraps are not so comfortable and compressing, making them not so perfect for beginners.

4. Closure Type

You can find wraps tightened with velcro that are approved for competition, providing maximum support and preventing wrist injury. Some brands have secondary elastic bands stitched to the main part of the wrap. However, velcro is faster and more convenient to adjust.

5. Thumb Loop Availability 

Thumb loops provide extra wrist support by making tightening the wraps much easier. 

How to Use Powerlifting Wrist Wraps Correctly?

It seems that it's easy to wear wrist wraps: you just need to tie them properly and you’re ready to go. However, it's important to know how to wear this garment correctly to make your training session easier and more beneficial. These major points will help you to use wrist wraps properly and take the most out of them while training.

1. Bend Your Wrists Forward

Before you tie wrist wraps, bend your hand a bit forward to create a larger tension behind your wrists. If you do everything right, it will be difficult to drop the wrists backward during the lift. This will decrease the risk of injuries, strains, and pain.

2. Don’t Wrap Too Low or Too High

If you plan to compete, follow the placement mentioned in the IPF technical rules: you need the wraps to stop after extending 2 cm into your palm. Also, they should cover 10 cm, starting from the center of the wrist joint.

Generally, this position guarantees ultimate performance and getting the best results. Going further from your palms will leave your wrists exposed while going too close will weaken your grip strength.

However, the following research indicated good stability for grip strength. Great differences were found in grip strength among the six positions, with grip strength measured at 15 degrees or 30 degrees of wrist extension and 0 degrees of ulnar deviation significantly greater than that of 0 degrees of ulnar deviation and 0 degrees of wrist extension, or 15 degrees of ulnar deviation with or without wrist extension.

3. How Do I Care for My Wrist Wraps?

It's recommended to hand wash the wrist wraps in warm water using a gentle detergent and then allow them to air dry. Avoid machine washing or drying, as it can damage the material of the accessory.

In case you decide to machine wash them, place your wraps in a mesh bag or pillowcase to avoid tangling them and spoiling your delicates. 

Overall, manufacturers recommend washing wrist wraps every 1-2 weeks, but it depends on your workout intensity, the frequency you wear them, and how much you sweat. 

The Main Mistakes When Using Wrist Wraps for Powerlifting

Many lifters don’t know how to wear the wrist wraps properly and some don’t even know how to put them on. But do not worry: in this section, we’ll show you what mistakes you should avoid when using this lifting gear.

1. Not Lining Up the Thumb Loop With the Wrist

If you skip lining up the thumb loop with your wrist, you’ll experience discomfort and skin irritation over time. It also influences the overall wrap fit, so you won’t receive the needed wrist stability while lifting. 

To eliminate this problem, align the thumb loop correctly with your wrist when using wrist wraps. You can avoid discomfort, preserve a secure fit, and benefit from your wraps.

2. Not Wrapping Tight Enough

Don't be afraid of wrapping your wrists tight enough to get ultimate wrist support. The tightness rate may vary from athlete to athlete and depends on your lift specification. Aim for a snug fit that will keep your wrap in place avoiding blood circulation restriction. 

3. Wrapping Too High on Your Wrists

When you wrap your wrist wraps too high, most of the wrap ends up above the wrist joint. It can restrict your grip's ability to open and close, but more importantly, it decreases your wrist stability. To solve this issue, check whether the center of your wrap is aligned with your wrist joint. 

4. Wrapping Too Tight

Too tight wrap can restrict blood flow to your hands and won’t allow you to fully close your hands, thus affecting grip strength. 

Different lifts require different tightness rates. For example, heavy bench presses require wrist stability with minimal flexibility. While exercises like snatches require wrist support and some level of flexibility.

Unlike with lifting straps, you need mobility in your wrists. If you wear your wrist wrap too tight, you might not be able to promote the wrist flexibility needed to complete the lift.  

5. Wrapping Too Low

Wrapping too low has a similar effect as wrapping too high: you won’t have proper support in your wrist because you are not covering the joint well. 

6. Using Too Long Wrist Wraps

Different-sized wraps serve different purposes. Using too long wrist wraps adds stiffness to your wrists and this can influence your performance. We recommend looking through wrist wraps and finding the proper length that will suit you best. If you’re a beginner, start with an 18” wrist wrap and progress to more dynamic lifts.

What Is the Difference Between a Wrist Wrap and a Wrist Strap?

Considering the great diversity of lifting garments on the market, choosing the proper accessory can be quite challenging and confusing even for an advanced athlete, but not just for newbies. Let's shed light on these two pieces of lifting gear — lifting straps and wrist wraps — and find out the key differences between them.

These lifting accessories support heavy weights in the hand and wrist area, but they differ in purpose and usage. Wrist wraps aim to keep your wrist joints stable and secure during heavy lifts, guaranteeing a smoother and more comfortable training session.

These stretchy strips also protect your wrists during pressing exercises and ensure your wrists stay straight and strong during bench presses and overhead press workouts. Lifting straps, on the other hand, resemble handcuffs, giving you a super-strong grip.

1. Purpose

Both wrist wraps and lifting straps are essential garments in any weightlifter's arsenal. But, wrist wraps are like a supportive hug for your wrists. They wrap them by compressing and keeping your joints stable during intense training.

Lifting straps are like grips that help you to hold more weights during deadlifts, shrugs, bent-over rows, etc. Considering that grip strength can be a limiting factor during multiple sets of various pulling exercises such as deadlifts, lifting straps can affect mechanical performance, grip strength, perceived exertion, grip security, and power.

The study showed that the use of lifting straps during deadlifts ensures better grip strength, faster grip strength recovery following training, and greater perceived grip security and power than deadlifts performed without lifting straps, while also boosting mechanical performance.

Pro Tip:

"If you want more flexibility in your wrists, you will need a wrap made from cotton. The cotton material will provide some support, but it won’t allow you to stretch the material for a tighter wrap. Thus, you’ll get some wrist movement under the load.

Despite most lifters using a rigid wrap, there are some reasons why you should opt for a more flexible wrap. For example, if you are an Olympic weightlifter or cross-training athlete who performs movements like Snatches and Clean & Jerks, you will need more movement in the wrist to “catch” those exercises overhead properly.  

Thus, unless you prefer practicing those exercises, choose a more rigid wrap, which is also more versatile in the gym."

2. Material

Lifting straps are non-stretchy nylon with extra cushioning neoprene padding for long training sessions. Wrist wraps combine elastic material with polyester or something similar. 

3. Application

Wrist wraps are easy to put on: loop it around your thumb, wrap around your wrist, and lock in with a Velcro. Lifting straps takes a bit more time and knowledge on how to put your hands into the loops. Then, you should wrap the fabric around the dumbbell or a barbell and grip it. 

FAQ

How Long Do Wrist Wraps Last?

Wrist wraps can last for 4-5 months depending on frequency of use and how well you maintain them. To prolong the wrist wrap's lifespan you need to treat them properly. You should wash them regularly, on average after every third session, keep them free from snags and tears, and let them dry out thoroughly after each workout.

Will Wrist Wraps Make My Wrists Weak?

Wrist wraps don't weaken your wrists: they enhance the strength that you already have, providing better stability and support to the wrist joints. Even while using the wraps, you still need to support the weight you lift and use force, using the musculature of your wrist joint. That means you won’t lose strength in your wrists.

Should You Wear Wrist Wraps While Deadlifting?

Wearing wrist wraps for deadlifts can improve your grip strength for maximum effort. Just wrap them tightly around the base of your palm to increase your performance. Grip issues are the key limiting factor for lifters' ability to increase weights while deadlifting. 

Final Thoughts

Having reviewed multiple wrist wrap options on the market, we can claim that the WBCM Elastic Velcro Wrist Wraps are the best powerlifting wrist wraps that are perfect for your everyday lifting workouts and achieving your personal best, and promoting your training progress.

They will bring you a full range of motion and protect you from injuries. Due to high-quality cotton and canvas webbing and reinforced stitching, these garments will withstand workouts of any intensity.

Want to upgrade your performance even more? Need pro tips on how to reach your perfect condition? Then feel free to contact us, and our weightlifting devotees will share all the essential points regarding stable progress!

Also read:

• How to Use Figure 8 Lifting Straps
• How Long Should Wrist Wraps Be
• How to Front Squat With Straps

References:

1. Christos Karagiannopoulos, Jessica Watson, Sarah Kahan, “The Effect of Muscle Fatigue on Wrist Joint Position Sense in Healthy Adults,” Journal of Hand Therapy 33, no. 3 (2020): 329-338.
2. Ivan Jukic, Amador García-Ramos, Jiří Baláš, “Ergogenic Effects of Lifting Straps on Movement Velocity, Grip Strength, Perceived Exertion and Grip Security during the Deadlift Exercise,” Physiology & Behavior 229 (2021).
3. Na Jin J. Seo, Thomas J. Armstrong, James A. Ashton-Miller, Don B. Chaffin, "Wrist Strength Is Dependent on Simultaneous Power Grip Intensity," Ergonomics 51, no. 10 (2008): 1594-1605.
4. Pauline W. K. Fond, Gabriel Y. F. Ng, “Effect of Wrist Positioning on the Repeatability and Strength of Power Grip”, American Journal of Occupational Therapy 55, no. 2 (2021): 212-216.
5. Renan Lyuji Takemura, Carla Calviente Ortolani, Mateus Saito, Ricardo Boso Escudero, João Carlos Nakamoto, Luiz Sorrenti, “Effect of Wrist Wrap in Handgrip Strength in Crossfit,” Acta Ortopedica Brasileira 31, no. spe3 (2023): e266236.
6. All photos are made by WBCM Media team.